Petition Letter
I am writing to petition for credit standing in the courses affected by my extenuating circumstances, and to request that the petition deadline be waived so that my late petition may be accepted. The same circumstances that affected my academic performance also affected my ability to submit this petition on time.
My extenuating circumstances began at the start of my first year in fall 2023 and became severe within the first month of the semester. From fall 2023 until the end of summer 2025, I was struggling with depression and disordered eating that significantly affected both my daily functioning and my academic performance.
During this time, I experienced severe difficulty concentrating, low energy, poor sleep, inadequate nutrition, I was frequently crying, and I experienced difficulty regulating my emotions. I often had trouble getting out of bed, attending class, studying consistently, and writing tests and exams effectively. At times, I was so physically and mentally unwell that I spent most of my time in bed and struggled to complete even basic daily tasks. Even when I wanted to do well and put effort into school, I often felt unable to start my work, stay focused, or think clearly enough to perform at the level I was capable of.
These circumstances had a direct and ongoing impact on my academic performance throughout first year and second year. I struggled to attend classes consistently, could not study effectively, and was not able to demonstrate my true academic ability in tests, exams, and coursework. My memory, concentration, and overall functioning were significantly impaired during this time.
I reached out for support multiple times throughout my first and second year. In second semester of first year, I reached out to a Queen’s online therapist and then continued with an in-person therapist at Queen’s for the rest of first year. In second year, I began therapy outside of Queen’s which is currently ongoing. In the later half of summer 2025, I started medication for depression and it took several weeks before the medication began to take effect.
These same circumstances also affected my ability to submit this petition by the deadline. While I was still dealing with these issues, I did not have the capacity to go through the petition process by the deadline. My energy and overall ability to manage school and daily life was significantly affected, and I was struggling just to get through each day. By fall 2025, once I had started to improve, I chose to focus my energy on school and trying my hardest in my classes.
Since consistently going to weekly therapy sessions and taking medication, my mental health and eating have improved significantly. I have implemented strategies that have enabled me to manage my circumstances, and this is reflected in my academic performance. As seen in fall 2025, my grades significantly improved, which I believe better reflects what I am actually capable of when I am doing better and able to put my full effort into school. For these reasons, I am asking that my petition for credit standing be granted, and that my late submission be accepted because of the same extenuating circumstances that prevented me from submitting earlier.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Paulina Kupets Schaffer
My extenuating circumstances began at the start of my first year in fall 2023 and became severe within the first month of the semester. From fall 2023 until the end of summer 2025, I was struggling with depression and disordered eating that significantly affected both my daily functioning and my academic performance.
During this time, I experienced severe difficulty concentrating, low energy, poor sleep, inadequate nutrition, I was frequently crying, and I experienced difficulty regulating my emotions. I often had trouble getting out of bed, attending class, studying consistently, and writing tests and exams effectively. At times, I was so physically and mentally unwell that I spent most of my time in bed and struggled to complete even basic daily tasks. Even when I wanted to do well and put effort into school, I often felt unable to start my work, stay focused, or think clearly enough to perform at the level I was capable of.
These circumstances had a direct and ongoing impact on my academic performance throughout first year and second year. I struggled to attend classes consistently, could not study effectively, and was not able to demonstrate my true academic ability in tests, exams, and coursework. My memory, concentration, and overall functioning were significantly impaired during this time.
I reached out for support multiple times throughout my first and second year. In second semester of first year, I reached out to a Queen’s online therapist and then continued with an in-person therapist at Queen’s for the rest of first year. In second year, I began therapy outside of Queen’s which is currently ongoing. In the later half of summer 2025, I started medication for depression and it took several weeks before the medication began to take effect.
These same circumstances also affected my ability to submit this petition by the deadline. While I was still dealing with these issues, I did not have the capacity to go through the petition process by the deadline. My energy and overall ability to manage school and daily life was significantly affected, and I was struggling just to get through each day. By fall 2025, once I had started to improve, I chose to focus my energy on school and trying my hardest in my classes.
Since consistently going to weekly therapy sessions and taking medication, my mental health and eating have improved significantly. I have implemented strategies that have enabled me to manage my circumstances, and this is reflected in my academic performance. As seen in fall 2025, my grades significantly improved, which I believe better reflects what I am actually capable of when I am doing better and able to put my full effort into school. For these reasons, I am asking that my petition for credit standing be granted, and that my late submission be accepted because of the same extenuating circumstances that prevented me from submitting earlier.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Paulina Kupets Schaffer