Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: My name is Abigail Alliston, and I am writing to formally request a petition for academic consideration and the removal of failing grades from my transcript for the Winter 2025 and Summer 2025 terms due to significant extenuating circumstances beyond my control.

During the Winter 2025 term, my academic performance was severely impacted by a major family medical emergency. I learned that my mother had fallen while in Hawaii, and shortly after, doctors discovered a brain tumour. This was an extremely stressful and uncertain period for my family and I that involved waiting for results, navigating medical information, and providing emotional support at home. The seriousness of the situation caused significant distress and distraction, and despite my best efforts, I was unable to maintain my usual academic performance and ultimately failed courses that term.

Following Winter 2025 I attempted to recover academically by enrolling in courses during the Summer 2025 term in order to make up for the setbacks I experienced. Unfortunately, during this period, my father was diagnosed with prostate cancer, which was deeply overwhelming for my family, especially after what had already occurred with my mother’s health. My father is currently scheduled to undergo surgery on January 26, 2026. In addition to this, during the Summer 2025 term, my sister announced she was divorcing her partner of 12 years, which added further emotional strain and family responsibilities. The combination of these circumstances significantly impacted my ability to complete my summer coursework, and I was unable to finish the term successfully.

I also want to acknowledge that I have continued to work diligently through my learning difference, and I have consistently tried to manage my academic responsibilities to the best of my ability. However, the cumulative impact of these serious and unexpected family crises made it impossible for me to meet course expectations during these two terms.

The Associate Head of Geography and Planning encouraged me to submit this petition, as removing these failures would greatly reduce the academic pressure I am currently facing and would allow my transcript to better reflect my academic ability under normal circumstances.

I am committed to completing my degree requirements successfully and moving forward in good academic standing. I would be very grateful for consideration of my request to have the failing grades from Winter 2025 and Summer 2025 removed from my transcript, or replaced with the most appropriate standing available through the petition process.

Thank you very much for your time, understanding, and consideration.

Sincerely,

Abigail Alliston
Student Number: 20285175
Program: Environmental Studies & Geography - J.Hon. (Arts) Plan
Queen’s University
Email: 20285175