Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing this letter to appeal to drop courses past the drop date in regards to my failed courses from the Fall and Winter semesters (3 courses total). My intention is to be able to continue my academic career with Queen's University, eventually getting accepted into and completing the Health Sciences program. I am grateful for the opportunity to explain my circumstances.

This past year has been extremely difficult in a multitude of ways, and unfortunately my education suffered as a result. My intention is not to make excuses, but to explain the circumstances that led to my academic standing. When I first got accepted as an interest student for the Health Sciences program, I was ecstatic to be back on track with both my academic and life goals. That same summer my parents had separated, and not long after I experienced a traumatic event that changed my life. I went to the hospital, involved police, and thought I could manage the rest on my own. I was unstable in many ways, and lived in denial. I succeeded in one course, although not grasping my full potential, but still passed with the luck that it lined up with the dates I stayed on top of my ADHD medication and could push past my emotions. At this time, my attacker was still attempting to contact me and the police were still gathering evidence so I could not mentally detach from the event. By the time the second semester had approached, I was in a terrible state of anxiety and depression. I lived in fear and had no energy to complete basic tasks. I wanted more than anything to succeed in my courses, but I was struggling to complete even tasks as simple as showering. I went to work, but my body was merely functioning only to survive. So much time had passed after the incident before I accepted that I needed help. I believed I was strong, and knew I was. I reached out to my therapist, contacted a naturopath and my doctor and started my healing journey. It took a long time for my emotions to regulate and for me to gather the strength to face daily life. Once I was finally back on my feet, I found out I was pregnant. This is what delayed my writing of this letter. I was adjusting to the changes that come with such news. I experienced morning sickness, anemia, and once that finally calmed down, I began getting hospitalizing gallbladder attacks.

It has been a chaotic year, but I have finally accepted the help I so desperately needed, and have learned what symptoms I should never overlook moving forward. I have found peace and healing through therapy and supplements and am prepared for the challenges that come with being a new mother. My academic goals have not changed, and I wish to have the opportunity to complete them with such an amazing school. I understand now that I should be in contact with my professors, and not take on a greater workload than I can handle. Going into the new semester, I would like to start with 1 course instead of 2 to give me an easier course load while I adjust to parenthood.

Please understand that my low GPA does not define my academic abilities. I am an exceptional student that unfortunately had a not so great year. Thank you for considering my appeal.

Kindest regards,
Sandra Socha