Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean (Academic),

I am writing to appeal the decision regarding the petition deadline and respectfully request that the deadline for waiving the requirement to withdraw for one year be waived in my case. I understand that this is an exceptional circumstance, and I sincerely appreciate your consideration of my appeal.

This summer has been an extraordinarily challenging and eventful period for me. As the eldest son, I had to shoulder significant family responsibilities while also managing my academic commitments. On May 30, 2023, my uncle back home tragically fell into a coma, which has had a profound impact on my family and me.

Since that time, my mother, sisters, and I have been deeply concerned and focused on supporting him and each other through this difficult and emotionally demanding situation. We have been actively involved in seeking medical advice and exploring all available avenues to facilitate his recovery. This has required constant follow up with my grandparents in Egypt, and making necessary arrangements for his ongoing care.

Given the severity of my uncle's condition, it became my responsibility to provide emotional support and take care of my sisters while my mother dedicated her attention to assisting our uncle and coordinating his medical treatment. This sudden shift in family dynamics significantly impacted my ability to focus on my academic responsibilities and meet the June 13 petition deadline.

Furthermore, the emotional toll of this situation, coupled with the added responsibilities and uncertainties it brought, created an overwhelming environment for me. Balancing my family obligations, supporting my mother while my father is out of the country, and coping with the uncertainty surrounding my uncle's condition posed significant challenges that made it difficult for me to devote the necessary time and energy to submit the petition within the established deadline.

In addition to these family challenges, I was also enrolled in a demanding summer course, BIOL 102, which required my utmost attention and dedication. Despite the circumstances, I endeavored to fulfill my academic responsibilities to the best of my ability. However, the combination of caring for my family and managing the course workload placed immense strain on me, making it challenging to meet all obligations simultaneously.

Moving forward, I have learned from this experience and have devised a comprehensive plan to ensure that I will not miss any future deadlines. Firstly, I will prioritize effective time management and create a detailed schedule that accommodates both my academic commitments and my family responsibilities. By carefully allocating specific time blocks for studying, attending lectures, and assisting my family, I will be able to maintain a balanced approach to all aspects of my life.

Additionally, I will establish open lines of communication with my professors and academic advisors to proactively address any challenges or conflicts that may arise. This will allow me to seek necessary accommodations or extensions, should unexpected circumstances arise in the future. By fostering strong relationships with my academic support network, I will be better equipped to navigate any potential obstacles and ensure timely submission of all required materials.

To further support my academic success, I will actively engage in stress management techniques such as regular exercise, meditation, and seeking support from counseling services available at Queen’s university. By prioritizing self-care and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, I will be better equipped to handle any future challenges that may come my way.

In conclusion, I kindly request your understanding and compassion in considering my petition to waive the one-year deadline for withdrawal. The situation involving my uncle's coma, along with the demands of my summer course BIOL 102, has profoundly affected my family and me. Granting this appeal will allow me to continue my academic journey without compromising my family's well-being during this difficult time.

Thank you for taking the time to review my petition. I sincerely hope that you will find merit in my appeal and grant me the opportunity to proceed with my studies. I am grateful for your consideration and eagerly await your favorable response.

Yours sincerely,

Fady Salib