Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 13099
Submitted: May 8, 2025 at 5:28:31 PM
First Name: shania
Last Name: Sookdeo
Pronoun: she/her
Preferred Name: shania
Student Number: 20351547
Email: 21srs24@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BAS
Plan: arts and science
Level of Study: 2
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Code: CHEM 112
Term: Fall/Winter
Year: 2025
Petition Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Code: BIOL 200
Term: Winter
Year: 2025
Petition Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: Shania Sookdeo
Student ID: 20352547
Bachelor of Science Program
2025-05-08
To the Petitions Committee,
I am writing to respectfully request a waiver of the requirement to withdraw for three years due to my GPA falling below the minimum requirement for continuation in my program, and to request retroactive course drops for BIOL 200 and CHEM 112 for the Winter 2025 term. The ongoing PSAC 901 Unit 1 strike significantly disrupted my academic progress and prevented me from having a fair opportunity to improve my standing after returning from academic probation.
I began this academic year determined to turn things around. Having been previously placed on academic probation, I was committed to making Winter 2025 the semester that would restore my academic record and allow me to continue in my degree. Unfortunately, the onset of the strike removed essential components of my courses and severely limited my ability to succeed.
In both BIOL 200 and CHEM 112, important academic supports such as lab sessions, tutorials, and timely feedback from TAs were cancelled or not delivered. Marks that I had earned were never returned, and opportunities to improve previous assessments or make up for missed work were taken away. This was devastating, as I had planned to use these opportunities to strengthen my grades and pass both courses.
Additionally, during my GEOL 200 final exam, which was held in the basement of Dunning Auditorium, there were loud disruptions from individuals involved in protest activity outside the exam room. The resulting noise and tension made it very difficult to focus, which negatively affected my ability to perform under exam conditions.
Despite these challenges, I remained dedicated and made every effort to do well. However, the strike created an environment that was beyond my control and ultimately made it impossible for me to demonstrate my academic potential. I believe that without these disruptions, I would have met the GPA requirement and passed both courses.
For these reasons, I respectfully request:
A waiver of the requirement to withdraw for three years based on these extenuating circumstances; and
Permission to retroactively drop CHEM 112 and BIOL 200, so that these courses do not further impact my GPA or record unfairly.
Thank you for your time and understanding in considering this petition. I am fully committed to continuing my studies and proving that I can succeed when given a fair academic environment.
Sincerely,
Shania Sookdeo
21srs24@Queensu.ca
Student ID: 20352547
Bachelor of Science Program
2025-05-08
To the Petitions Committee,
I am writing to respectfully request a waiver of the requirement to withdraw for three years due to my GPA falling below the minimum requirement for continuation in my program, and to request retroactive course drops for BIOL 200 and CHEM 112 for the Winter 2025 term. The ongoing PSAC 901 Unit 1 strike significantly disrupted my academic progress and prevented me from having a fair opportunity to improve my standing after returning from academic probation.
I began this academic year determined to turn things around. Having been previously placed on academic probation, I was committed to making Winter 2025 the semester that would restore my academic record and allow me to continue in my degree. Unfortunately, the onset of the strike removed essential components of my courses and severely limited my ability to succeed.
In both BIOL 200 and CHEM 112, important academic supports such as lab sessions, tutorials, and timely feedback from TAs were cancelled or not delivered. Marks that I had earned were never returned, and opportunities to improve previous assessments or make up for missed work were taken away. This was devastating, as I had planned to use these opportunities to strengthen my grades and pass both courses.
Additionally, during my GEOL 200 final exam, which was held in the basement of Dunning Auditorium, there were loud disruptions from individuals involved in protest activity outside the exam room. The resulting noise and tension made it very difficult to focus, which negatively affected my ability to perform under exam conditions.
Despite these challenges, I remained dedicated and made every effort to do well. However, the strike created an environment that was beyond my control and ultimately made it impossible for me to demonstrate my academic potential. I believe that without these disruptions, I would have met the GPA requirement and passed both courses.
For these reasons, I respectfully request:
A waiver of the requirement to withdraw for three years based on these extenuating circumstances; and
Permission to retroactively drop CHEM 112 and BIOL 200, so that these courses do not further impact my GPA or record unfairly.
Thank you for your time and understanding in considering this petition. I am fully committed to continuing my studies and proving that I can succeed when given a fair academic environment.
Sincerely,
Shania Sookdeo
21srs24@Queensu.ca
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: Academic Success Plan
Student Name: Shania Sookdeo
Student ID: 20351547
Program: Bachelor of Science
Term: Summer 2025 – onward
A. Course of Study
I am currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Science program, which remains my desired degree path.
I have reviewed my Academic Advisement Report in SOLUS and am aware of the remaining requirements to complete my degree.
I will consult with an academic advisor before selecting courses to ensure my future course plan is viable and strategically balanced to support my success.
I also plan to avoid taking multiple lab-intensive courses in the same semester unless I can confirm adequate academic support (e.g., availability of TAs, stable scheduling).
B. Workload & Schedule
I intend to maintain full-time studies (minimum 9.0 units per term) but will initially consider a slightly reduced course load (e.g., 9.0–12.0 units) in my first term back, to regain academic momentum.
I do not anticipate the need to work while studying but will reassess my financial needs with the Student Awards Office to ensure this remains sustainable.
I will also schedule my week to allow for consistent study blocks, office hour visits, and time to use campus resources like tutoring or academic advising.
C. Strategies for Success
Challenges I Faced:
The Winter 2025 PSAC 901 strike significantly limited access to essential academic supports, including tutorials, labs, and timely feedback.
Disruptions during my GEOL 200 exam created a stressful and distracting environment.
These factors compounded my previous academic probation and affected my ability to recover my GPA.
Planned Strategies for Improvement:
I will:
Regularly attend office hours and communicate proactively with instructors and TAs.
Use Student Academic Success Services (SASS) for support in time management, study skills, and exam preparation.
Join a peer mentor or tutoring program to stay accountable and improve understanding of course material.
Attend workshops or webinars on study strategies and managing academic stress.
Explore possible accommodations or support from Queen’s Student Accessibility Services (QSAS) if I continue facing barriers.
Meet with an academic advisor before each registration period to ensure course selection aligns with my capacity and academic standing.
D. Additional Considerations
I will monitor my progress throughout each term using the Academic Advisement Report and by setting regular check-ins with an advisor.
If unforeseen difficulties arise again, I will use the Academic Consideration Request Portal (ACRP) early and appropriately.
I understand that I must take responsibility for my progress and will adjust my plan as needed with the help of Queen’s support resources.
Student Name: Shania Sookdeo
Student ID: 20351547
Program: Bachelor of Science
Term: Summer 2025 – onward
A. Course of Study
I am currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Science program, which remains my desired degree path.
I have reviewed my Academic Advisement Report in SOLUS and am aware of the remaining requirements to complete my degree.
I will consult with an academic advisor before selecting courses to ensure my future course plan is viable and strategically balanced to support my success.
I also plan to avoid taking multiple lab-intensive courses in the same semester unless I can confirm adequate academic support (e.g., availability of TAs, stable scheduling).
B. Workload & Schedule
I intend to maintain full-time studies (minimum 9.0 units per term) but will initially consider a slightly reduced course load (e.g., 9.0–12.0 units) in my first term back, to regain academic momentum.
I do not anticipate the need to work while studying but will reassess my financial needs with the Student Awards Office to ensure this remains sustainable.
I will also schedule my week to allow for consistent study blocks, office hour visits, and time to use campus resources like tutoring or academic advising.
C. Strategies for Success
Challenges I Faced:
The Winter 2025 PSAC 901 strike significantly limited access to essential academic supports, including tutorials, labs, and timely feedback.
Disruptions during my GEOL 200 exam created a stressful and distracting environment.
These factors compounded my previous academic probation and affected my ability to recover my GPA.
Planned Strategies for Improvement:
I will:
Regularly attend office hours and communicate proactively with instructors and TAs.
Use Student Academic Success Services (SASS) for support in time management, study skills, and exam preparation.
Join a peer mentor or tutoring program to stay accountable and improve understanding of course material.
Attend workshops or webinars on study strategies and managing academic stress.
Explore possible accommodations or support from Queen’s Student Accessibility Services (QSAS) if I continue facing barriers.
Meet with an academic advisor before each registration period to ensure course selection aligns with my capacity and academic standing.
D. Additional Considerations
I will monitor my progress throughout each term using the Academic Advisement Report and by setting regular check-ins with an advisor.
If unforeseen difficulties arise again, I will use the Academic Consideration Request Portal (ACRP) early and appropriately.
I understand that I must take responsibility for my progress and will adjust my plan as needed with the help of Queen’s support resources.
Documentation
Professional Letter Detail: NO DOC
Decision Letters
History
Originally submitted May 8, 2025 at 5:28:31 PM.
| Field | Reference | Old Value | New Value | Note | User | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| appeal_category | N/A | Drop a course after the academic deadline, Waive the requirement to withdraw for a minimum of three years | Drop a course after the academic deadline | Kerri Andrews | 2025-05-14 1:33:51 PM | |
| status | N/A | Received | In Review | Kerri Andrews | 2025-05-14 1:34:04 PM | |
| status | N/A | In Review | Granted | Kerri Andrews | 2025-05-14 1:36:53 PM | |
| associate_dean | N/A | Jenn Stephenson, Ph.D. | Kerri Andrews | 2025-05-14 1:36:53 PM | ||
| decision_letter | N/A | N/A | Decision letter sent | Kerri Andrews | 2025-05-14 1:37:29 PM |