Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I'm reaching out during a challenging time in my academic journey at Queen’s University, particularly throughout my second year and the onset of my third. I'm writing to request your understanding and support for my petition to drop all classes from this period due to unforeseen and uncontrollable circumstances.

My second year was marked by a series of events that heavily impacted both my mental and physical health, drastically affecting my studies. Increased migraines, a robbery, an assault on campus, and numerous hospital visits, compounded by poor living conditions due to a faulty radiator, have all contributed to significant academic difficulties

My migraines increased in frequency and severity during my second year. These debilitating episodes stole countless hours from my studies, leaving me grappling with missed classes, a blurred focus, and a mounting pile of incomplete assignments. The escalation of this condition has been an obstacle, making every attempt to persevere through my academic commitments a significant struggle.

On the 28 of October 2022 my sense of safety within the university was severely broken when by a violent assault by a fellow student while I was on duty in my donning job. The lack of accountability for my assailant's actions has left me feeling deeply wronged and dismissed, sinking me into a state of chronic anxiety. The robbery and assault together have cast a long shadow over my mental health, creating emotional turmoil that I've found difficult to navigate.

My already shaken sense of security was further devastated when I fell victim to a robbery, on the 30th of October. Items that held both sentimental value and everyday necessity were ripped away from me, leaving not just a financial void but a deep-seated feeling of vulnerability and exposure. This breach of my personal space has significantly amplified my stress, eroding the sanctuary I once felt my university environment provided.

Both occurred in the latter end of the 2022, but I did not process these events or realise how much they had affected me until my constant and consistent illnesses caused me to take a pause on my anxiety medication as well as ADHD medication, because I had reached a point of illness where medication would only worsen my already less than ideal state. I started falling sick by the end of February, thinking all was fine I continued past the drop date. I caught COVID-19 for the 3rd time in March and by then I was often bedridden and ill long after, even after “getting over” Covid-19, constantly getting ill caused my immune system to weaken until catching a common cold on April 1st led me to being hospitalised on the 6th. My emaciated form led first responders to think that it was a case of meningitis, which landed me in the hospital to a point where I had to be monitored constantly.

Amidst these traumatic experiences, my physical health began to falter, leading to repeated hospital visits. The culmination of my health issues resulted in a hospitalization during the crucial final month of school. The dire state of my health was exacerbated by my living conditions, with a malfunctioning radiator system contributing to an environment that was far from conducive to recovery.

The compounded impact of these circumstances has caused complex barriers to my academic achievements. Despite using every ounce of strength to face these challenges head-on, including seeking professional healthcare and mental well-being support, the obstacles proved to be overwhelming. My academic performance, especially as the year drew to a close, suffered immensely. I found myself struggling to keep pace with assignments, missing several crucial exams due to my hospitalisation, and unable to engage meaningfully in my classes. The journey through this period has been one of the most trying times of my life, and it is with a heavy heart that I recount these experiences, hoping for understanding and compassion.

To support my petition, I can provide documentation that substantiates my situation. A submitted police report of the robbery, doctor notes, and substantiating documentation from others aware of my situation.
In the third year, I was able to get off to a much better start during the start of my third year, lessening my workload and working on better support systems in order to be a better student, but due to an unfortunate and unforeseen illness had to exit the school environment. Due to illness, I was unable to drop the class before leaving. I also have supporting documentation from my primary care physician, confirming this situation
In light of these circumstances, I respectfully request the dropping of all classes taken during my second year winter semester, and the fall term of my third year at Queen’s University. This decision has not been made lightly but comes from a place of necessity, considering the profound impact these events have had on my health and academic performance. My primary goal is to recover fully and return with the ability to commit myself entirely to my studies, without the lingering effects of the challenges I have faced.

I appreciate your time and consideration in reviewing my petition. I am prepared to provide any further information or clarification as needed and hope for a compassionate understanding of my situation.
Thank you for considering my appeal. I look forward to the possibility of resolving this matter positively and continuing my academic journey with renewed focus and dedication.

Yours sincerely,
Femi Abiola