Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 14432
Submitted: June 3, 2026 at 1:52:31 AM
First Name: Yizhuo
Last Name: Bai
Pronoun: she/her
Preferred Name: Yizhuo
Student Number: 20510613
Email: 24pn23@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BScH
Plan: Kinesiology
Level of Study: 1
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Waive the requirement to withdraw for one year
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: I am writing to respectfully ask for two things.
First, I would like to request a late drop for the following four courses from the Winter 2026 term:
KNPE 167
KNPE 125
BIOL 103
PHGY 170
Second, I need a waiver of the one‑year withdrawal requirement so that I can continue my studies next year without being forced to take a full year off.
Why I am making this request:
Last semester, I was suffering from severe anxiety, insomnia, and physical exhaustion. I was a first-year student who just arrived in Canada, and I did not know how to get help. I kept everything to myself until I almost broke down. After I returned to China, I went to Xuanwu Hospital and was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. I have been receiving treatment and my condition has improved a lot. My medical records are attached.
My condition has now improved significantly, and I have also learned how to ask for help. Two academic advisors, Daralyn Auld and Karina Almeida who's from the SKHS Undergraduate Office, have been helping me. With their guidance, I now understand what to do when I face difficulties — and while we have discussed possible summer course plans, my first priority is to resolve the past term's unfinished work due to my health condition. I am currently reviewing the course materials so that I will be better prepared when I retake the courses, and I am confident that I can successfully complete my upcoming courses.
Additionally, as a student with a diagnosed anxiety disorder, my health deteriorated significantly in late April. I returned to China on April 23rd for treatment and was medically unable to attend to my academic obligations. It was only in early June, as my condition began to improve, that I was able to access the SOLUS system and become aware of the 'Required to Withdraw' hold. My medical records confirm this timeline. I sincerely apologize for this delay and respectfully request that the committee consider these extenuating circumstances and accept my petition at this time.
One course has already been resolved. For PSYC 100, my instructor has kindly agreed to give me a deferred exam, so I am not requesting a late drop for that course.
Regarding PHGY 170, I have contacted the instructor but have not yet received a reply. I have attached a copy of the email I sent to the PHGY170 instructor as proof of my attempt. Given the time constraint, I have included it in my late drop request as well.
Why a forced break would be very bad for me. I believe a structured environment is important for my continued recovery, and a full year off would disrupt my progress. Also, my student visa was issued for four consecutive years. If I take a one‑year break, my visa will likely become invalid, and I may not be able to return to Canada at all. That would completely stop my education. I really hope this can be avoided. I am also open to any conditions you may set, such as a reduced course load or mandatory check‑ins with my advisor.
What I am attaching to this email:
My medical certificate from Xuanwu Hospital
Emails from my KNPE 167 and KNPE 125 instructors (they confirmed that even with deferred exams I cannot pass) and PSYC instructors
Email correspondence with Daralyn Auld and Karina Almeida (she supports my plan and has offered to help me select courses next year)
One more thing, the timetable for next year will be released on June 22, and course enrolment starts on July 27. June 22 is approaching very soon, and I need to select my courses. Time is extremely tight, so I would be very grateful if I could receive an official decision as soon as possible. Please let me know if you need any further information from me.
Thank you very much for your time and understanding. I sincerely hope to continue my studies without a forced break.
First, I would like to request a late drop for the following four courses from the Winter 2026 term:
KNPE 167
KNPE 125
BIOL 103
PHGY 170
Second, I need a waiver of the one‑year withdrawal requirement so that I can continue my studies next year without being forced to take a full year off.
Why I am making this request:
Last semester, I was suffering from severe anxiety, insomnia, and physical exhaustion. I was a first-year student who just arrived in Canada, and I did not know how to get help. I kept everything to myself until I almost broke down. After I returned to China, I went to Xuanwu Hospital and was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. I have been receiving treatment and my condition has improved a lot. My medical records are attached.
My condition has now improved significantly, and I have also learned how to ask for help. Two academic advisors, Daralyn Auld and Karina Almeida who's from the SKHS Undergraduate Office, have been helping me. With their guidance, I now understand what to do when I face difficulties — and while we have discussed possible summer course plans, my first priority is to resolve the past term's unfinished work due to my health condition. I am currently reviewing the course materials so that I will be better prepared when I retake the courses, and I am confident that I can successfully complete my upcoming courses.
Additionally, as a student with a diagnosed anxiety disorder, my health deteriorated significantly in late April. I returned to China on April 23rd for treatment and was medically unable to attend to my academic obligations. It was only in early June, as my condition began to improve, that I was able to access the SOLUS system and become aware of the 'Required to Withdraw' hold. My medical records confirm this timeline. I sincerely apologize for this delay and respectfully request that the committee consider these extenuating circumstances and accept my petition at this time.
One course has already been resolved. For PSYC 100, my instructor has kindly agreed to give me a deferred exam, so I am not requesting a late drop for that course.
Regarding PHGY 170, I have contacted the instructor but have not yet received a reply. I have attached a copy of the email I sent to the PHGY170 instructor as proof of my attempt. Given the time constraint, I have included it in my late drop request as well.
Why a forced break would be very bad for me. I believe a structured environment is important for my continued recovery, and a full year off would disrupt my progress. Also, my student visa was issued for four consecutive years. If I take a one‑year break, my visa will likely become invalid, and I may not be able to return to Canada at all. That would completely stop my education. I really hope this can be avoided. I am also open to any conditions you may set, such as a reduced course load or mandatory check‑ins with my advisor.
What I am attaching to this email:
My medical certificate from Xuanwu Hospital
Emails from my KNPE 167 and KNPE 125 instructors (they confirmed that even with deferred exams I cannot pass) and PSYC instructors
Email correspondence with Daralyn Auld and Karina Almeida (she supports my plan and has offered to help me select courses next year)
One more thing, the timetable for next year will be released on June 22, and course enrolment starts on July 27. June 22 is approaching very soon, and I need to select my courses. Time is extremely tight, so I would be very grateful if I could receive an official decision as soon as possible. Please let me know if you need any further information from me.
Thank you very much for your time and understanding. I sincerely hope to continue my studies without a forced break.
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: 1. Academic Plan for Retaking Courses
I plan to retake KNPE 167 and KNPE 125 during the Winter 2027 term (or whenever they are next offered), following the advice of my academic advisor, Karina Almeida.
I plan to retake BIOL 103 and PHGY 170 across the Fall 2026 and Winter 2027 terms. I will consult with Karina to finalise a realistic and balanced course sequence.
To ease my transition back, I will take a reduced course load (e.g., four courses per term instead of five) in my first year back. This will help me adjust to academic demands without becoming overwhelmed.
I am currently reviewing the course materials for these subjects at home, so that I will be well prepared when I retake them.
2. Health and Wellness Plan
I will continue having regular follow‑ups with my doctor in China to monitor my anxiety and maintain stability.
After returning to Canada, I will register with Queen’s Student Accessibility Services (QSAS) to receive academic accommodations if needed (e.g., flexible deadlines, exam arrangements).
I will meet with my academic advisor, Karina Almeida, at least once per month, and I will reach out earlier if I notice any signs of struggle.
3. Skill Building to Prevent Recurrence
I have already learned how to seek help. I now know that when I feel overwhelmed, I should contact my advisor immediately rather than suffering in silence.
I will attend workshops offered by Queen’s Student Academic Success Services (SASS) on time management and study skills.
I will proactively communicate with my instructors if I encounter difficulties, instead of waiting until the end of the term.
4. Commitment and Accountability
I am fully committed to following this plan. I understand that this petition is my one opportunity to reset, and I will not take it for granted.
I am open to any conditions set by the committee, such as mandatory check‑ins with my advisor or a reduced course load.
If approved, I will provide my advisor with a written copy of this plan and review it with her at the beginning of each term.
I plan to retake KNPE 167 and KNPE 125 during the Winter 2027 term (or whenever they are next offered), following the advice of my academic advisor, Karina Almeida.
I plan to retake BIOL 103 and PHGY 170 across the Fall 2026 and Winter 2027 terms. I will consult with Karina to finalise a realistic and balanced course sequence.
To ease my transition back, I will take a reduced course load (e.g., four courses per term instead of five) in my first year back. This will help me adjust to academic demands without becoming overwhelmed.
I am currently reviewing the course materials for these subjects at home, so that I will be well prepared when I retake them.
2. Health and Wellness Plan
I will continue having regular follow‑ups with my doctor in China to monitor my anxiety and maintain stability.
After returning to Canada, I will register with Queen’s Student Accessibility Services (QSAS) to receive academic accommodations if needed (e.g., flexible deadlines, exam arrangements).
I will meet with my academic advisor, Karina Almeida, at least once per month, and I will reach out earlier if I notice any signs of struggle.
3. Skill Building to Prevent Recurrence
I have already learned how to seek help. I now know that when I feel overwhelmed, I should contact my advisor immediately rather than suffering in silence.
I will attend workshops offered by Queen’s Student Academic Success Services (SASS) on time management and study skills.
I will proactively communicate with my instructors if I encounter difficulties, instead of waiting until the end of the term.
4. Commitment and Accountability
I am fully committed to following this plan. I understand that this petition is my one opportunity to reset, and I will not take it for granted.
I am open to any conditions set by the committee, such as mandatory check‑ins with my advisor or a reduced course load.
If approved, I will provide my advisor with a written copy of this plan and review it with her at the beginning of each term.
Documentation
Professional Letter: Medical_Certificate_Yizhuo_Bai_20510613-6.pdf
Document: Erin Miller email-0.pdf
Document: Two advisors email-0.pdf
Document: Tara email.pdf
Document: KNPE167 and PHGY 170.pdf
Decision Letters
History
Originally submitted June 3, 2026 at 1:52:31 AM.
| Field | Reference | Old Value | New Value | Note | User | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| status | N/A | Received | In Review | Kerri Andrews | 2026-06-08 12:22:11 PM | |
| status | N/A | In Review | Granted | Kerri Andrews | 2026-06-23 9:50:46 AM | |
| associate_dean | N/A | Dorit Naaman (Associate Dean Academic) | Kerri Andrews | 2026-06-23 9:50:46 AM | ||
| decision_letter | N/A | N/A | Decision letter sent | Kerri Andrews | 2026-06-23 9:53:57 AM |