Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Claire Macpherson
10187149
14cmm16@queensu.ca
November 13th, 2025

To:
The Academic Petitions and Appeals Committee
Queen’s University
Faculty of Arts and Science
Kingston, ON

Subject: Petition for Late Course Drops (September 2020 – September 2023) on Compassionate and Medical Grounds

Dear Members of the Academic Petitions and Appeals Committee,

I am writing to respectfully request a late course drop for all courses taken between September 2020 and September 2023 on compassionate and medical grounds. During this time, I was experiencing severe Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) related to a traumatic event, which deeply affected my mental health, concentration, and capacity to manage academic responsibilities.

My PTSD symptoms—including anxiety, flashbacks, a state of tonic immobility and emotional exhaustion—made it extremely difficult to engage with coursework, communicate with instructors, or navigate the formal processes of seeking accommodations or withdrawals. At that time, I was not in a position to fully understand or advocate for the support I needed. My primary focus became stabilizing my mental health and creating space for recovery, which required stepping away from my education entirely.

Because of these circumstances, I was unable to submit a late-drop request within the appropriate time frame. Now, after receiving consistent and on-going mental health treatment and developing stronger coping strategies, I am in a much better position to manage my condition and return to my academic goals. With this renewed stability, I am prepared to formally request retroactive course drops for the period between September 2020 and September 2023.

I am happy to provide documentation from my healthcare provider verifying both my diagnosis and the impact my condition had during that time. I hope the Committee will consider my request with compassion and understanding, given that my inability to act sooner was directly related to the very circumstances that necessitate this petition.

I am deeply committed to resuming my studies at Queen’s University and completing my degree with the appropriate supports now in place. I believe this step is an important part of moving forward in my academic journey and personal recovery.

Thank you for your time, understanding, and consideration of my petition.

Sincerely,
Claire Macpherson
10187149
14cmm16@queensu.ca