Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: 12 June 2024
Jenn Stephenson, Ph. D.
Dunning Hall - First Floor
94 University Avenue
Queen’s University
Kingston, ON K7L 3N6

Dear Associate Dean (Studies), Dr. Jenn Stephenson,

I am petitioning the faculty’s decision that I must withdraw from Queen’s University for a year. I am also petitioning to drop Math 111 (Fall and Winter 2023–2024).

My first year at Queen’s University was a daunting task, as it was my first time out of the continent of Africa and away from family for a prolonged period of time. I was managing just fine the first two months of the fall semester until I was informed that a close friend of mine’s mother had passed away. The resulting news caused me to enter a mental battle of constantly worrying about my own family. Being unable to see them in person during the midterm break further worsened the issue. I started barely eating, not leaving my room, and not communicating with people. I had also started to fall behind in class and do worse on assignments during this period. By the time I had come out of my stupor, I was unable to catch up with my work. This triggered another episode in which I felt as though I wasn’t deserving of this opportunity and that it would be better if I didn’t exist. During the Christmas break, I had begun having regular video calls back home and was making the conscious effort to heal and tackle the winter semester better. On February 21st, I was informed that the father of another close friend of mine had passed away. This caused me to fall back into my dark hole, fall behind in my classes, and consider if it was still worth living. I had not talked to anyone about my troubles, as opening up is not my strong suit, so I was left with my thoughts, which were not healthy. Towards the end of the winter semester, I had started to pick up the pieces by leaving my room regularly, going to the gym, and studying; however, my efforts were in vain as there was not enough time to turn things around academically. Math 111 was particularly affected by these events as this was a full-year course. This meant that once tragedy struck in the fall semester, causing poor academic performance, the poor grades carried on to the winter semester. Starting off at a bad point and enduring more setbacks in the winter semester made it extremely difficult to salvage something from this course. Therefore, for those reasons, I would like to petition to drop it. The result of the mental torment I went through was a set of results that do not truly reflect my abilities.

If I am allowed to return to Queen’s University in the fall, my plan is to retake CISC 102 and MATH 121. I would also take CISC 101 to better prepare for CISC 121, which I would retake in the winter semester. Once these courses are complete, I aim to take CISC 124 in the summer semester of 2025. Instead of taking Math 111, I would take Math 112, as it is not a full-year course, meaning it would be easier to rebound from any setbacks. Beyond classes, I would also meet with student wellness biweekly to ensure I did not slip back into my old headspace. Reaching out to the Queen’s University Office of Faith and Spiritual Life would also be my way of seeking advice to cope with homesickness. Having weekly video calls with loved ones back home would also ease my anxiety and aid in my successful return. Meeting with an academic advisor at the end of each month to monitor my progress and ensure I’m on track would also be part of the plan. Along with monitoring progress, we would also plan out the best courses to take and when to take them so that I may graduate in 2027, as the scholarship program I am on does not extend beyond my expected graduation date of 2027.

Yours sincerely,


Mzi Mothebe
20381820