Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean (Academic),



I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Jiahao Cui, and I am an undergraduate student enrolled in the psychology program at Queen's University at Kingston, bearing student number 20288248. I am writing to formally submit a petition regarding the decision requiring me to withdraw from the Faculty of Arts and Science for a minimum of three years, effective May 1, 2024. While I acknowledge and understand the reasons for this decision, I wish to provide further context regarding the extenuating circumstances that have significantly impacted my academic performance over the past year. It is my sincere hope that you will consider these circumstances and grant me an opportunity for an early return or waive the withdrawal decision.



Background and Academic Performance:

From August 2021 to August 2023, I faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which restricted my ability to travel between China and Canada. Despite my efforts, I encountered difficulties during online classes in August 2021, resulting in failed courses and my first withdrawal notice. Subsequently, I took a year off during 2022-2023 to address these setbacks and returned to Canada in August 2023, eager to resume my studies at Queen's University.



In the fall semester of 2023, I enrolled in BIOL 102, ECON 110A, and PSYC 100A, demonstrating diligence and achieving commendable grades in assignments and quizzes. Despite initial setbacks, including minimal participation in PSYC 100A's group project, I remained committed to my studies and showed promise in academic pursuits.



Unforeseen Circumstances and Challenges:

During the winter semester of 2024, unexpected personal hardships severely impacted my academic progress. Following a distressing breakup in November 2023, I experienced significant emotional turmoil and began overeating, resulting in rapid weight gain and a subsequent diagnosis of moderate depression in January 2024 (Evidence 2: Diagnosis Certificate). These conditions deeply affected my ability to focus on studies, leading to a decline in academic performance across ANAT 100, ECON 110B, and PSYC 100B.



Tragically, on April 9, 2024, my grandmother passed away due to acute myocardial infarction, further exacerbating my emotional distress (Evidence 4: Death Certificate). This loss, coupled with ongoing personal health challenges such as gynecomastia, significantly hindered my ability to attend exams and maintain academic responsibilities.



Recovery and Commitment to Academic Success:

Despite these hardships, I sought professional psychiatric help and underwent psychological therapy to address my mental health challenges. With the support of my family and ongoing treatment, I made strides towards recovery and re-engaged in academic pursuits during the summer term of 2024, enrolling in PATH 120 and PHAR 100. Early assignment grades from PATH 120 demonstrate my commitment to academic excellence despite previous setbacks (Evidence 5: Grade Records).



Request for Reconsideration:

Given these circumstances, I respectfully request a reconsideration of the decision requiring me to withdraw from the Faculty of Arts and Science. I am prepared to provide any additional information or documentation necessary to support my appeal. My dedication to my studies at Queen's University is unwavering, and I am committed to overcoming challenges to achieve academic success.



Thank you for considering my petition. I sincerely appreciate your understanding and support in this matter. I eagerly await your favourable response and the opportunity to continue my education at Queen's University. Please kindly see more details in my petition letter.



Yours sincerely,



Jiahao Cui