Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: June 7, 2024
Associate Dean (Academic)
94 University Avenue
Queen's University
Kingston, ON Canada
K7L 3N6

The purpose of this petition is to waive the requirement of withdrawing from Queen’s University for one year. I understand the importance of academic standards and the university's policies, and I sincerely request reconsideration of this decision based on the circumstances outlined below.

Over the past year, I have faced significant challenges that have directly impacted my academic performance. As an international student, I have been dealing with intense anxiety due to the absence of family and friends, and the adjustments required by a different educational system. This anxiety has had a substantial effect on my ability to concentrate and perform academically.

My condition worsened, since october, I have been dealing with significant health issues that have directly impacted my academic performance. Initially, I experienced on-and-off pain in my jaw, which felt like it was clenching while chewing. Around the same time, during the period of my assignments and exams, I began to suffer from neck pain, which was initially thought to be spasms due to weather changes. Unfortunately, the pain worsened, leading to frequent headaches. By the end of november, these symptoms became constant, and I started experiencing tingling and numbness in my hands and fingers on both sides. Initially, mild stretching provided some relief, but by late November and early December, the symptoms had become extreme, prompting me to visit India for medical consultation.

During my visit to India, I was diagnosed with myofascial pain. Initially, I was prescribed medication, but I did not feel any improvement in the first five days. Consequently, I was advised to receive injections. I had one injection on the right side, while the left side showed improvement as I started physical therapy on the first day of treatment. Along with the injections, I was advised to perform strengthening exercises. Since returning to Canada, I have continued these exercises to strengthen my trapezius, levator, and rhomboid muscles, along with recommended stretches.

In addition to my health issues, I realized too late that I had taken on a very heavy course load in both of my terms. While some of these were required courses, I believed I could manage them despite my anxiety and pain. However, as the semester progressed and my condition worsened, everything piled up. I struggled through my exams and finals, and my grades suffered.

Desperate and overwhelmed, I reached out to Queens advising and spoke to a counsellor about my situation. While the courses themselves were not the issue, my grades were suffering badly, and I hoped that dropping them would give me a chance to improve later. Unfortunately, I didn't realize at the time that dropping these courses would severely impact my GPA. When my GPA fell drastically, I received the letter to withdraw from the university, which was a devastating blow that I never anticipated.


To ensure my circumstances do not continue to negatively affect my academic progress, I have developed a comprehensive plan that includes several key steps. Firstly, I am committed to continuing with my prescribed medical treatment and exercises, regularly seeking medical advice as needed to manage my health effectively.
Additionally, I will actively utilize university resources, such as counselling services, to manage anxiety and stress, and academic support services to improve my study skills and adjust to the educational system. Building a robust support network through engagement in campus activities and forming study groups is imperative for my academic growth.

Additionally, I am open to the possibility of adjusting my course load to ensure a more manageable workload. This may involve enrolling in courses with lighter academic demands or spreading out my coursework over multiple semesters. By taking this proactive approach, I can allocate sufficient time and energy to each subject, allowing for deeper understanding and improved performance.

In reflecting on my academic journey, I've observed positive changes, particularly during this summer semester. With all, I've experienced a significant improvement in my overall well-being, contributing to a more focused and productive approach to my studies. I'm pleased to note substantial advancements in my academic performance, notably in courses like Chem 281. Despite previous challenges, I've managed to excel in assignments and midterm assessments, marking a notable shift towards academic success. This realization brings me a profound sense of accomplishment and reinforces my commitment to continuous improvement. With reduced course load and an enhanced state of health, I am confident in my ability to maintain this positive trajectory and further excel in my studies at Queen's University.


In addition to the strategies outlined above, I recognize the importance of seeking guidance from academic advisors to ensure my continued academic success. I plan to schedule regular meetings with the advising counsellor to discuss my academic progress and receive valuable insights and recommendations. These meetings will provide me with an opportunity to seek guidance on course selection, academic planning, and any additional resources or support services that may benefit my academic journey.

By actively engaging with the advising counsellor, I aim to stay informed about academic opportunities and potential challenges, allowing me to make informed decisions that align with my academic goals. Their expertise and support will be invaluable in navigating any academic hurdles and maximizing my academic potential at Queen's University. Through these proactive measures, I am confident in my ability to thrive academically and achieve my goals.

Thank you for considering my appeal. I am eager to continue my studies at Queen’s University and am committed to implementing the outlined plan to ensure my academic success.

Sincerely,
Kaavreet Kaur