Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To the Petitions Committee,

My name is Ravneet Kaur (Student Number: 20337904) , and I am writing to petition for the following:

1) A late drop for SOCY 284 (Winter 2025) and WRIT 125 (Summer 2025)
2) An extension of my IN status or AG status in SOCY 227 and SOCY 306 (Winter 2025).

Throughout my university career, I have faced extenuating circumstances beyond my control that have had serious and lasting impacts on both my wellbeing and my academic performance. During my first year, I experienced difficult family circumstances that not only created long-term strain on my mental health but also put me in situations of physical danger. Because of these circumstances, I became financially independent at an early stage in my degree and had to carry the weight of supporting myself alongside school.

In my second year and the first semester of my third year, I worked as a Residence Don. This role was my only option for housing at the time which provided financial stability. While I did my best to fulfill my responsibilities, the combination of donning, financial pressures, and other personal circumstances placed a severe toll on my physical and mental health.

When I moved out of residence in January 2025, I hoped for stability, but my health continued to decline. In the Winter 2025 semester, I initially managed to complete half of my courses, but over time my ability to keep up deteriorated. I missed classes, fell behind on content, and struggled to meet deadlines. I worked with my QSAS advisor, secured “IN” status for three courses, and dropped one. At that point, I was still in touch with my medical team and believed I could complete the remaining work.

However, over the summer, my condition worsened. I was unable to attend medical appointments, which further impacted my health and prevented me from completing WRIT 125. I also did not yet understand what academic steps I needed to take and, more importantly, I did not have the physical or mental capacity to submit a petition. It has taken time, treatment, and support to reach a place where I am able to take these steps.

I am now reconnected with my counsellor, medical professionals, and the student support team at Queen’s. With these supports in place, I feel ready to address my academic situation and continue working toward my degree. As part of my plan to move forward, I will also be taking a reduced course load so that I can catch up on my classes while focusing on my health and maintaining stability.

For these reasons, I am requesting approval for a late drop in SOCY 284 and WRIT 125, as well as an extension of the “IN” status or alternatively AG status for SOCY 227 and SOCY 306. Thank you for your understanding and for considering my petition as I work towards recovering and moving forward.

Sincerely,
Ravneet Kaur