Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To whomever it may concern,

I am petitioning to waive the petition deadline.

My grades took a big hit when I started my second year in 2017. Adapting to living on my own and paying bills was difficult. In November 2017, my friend passed and my mental health took a turn, which in turn meant my grades faltered as well.

In 2018, third year came and I was put on academic probation. By the time third year was coming to an end, I realized I wouldn't be able to turn my grades around and gave up hope.

However, luckily, I was allowed to continue my education in my fourth year, despite having fallen far behind my peers. Thursday, September 12, 2019 I witnessed the brutal murder that happened at Bagot and Queen downtown Kingston. I suffered PTSD, anxiety, and depression. I stopped attending classes out of fear and my inability to cope with the event. I started seeing a therapist shortly following. I did not leave my house alone.

Covid-19 hit months after the event, still in my fourth year, leading to even more mental health issues and poor grades.

I would have petitioned to remove these grades years ago had I known it was an option. I was only made aware of this in September 2024 when I spoke with an academic advisor about returning to my studies and my goal to finally finish my degree.

I write to you with good mental health, with some resolve of the trauma I've endured, and in efforts to finalize my degree with Queen's University.

I thank you for your consideration.

Meghann Elson
20016237