Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 14469
Submitted: June 14, 2026 at 10:06:00 PM
First Name: Youssef
Last Name: Elamrani
Pronoun: He/Him
Student Number: 20371138
Email: 22ye1@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BSH
Plan: BCHM
Level of Study: 3
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Waive the requirement to withdraw for a minimum of three years
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: June 14, 2026
Faculty of Arts and Science Academic Petitions Committee
Queen’s University
Dear Members of the Academic Petitions Committee,
I am writing to respectfully petition for the waiver of my Requirement to Withdraw.
Over the past several years, I have struggled with severe anxiety that significantly impacted my academic performance. During this period, I sought support through Queen’s counseling services, where I met with Pamela Hall. At that time, my anxiety had become severe enough that it was affecting my daily functioning and ability to participate fully in university life. I am currently gathering documentation related to my counseling history and will submit it as soon as it becomes available.
My anxiety affected me in ways that went beyond normal academic stress. Although I genuinely wanted to attend classes and succeed in my courses, I frequently experienced overwhelming anxiety when attempting to attend lectures. There were many occasions when I would walk to a lecture hall or auditorium intending to attend class, only to experience an intense wave of anxiety and panic that prevented me from entering. This led to missed classes, difficulty keeping up with course material, and a gradual decline in my academic performance.
Several personal and family-related challenges further intensified my anxiety during this period. I also struggled with significant self-confidence issues and a persistent fear of being judged by others, which made engaging in academic and social settings increasingly difficult. These challenges affected my ability to fully participate in classes, seek help when needed, and maintain the level of academic engagement necessary for success.
While I take full responsibility for my academic record, I believe my performance during this period does not accurately reflect my abilities or potential as a student. The difficulties I experienced were not due to a lack of effort or commitment to my education but rather the substantial impact that severe anxiety had on my ability to function effectively in an academic environment.
Since that time, I have worked diligently to improve both my mental and physical well-being. I have adopted healthier routines, including regular exercise and weight loss, which have had a significant positive impact on my confidence, anxiety management, and overall mental health. As a result, I am in a much stronger position academically and personally than I was when these challenges were at their worst.
To demonstrate my commitment to academic improvement, I am currently enrolled in two summer courses that I previously failed: MATH 121 and BCHM 218. My performance in these courses reflects the progress I have made. In BCHM 218, I have achieved near-perfect grades on quizzes and earned 84% on a major assignment. In MATH 121, I have consistently maintained grades in the mid-90s on homework and coursework. These results are evidence that, with my anxiety better managed, I am capable of performing successfully at the university level.
I understand the seriousness of my academic standing and the responsibility that comes with requesting this exception. I am fully committed to continuing the strategies and habits that have contributed to my recent success and to seeking support whenever necessary. I respectfully ask the Committee to consider the significant impact that anxiety had on my academic performance, the steps I have taken to address these challenges, and the evidence of my renewed academic capability.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to present my circumstances and respectfully request the chance to continue my studies at Queen’s University.
Sincerely,
Youssef Elamrani
Student Number: 20371138
Faculty of Arts and Science Academic Petitions Committee
Queen’s University
Dear Members of the Academic Petitions Committee,
I am writing to respectfully petition for the waiver of my Requirement to Withdraw.
Over the past several years, I have struggled with severe anxiety that significantly impacted my academic performance. During this period, I sought support through Queen’s counseling services, where I met with Pamela Hall. At that time, my anxiety had become severe enough that it was affecting my daily functioning and ability to participate fully in university life. I am currently gathering documentation related to my counseling history and will submit it as soon as it becomes available.
My anxiety affected me in ways that went beyond normal academic stress. Although I genuinely wanted to attend classes and succeed in my courses, I frequently experienced overwhelming anxiety when attempting to attend lectures. There were many occasions when I would walk to a lecture hall or auditorium intending to attend class, only to experience an intense wave of anxiety and panic that prevented me from entering. This led to missed classes, difficulty keeping up with course material, and a gradual decline in my academic performance.
Several personal and family-related challenges further intensified my anxiety during this period. I also struggled with significant self-confidence issues and a persistent fear of being judged by others, which made engaging in academic and social settings increasingly difficult. These challenges affected my ability to fully participate in classes, seek help when needed, and maintain the level of academic engagement necessary for success.
While I take full responsibility for my academic record, I believe my performance during this period does not accurately reflect my abilities or potential as a student. The difficulties I experienced were not due to a lack of effort or commitment to my education but rather the substantial impact that severe anxiety had on my ability to function effectively in an academic environment.
Since that time, I have worked diligently to improve both my mental and physical well-being. I have adopted healthier routines, including regular exercise and weight loss, which have had a significant positive impact on my confidence, anxiety management, and overall mental health. As a result, I am in a much stronger position academically and personally than I was when these challenges were at their worst.
To demonstrate my commitment to academic improvement, I am currently enrolled in two summer courses that I previously failed: MATH 121 and BCHM 218. My performance in these courses reflects the progress I have made. In BCHM 218, I have achieved near-perfect grades on quizzes and earned 84% on a major assignment. In MATH 121, I have consistently maintained grades in the mid-90s on homework and coursework. These results are evidence that, with my anxiety better managed, I am capable of performing successfully at the university level.
I understand the seriousness of my academic standing and the responsibility that comes with requesting this exception. I am fully committed to continuing the strategies and habits that have contributed to my recent success and to seeking support whenever necessary. I respectfully ask the Committee to consider the significant impact that anxiety had on my academic performance, the steps I have taken to address these challenges, and the evidence of my renewed academic capability.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to present my circumstances and respectfully request the chance to continue my studies at Queen’s University.
Sincerely,
Youssef Elamrani
Student Number: 20371138
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: Youssef Elamrani
20371138
My academic difficulties were largely the result of severe anxiety that affected my ability to consistently attend classes, engage with course material, and seek help when needed. Since then, I have taken significant steps to improve my mental health and overall well-being. My current performance in MATH 121 and BCHM 218 demonstrates that I am capable of succeeding academically when these challenges are properly managed.
If permitted to continue my studies, I will implement the following academic success plan:
1. Consistent Class Attendance
My highest priority will be attending every lecture, tutorial, laboratory, and required academic activity. During the first week of classes, I will introduce myself to each professor and explain that I am fully committed to the course and to my academic success. Establishing communication early will help create accountability and ensure that I seek assistance before problems develop.
I recognize that attendance was one of the most significant factors contributing to my previous academic difficulties. Going forward, I will treat attendance as a non-negotiable responsibility and structure my daily schedule around my academic commitments.
2. Structured Study Schedule
I will maintain a consistent weekly study schedule and dedicate time each day to reviewing lecture material, completing assignments, and preparing for upcoming assessments.
Rather than waiting until examinations approach, I will focus on continuous learning throughout the semester by:
• Reviewing lecture notes within 24 hours of each class.
• Completing practice problems regularly.
• Beginning assignments early.
• Creating weekly study goals and tracking my progress.
This approach will allow me to identify gaps in understanding before they become significant academic obstacles.
3. Academic Support and Tutoring
If I encounter difficulties in any course, I will seek assistance immediately rather than attempting to manage challenges independently.
This includes:
• Attending professor and teaching assistant office hours.
• Utilizing Student Academic Success Services (SASS) resources.
• Seeking tutoring support when necessary.
• Participating in review sessions and academic workshops.
My goal is to address academic challenges proactively rather than reactively.
4. Building Academic Connections
Previously, my anxiety often caused me to isolate myself academically. Moving forward, I will actively engage with classmates and build positive academic relationships.
I will:
• Introduce myself to classmates during the first weeks of the semester.
• Exchange contact information with peers.
• Participate in study groups whenever possible.
• Collaborate with classmates to discuss course material and prepare for assessments.
Developing a support network will help improve accountability, motivation, and understanding of course content.
5. Ongoing Management of Anxiety and Well-Being
I recognize that maintaining my mental health is essential to academic success. I will continue practicing the healthy habits that have significantly improved my confidence and anxiety management.
These include:
• Maintaining a consistent exercise routine.
• Following healthy lifestyle habits.
• Seeking support when needed.
• Monitoring my mental health and addressing concerns early before they affect my academic performance.
6. Accountability and Progress Monitoring
Throughout the academic year, I will regularly evaluate my performance and make adjustments when necessary.
I will:
• Monitor grades throughout the semester.
• Seek help immediately if performance begins to decline.
• Meet with academic advisors when appropriate.
• Reassess study strategies after each major assessment.
This will ensure that any academic difficulties are identified and addressed early.
Conclusion
The circumstances that contributed to my academic difficulties have significantly improved, and I have developed greater self-awareness, discipline, and coping strategies. My current performance in MATH 121 and BCHM 218 demonstrates my ability to succeed academically when these challenges are properly managed.
If granted the opportunity to continue my studies, I am fully committed to following this academic plan and taking the necessary steps to achieve sustained academic success at Queen’s University.
Youssef Elamrani
Student Number: 20371138
20371138
My academic difficulties were largely the result of severe anxiety that affected my ability to consistently attend classes, engage with course material, and seek help when needed. Since then, I have taken significant steps to improve my mental health and overall well-being. My current performance in MATH 121 and BCHM 218 demonstrates that I am capable of succeeding academically when these challenges are properly managed.
If permitted to continue my studies, I will implement the following academic success plan:
1. Consistent Class Attendance
My highest priority will be attending every lecture, tutorial, laboratory, and required academic activity. During the first week of classes, I will introduce myself to each professor and explain that I am fully committed to the course and to my academic success. Establishing communication early will help create accountability and ensure that I seek assistance before problems develop.
I recognize that attendance was one of the most significant factors contributing to my previous academic difficulties. Going forward, I will treat attendance as a non-negotiable responsibility and structure my daily schedule around my academic commitments.
2. Structured Study Schedule
I will maintain a consistent weekly study schedule and dedicate time each day to reviewing lecture material, completing assignments, and preparing for upcoming assessments.
Rather than waiting until examinations approach, I will focus on continuous learning throughout the semester by:
• Reviewing lecture notes within 24 hours of each class.
• Completing practice problems regularly.
• Beginning assignments early.
• Creating weekly study goals and tracking my progress.
This approach will allow me to identify gaps in understanding before they become significant academic obstacles.
3. Academic Support and Tutoring
If I encounter difficulties in any course, I will seek assistance immediately rather than attempting to manage challenges independently.
This includes:
• Attending professor and teaching assistant office hours.
• Utilizing Student Academic Success Services (SASS) resources.
• Seeking tutoring support when necessary.
• Participating in review sessions and academic workshops.
My goal is to address academic challenges proactively rather than reactively.
4. Building Academic Connections
Previously, my anxiety often caused me to isolate myself academically. Moving forward, I will actively engage with classmates and build positive academic relationships.
I will:
• Introduce myself to classmates during the first weeks of the semester.
• Exchange contact information with peers.
• Participate in study groups whenever possible.
• Collaborate with classmates to discuss course material and prepare for assessments.
Developing a support network will help improve accountability, motivation, and understanding of course content.
5. Ongoing Management of Anxiety and Well-Being
I recognize that maintaining my mental health is essential to academic success. I will continue practicing the healthy habits that have significantly improved my confidence and anxiety management.
These include:
• Maintaining a consistent exercise routine.
• Following healthy lifestyle habits.
• Seeking support when needed.
• Monitoring my mental health and addressing concerns early before they affect my academic performance.
6. Accountability and Progress Monitoring
Throughout the academic year, I will regularly evaluate my performance and make adjustments when necessary.
I will:
• Monitor grades throughout the semester.
• Seek help immediately if performance begins to decline.
• Meet with academic advisors when appropriate.
• Reassess study strategies after each major assessment.
This will ensure that any academic difficulties are identified and addressed early.
Conclusion
The circumstances that contributed to my academic difficulties have significantly improved, and I have developed greater self-awareness, discipline, and coping strategies. My current performance in MATH 121 and BCHM 218 demonstrates my ability to succeed academically when these challenges are properly managed.
If granted the opportunity to continue my studies, I am fully committed to following this academic plan and taking the necessary steps to achieve sustained academic success at Queen’s University.
Youssef Elamrani
Student Number: 20371138
Documentation
Professional Letter Detail: NO DOC
Document: Queens_Counselling_Appointments-1.pdf