Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean (Studies),

I am appealing to drop CHEM 281 after the deadline of the Summer 2018 semester. I have been experiencing extenuating circumstances beyond my control affecting my academic performance. I have a physical illness, termed chronic liver autoimmune disease, and I typically experience debilitating side effects including pain, fatigue, and nausea occasionally. Since June 3, these effects have significantly increased in severity, affecting my focus and concentration, hindering my ability to complete my studies successfully. As my condition is not improving and I do not know exactly when I will be feeling healthier as I am checking in with my health practitioner in a few months, I plan to drop all my summer semester courses to focus on my health. I have already dropped my only other course, PSYC 100, as it was still before the deadline for that course, and I am trying to do the same for CHEM 281.

I plan on re-enrolling in the same two courses next summer in 2019 in order to finish my studies at Queens and earn my degree in Life Sciences, with my doctor¿¿s confirmation that my health be stable enough to resume my studies. Although this may not be the case due to the uncertainty of the state of my health at the moment, I have become familiar with the nature of my chronic autoimmune disease; it has been something I have been living with for about 4 years, and I expect my condition to clear up steadily in the several months between now and the Summer 2019 semester. I usually check in with my liver doctor every 4 months and do bloodwork each month, so my condition is always being carefully monitored in case of emergency.

As I am so close to graduation, I hope that this small setback will not be the last chapter in my studies at Queens, and it is my goal to return healthy and focused for Summer 2019.

Thank you for your consideration, and I hope to hear from you soon.

Regards,

Candice Simpson
13cs64@queensu.ca
10130132