Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Ryan Gao
20349935
21bbg3@queensu.ca
647-286-7298
Date: July 1, 2026
To: The Faculty of Arts and Science Board of Studies
Queen’s University
Dunning Hall, 99 University Ave
Kingston, ON K7L 3N6
Subject: Level 2 Appeal – Waive Requirement to Withdraw for Fall 2026 (BCMP / COMP)
Dear Members of the Board of Studies,
I am writing to formally appeal the decision made by the Associate Dean (Academic) on Monday, June 22, 2026, which denied my petition to waive the requirement to withdraw for the Fall 2026 term. I am requesting that the Board review my file under the grounds of procedural fairness and evaluate the significant steps toward rehabilitation that I have completed during my time away from the university.
Context of the Original Withdrawal
In Summer 2025, I was required to withdraw from Queen’s University due to a departure from academic integrity within my computing studies. I accept full, unconditional responsibility for my past actions. At that time, I allowed external pressures and poor time management to compromise my ethical judgment. My departure from the university was a profound turning point, and I have spent my time away actively working to correct the underlying issues that led to that failure.
Grounds for Appeal and New Information
I respectfully submit that my initial petition was evaluated without full consideration of the concrete steps I have taken to guarantee absolute compliance with Queen's Academic Integrity Policy moving forward. Over the past year, I have engaged in the following rehabilitative measures:
Academic Integrity Education: I have thoroughly reviewed the Queen's University Senate Policy on Academic Integrity and the specific regulations of the School of Computing. I now fully understand the boundaries of independent code production, proper documentation, and peer collaboration.
Personal Stabilization: I have addressed the personal and time-management pressures that originally overwhelmed me. [Optional: Mention if you saw a counselor, worked a job to build discipline, or took an uncredited time-management course here.] I am now in a stable position to meet the rigorous demands of university-level studies.
Academic Plan for Fall 2026
To demonstrate my commitment to a safe, sustainable, and high-quality return to academic life, I have deliberately requested a highly modified and reduced course load for the Fall 2026 term consisting strictly of CISC 121 (Introduction to Computing Science I).
By focusing entirely on this foundational prerequisite, I will ensure that I am not academically overwhelmed. This single-course focus will allow me to dedicate ample time to my assignments, maintain flawless integrity in my work, and prove my academic readiness to the Faculty. Upon successful completion of this term, I intend to work closely with the School of Computing Undergraduate Assistant, Erin Gunsinger, to map out a safe progression path for my remaining upper-year requirements.
Conclusion
My goal is not simply to finish my degree, but to return as an ethical, contributing member of the Queen's School of Computing community. I have served a significant portion of my withdrawal, and delaying my foundational studies further will severely disrupt my long-term academic recovery.
Thank you for your time, objective consideration, and review of my application materials.
Sincerely,
RG
Ryan Gao
20349935