Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Deans and other Relevant Authorities,
I am writing to appeal my academic dismissal from Queens University for a year. Although, I was not surprised, I was extremely upset to receive the information earlier this week. I am writing with the hope of being reinstated before the beginning of the next semester. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to explain my circumstances.
I have to say, I had a very difficult year, and my academics suffered as a result. I do not intend to make excuses for my poor performance, but I would like to explain my situation as best I can. I knew that registering for 5 courses for each semester would require a lot of hard work and focus which I was ready to put in. Unfortunately, the very beginning of my journey at Queens was not a good one because I received my Letter of Acceptance relatively late which in turn, delayed the issuing of my visa. This led me to reach Kingston 2 days after classes had already begun. This was extremely unnerving at the time, as I did not know anyone or anything about Queens. I did not even know that I had to go someplace to collect my Student ID, or in which buildings each of my classes were; in short, I was completely lost. I even accidentally registered for a fourth-year course because of being unaware of the way things worked differently in Canada. It was not until 2 months later, that I found out that the courses I had taken were slightly above the level I was at, and by then, it was too late to drop the course. There was another course I was allowed to register for, which(after-failing) I was notified that I did not even had the prerequisite to the course. So, my first semester was pretty much, a haphazard and panic stricken one.
During the second semester, I started understanding the way that I was supposed to study which led me to the idea of taking just 4 courses to have a good and fresh start to the semester; until 2 weeks before the spring break. It was during this time, that I sprained my ankle and that stopped me from attending classes and hence, hampered my steady progress.
I would once again like to state that I do not intend on making any excuses, and that I should have communicated my problems with my professors and other appropriate authorities. I thought I could handle all these problems by myself, and I tried my best, but I was wrong. In some ways, the fear from failing so badly in the first semester led to a negative effect on my mental health in the following one. This in turn made it harder to concentrate on my exams during times when it was crucial; and I was too afraid to ask anyone for help due to my social anxiety.
To study at Queens University has been a dream of mine since the 6th grade; and to graduate from this esteemed university with a degree would make me the first person in my family to have a science degree. If I am reinstated, I promise to focus better on my studies, and manage my time more wisely. Fortunately, most of the reasons stated above were temporary obstacles and I worked past them and I assure you that they will not come in the way again.
Please understand that my low GPA that led to my dismissal does not indicate that I am a bad student. Really, I am a good student who had one very, very bad year. I hope you will give me a second chance. Thank you for considering this appeal.

Sincerely,
Dhruv Harish Punjwani
ASC-20136630
18DHP1