Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean,

I am writing to appeal my requirement to withdraw from studies for one academic year. I was upset when received the letter stating that I had to withdraw from studies, but I understood why the decision had been made. I am writing in hopes that I can explain the circumstances that have prevented me from succeeding, which will result in my requirement to withdraw being waived. I would also like to thank you for the opportunity to explain my circumstances.

This last year has been difficult on everyone, not just me, and I realize that. I don¿¿t mean to make excuses for my poor academic performance, but I would like to explain the circumstances. I knew going into the school year that I would be asked a lot of time, to handle a full course load, and for a while, I was able to. But my mother who worked as a travel agent, lost her job last year due to covid, so there was a financial strain at home. My parents and I decided that I would get a job to help out financially. I believed that I could handle all the responsibilities, and I was to an extent until my mother became unwell. My mother has had her struggles with physical and mental illness these past few years, and with lockdown and losing her job, she became quite depressed. I stepped in and helped with the household duties, taking care of my brother and our elderly grandfather. I was unable to focus and was constantly distracted and worried, which lead to not giving my all in my studies. During this period, I had gotten into a car accident, where a truck crashed into my car, and this led me to not going to work for a long time and getting physiotherapy. Ironically, I fell down the stairs mere weeks after the accident put me on bed rest again. This put more of a stress on my family. Throughout this time, I didn¿¿t realize my mental health was deteriorating, until I had thoughts of self-harm, and even made plans to end my life. These were dark times, and I realized I needed help and need to work on myself.

I understand that the university has many programs that could have helped with my situation, and I should have reached out earlier to an academic advisor and my professors, as they are there to help me. I thought I could handle all these responsibilities myself, without the support of anyone, not even my parents, but I was wrong, and I suffered the consequences.

Moving forward, I discussed with an academic advisor, which she helped me realize the different places where I could work to improve myself and the programs available to me. I have made an appointment with the student wellness centre, to work on and hopefully improve my mental health. My mom has also gotten a job as a school bus driver, which means I can take fewer hours, and focus more on my education, and manage my time much more wisely. Most importantly yesterday, I have told my parents honestly, about the events that took place over the last year around my mental health and how I was not giving my all to my education. I told them how I was scared that they would rebuff me and not love me anymore, which caused the strain and anxiety I felt. My parents, to my surprise, said that they will support me and said they were by my side no matter what. I dared to take this step because of the academic advisor I spoke to. To ensure academic success I will request a mentor or a tutor from the Peer mentor program and ASUS peer tutoring, respectfully. I will also communicate better with my professors or TAs, from now on.

Queens University has been my dream school and getting a degree in a program that interests me was all I ever wanted. My poor academic performance, and low GPA, are the products of my actions and now I know what steps must be taken next to ensure success. I promise that I shall prove worthy of your reconsideration. I hope I can be given a second chance. Thank you for considering my appeal.

Sincerely,
Harnoor Sandhu