Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean of Studies,

I am appealing to late drop CHEM 221, CHEM 222, CHEM 223 and MATH 112 (Winter 2023). I missed the deadline to drop these courses due to extenuating circumstances that occurred late in the semester.

I unfortunately fell into the drinking culture at Queen’s that affected my ability to study, complete assessments and attend classes. I was able to see how much this affected my mental health and my academic performance. I attempted to get help by going to a detox centre in Kingston February 25, 2023. However, I realized that it was very difficult for me to stay sober while living in Kingston due to the culture I was surrounded with. On April 6th, 2023, I left Kingston to go home and live with my parents in the Yukon to get sober. I have been sober since that date and have been attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings regularly since then. I have been working the 12 steps with my sponsor as well. I am planning on spending the Fall semester in the Yukon because my sponsor does not believe I am ready to come back to Kingston yet.

My future plan for achieving academic success is to continue to work with my sponsor and the 12 steps to be able to come back to Kingston for the Winter 2024 semester to retake the courses I am appealing to late drop. As well, I will continue to go to AA meetings regularly while in Kingston for support.

Sophie Rees