Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: November 6, 2023
Regarding Ashley Rubinoff (Student Number: 20388109)

To ​​Associate Dean,

This letter is my formal petition for a late course withdrawal for myself from Queen’s University. I am an undergraduate student in the Faculty of Arts and Science. I am taking the following courses: BIOL 102, PHYS 115, and PHAR 100, MATH 121 and CHEM 112. As of today, November 6, I have already withdrawn my enrollment for my full-year courses MATH 121 and CHEM 112, since I will not be in Canada to complete these courses.

I began my semester in September 2023 with the intent to finish my undergraduate degree at Queen's University. However, there have been two recent events which are now preventing me from completing this intention to complete my undergraduate degree at Queen's University.

On November 1, 2023, I was offered the opportunity to study Dentistry at James Cook University, Queensland, Australia. I have been accepted into the Bachelor of Dental Surgery program at this university. I received the confirmation of this program acceptance on November 6, 2023. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I understand that this was after the course drop deadline, October 30, 2023. This petition is to release myself from finishing my current courses at Queen's University. Prior to relocating to Australia, I will need to spend time applying for a student visa, finding accommodation, arranging financial considerations, having various medical tests and other necessary planning duties. This process in itself is very time consuming. I have attached the confirmation of enrollment form dated today from James Cook University stating my acceptance into the Bachelor of Dental Surgery program there.

My second reason for needing to petition for a late course withdrawal is due to a family medical complication involving my mother. My mother had an unexpected stroke in June, 2023 and requires a great deal of assistance to conduct regular tasks and chores. While I was able to attend Queen’s and begin my studies, due to recent events involving my mothers health, I will now be needing to assist her at home. My mother currently requires my assistance and support prior to my departure to Australia to attend James Cook University. I have attached a copy of a document from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation showing that my mother, Melissa Ross Rubinoff, had a cerebral vascular accident (stroke) in June 2023.

BIOL102, PHYS115, and PHAR100 courses include in person lectures, laboratory participation, and tutorials. I cannot be present with these required laboratory and tutorial sessions in person at school while also helping my mother. Knowing my family will be working to aid my mother, this means that much of the preparatory work required before I leave the country will be left up to myself entirely. This task will be very difficult if I have to balance these responsibilities with my current courses at Queen's University.

I trust that I have explained the two reasons why I am unable to complete my intended undergraduate degree at Queen’s University and need to withdraw from all current courses at Queen's University. Both of the attached documentations are third party proof that there are relevant circumstances as to why I am unable to complete my studies at Queens University. If at all possible, please permit me to withdraw without a failure showing on my record.

Thank you,
Ashley Rubinoff
Student Number: 20388109
TEL: 416-565-1201
Email: 22XN14@queensu.ca