Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: February 1, 2024
Itisha Paisley
Student Number 20141690

Attention:
Associate Dean Academic
Queen’s University Arts & Science Online

I am petitioning to reverse the penalty I received for dropping a course after the academic deadline. I was registered in an online English 100 course during the summer of 2023. I attempted to drop the course on June 21st however, as I am required to withdraw for a year enrolment activity was not permitted, therefore the course was not dropped. I received a letter from the Faculty of Arts & Science dated May 23, 2023, informing me of my requirement to withdraw for a year, and the letter stated that I could withdraw from my summer course without penalty. At the time of receiving this letter, I found out that my father had taken a turn for the worse after getting an infection while receiving his cancer treatment.

I found out my father had cancer at the end of March of last year, a month after starting the summer course. My family and I were hopeful and positive about his treatment so I thought that I could continue with the course because I wanted to complete it with a good grade to raise my GPA. Tragically, my dad passed away on June 12th, 2023. I honestly was not able to focus on the academic letter I received from the faculty, nor was I paying attention to drop deadlines. I was going through a horrible time worrying about my father and then grieving him after his death. I lost both of my parents a year apart to cancer and I know my inability to put energy and effort into my studies was a result of trying to cope with my grief. Due to this extenuating circumstance beyond my control, I was placed on withdrawal requirement, and I missed the drop deadline of the Eng. 100 course. Being forced to withdraw for the academic year has been a blessing in disguise because it is giving me the time I need to focus on the process of grieving.

I would like to return to Queen’s and continue studying to graduate with a bachelor's degree in English Language and Literature. Since starting this program, I have met several obstacles that have made me feel like giving up on my goal of graduating, but I know that persevering is my only option after watching my parents fight for their lives. Once my withdrawal year is over I would like to become a part-time student if possible because I need a lighter course load to help me create a better balance between my studies and my family.

I am sending this petition requesting that the $800.00 debt that I have acquired as a result of dropping the summer English 100 course be waived for the reasons I have already stated. I would appreciate all consideration of the Faculty of Arts & Science.

The supporting document I have provided is my father's death certificate.

Thank you,
Itisha Paisley