Petition Letter
Dear Associate Dean Dr. Dorit Naaman,
I am writing to respectfully petition the Faculty’s decision that I must withdraw from Queen’s for one year. I am requesting permission to continue my undergraduate studies without interruption, as my past academic challenges were the result of temporary, extenuating circumstances that have now been resolved.
Explanation of Extenuating Circumstances:
My academic difficulties, particularly during my second year, were the direct result of severe and unforeseen domestic circumstances. After I expressed my intention to change programs from Life Sciences to another field more aligned with my strengths, my mother relocated from Texas to Kingston and lived with me throughout my second year. During this time, I experienced ongoing verbal, emotional, and eventually physical abuse, which greatly impacted both my mental health and my ability to focus on my studies.
Although I had begun receiving counseling in the summer of 2024, my mother forbade me from continuing therapy while she was living with me in second year, believing that mental health care was a “sign of weakness.” She closely monitored my location and prevented me from accessing support at Student Wellness Services. The constant stress and surveillance left me unable to maintain academic performance. After failing my fall courses, the situation escalated further, and I eventually received a formal diagnosis of PTSD this April.
In addition, my parents exerted greater control over me during this past summer period when I was required to return home. They restricted my access to my laptop and even to my Queen’s NetID login credentials as a form of punishment. This effectively cut me off from my academic accounts, online course materials, and official university communications at critical times. As a direct result, I was unable to manage my academic responsibilities or meet important deadlines such as the June 11 petition submission. These were extraordinary, extenuating circumstances entirely beyond my control.
Despite these setbacks, my record demonstrates that I am capable of strong academic performance when I have stability and access to support. In Summer 2024, when I had access to counselling and accommodations, I successfully completed courses with grades of A and B-. I also entered Queen’s with a strong academic background, including a major admission award and acceptance into the Direct-Entry Life Sciences program. My struggles were never a reflection of my academic ability, but rather of circumstances beyond my control.
Resolution and Current Circumstances:
These circumstances have now been addressed. I have firmly established my independence, confronted my parents, and ensured that my mother no longer lives with me. I have resumed counselling, received a PTSD diagnosis, and am actively receiving treatment and support. I now have uninterrupted access to my devices, Queen’s accounts, and course materials, and full autonomy over my academic decisions.
I have also developed a reliable support system on campus. I am working closely with a physician at Student Wellness Services, meet regularly with the Wellness Support Specialist through Hillel Queen’s, and remain in close contact with Academic Advising. These supports have already had a positive effect on my wellbeing and my ability to manage my responsibilities.
Future Academic Plan:
With the challenges resolved, I am well-prepared to return to my studies successfully with a clear path to success. My plan includes switching into a program aligned with my skills and interests, where I am confident I can excel. I am receiving regular counselling and medical appointments, as well as meetings with Academic Advising, to ensure ongoing support. Having regained autonomy, I am implementing structured study schedules and accountability measures with my counsellor to support strong academic performance like last summer.
As my circumstances were temporary and have since been resolved, I firmly believe that a year-long withdrawal would hinder, rather than support, my academic progress. A forced absence from my studies would create unnecessary interruption, risk diminishing the motivation and momentum I have worked hard to regain, and delay my ability to complete my degree in a timely manner. Remaining enrolled will allow me to apply the coping strategies, support systems, and study structures I have put in place while they are still fresh and most effective. It will also provide the continuity I need to rebuild my academic record, regain confidence in my abilities, and demonstrate that with stability and support, I can succeed at the level expected of me. By staying engaged in my coursework now, I can make meaningful progress toward both my immediate academic goals and my long-term aspirations, rather than postponing them for another year. I am determined to use this opportunity not only to restore my academic standing but also to continue building resilience and independence as I move forward in my education.
Thank you for considering my petition.
Respectfully,
Adeeti Amit Tiwari
I am writing to respectfully petition the Faculty’s decision that I must withdraw from Queen’s for one year. I am requesting permission to continue my undergraduate studies without interruption, as my past academic challenges were the result of temporary, extenuating circumstances that have now been resolved.
Explanation of Extenuating Circumstances:
My academic difficulties, particularly during my second year, were the direct result of severe and unforeseen domestic circumstances. After I expressed my intention to change programs from Life Sciences to another field more aligned with my strengths, my mother relocated from Texas to Kingston and lived with me throughout my second year. During this time, I experienced ongoing verbal, emotional, and eventually physical abuse, which greatly impacted both my mental health and my ability to focus on my studies.
Although I had begun receiving counseling in the summer of 2024, my mother forbade me from continuing therapy while she was living with me in second year, believing that mental health care was a “sign of weakness.” She closely monitored my location and prevented me from accessing support at Student Wellness Services. The constant stress and surveillance left me unable to maintain academic performance. After failing my fall courses, the situation escalated further, and I eventually received a formal diagnosis of PTSD this April.
In addition, my parents exerted greater control over me during this past summer period when I was required to return home. They restricted my access to my laptop and even to my Queen’s NetID login credentials as a form of punishment. This effectively cut me off from my academic accounts, online course materials, and official university communications at critical times. As a direct result, I was unable to manage my academic responsibilities or meet important deadlines such as the June 11 petition submission. These were extraordinary, extenuating circumstances entirely beyond my control.
Despite these setbacks, my record demonstrates that I am capable of strong academic performance when I have stability and access to support. In Summer 2024, when I had access to counselling and accommodations, I successfully completed courses with grades of A and B-. I also entered Queen’s with a strong academic background, including a major admission award and acceptance into the Direct-Entry Life Sciences program. My struggles were never a reflection of my academic ability, but rather of circumstances beyond my control.
Resolution and Current Circumstances:
These circumstances have now been addressed. I have firmly established my independence, confronted my parents, and ensured that my mother no longer lives with me. I have resumed counselling, received a PTSD diagnosis, and am actively receiving treatment and support. I now have uninterrupted access to my devices, Queen’s accounts, and course materials, and full autonomy over my academic decisions.
I have also developed a reliable support system on campus. I am working closely with a physician at Student Wellness Services, meet regularly with the Wellness Support Specialist through Hillel Queen’s, and remain in close contact with Academic Advising. These supports have already had a positive effect on my wellbeing and my ability to manage my responsibilities.
Future Academic Plan:
With the challenges resolved, I am well-prepared to return to my studies successfully with a clear path to success. My plan includes switching into a program aligned with my skills and interests, where I am confident I can excel. I am receiving regular counselling and medical appointments, as well as meetings with Academic Advising, to ensure ongoing support. Having regained autonomy, I am implementing structured study schedules and accountability measures with my counsellor to support strong academic performance like last summer.
As my circumstances were temporary and have since been resolved, I firmly believe that a year-long withdrawal would hinder, rather than support, my academic progress. A forced absence from my studies would create unnecessary interruption, risk diminishing the motivation and momentum I have worked hard to regain, and delay my ability to complete my degree in a timely manner. Remaining enrolled will allow me to apply the coping strategies, support systems, and study structures I have put in place while they are still fresh and most effective. It will also provide the continuity I need to rebuild my academic record, regain confidence in my abilities, and demonstrate that with stability and support, I can succeed at the level expected of me. By staying engaged in my coursework now, I can make meaningful progress toward both my immediate academic goals and my long-term aspirations, rather than postponing them for another year. I am determined to use this opportunity not only to restore my academic standing but also to continue building resilience and independence as I move forward in my education.
Thank you for considering my petition.
Respectfully,
Adeeti Amit Tiwari