Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean of Academics,

I am writing to formally request permission to late drop CHEM 112A/B due to significant and ongoing extenuating circumstances that have deeply affected my academic performance and overall well-being.

In Winter 2024, I was prevented from returning to Canada for over four months due to an administrative error by the Queen’s University International Centre (QUIC). This forced me to defer my studies to September 2024, delaying my academic progress. Upon resuming, I was making satisfactory progress until the labour strike in Winter 2025, which disrupted my courses and daily structure for roughly six weeks. Around the same time, my immigration status temporarily lapsed when my previous work permit expired, leaving me legally unable to study for part of the term. Although I was granted a deferral for the CHEM 112 final exam, it was never rescheduled.

Unfortunately, beginning August 27 2025, I became the target of a complex and distressing situation involving the following offices: Student Conduct Office, Athletics & Recreation, Human Rights and Equity and the Ombudsperson’s Office. What began as an internal misunderstanding quickly evolved into a protracted process that has caused severe psychological distress. I have been under constant emotional strain, facing discrimination and reputational damage that have profoundly affected my concentration, motivation, and capacity to engage academically. Despite my best efforts to recover, my mental health has deteriorated to the point where continuing this course is no longer feasible.

Throughout this period, I have remained in contact with academic advisors and support staff to seek clarity and maintain compliance with university procedure. However, the cumulative effect of these circumstances, immigration barriers, institutional disruptions, discrimination and ongoing mental health impacts, has left me unable to complete CHEM 112 successfully.

For these reasons, I respectfully request that my late drop petition be approved. I believe this accommodation is consistent with Queen’s principles of fairness and compassion, given the extraordinary and documented obstacles that were entirely beyond my control.

Thank you for considering my request. I would be grateful for your understanding and support in helping me move forward in my studies on a more stable footing.

Note: The aforementioned offices can attest to the ongoing extenuating circumstances, particularly Michelle Verbrugghe as Senior Head of the Student Conduct Office.

Sincerely,
Johann