Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: My name is Selena Jagdeo, and I am a returning student at Queen’s University, enrolled in the online Global Development program. In 2022, I took a year off to prioritize my mental health and better situate myself before embarking on my academic career. I have always been passionate about my studies, and will continue to strive to do my absolute best regardless of the circumstances I am in.

However, I am writing to you in regard to a serious health condition, as I was recently diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in the fall term of 2023. This new reality has had a detrimental effect on my academic progress and overall health.

Due to the effects and boundaries of my mental health in the past, I made the vigilant plan of completing a part-time course load. I began the fall term with an economics course, and was initially excelling in my submitted work. During the semester, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, and was in the process of treatment. My symptoms progressively worsened and unfortunately coincided with the exam period. The symptoms I was experiencing took a great toll on my performance and as a result affected my overall grade in the course, as it was worth 50%. This was extremely discouraging, as I felt my efforts and growth academically weren't fairly reflected. I did reach out to my professor, who was incredibly helpful in providing an excel spreadsheet of my grades prior to the exam, in support of my appeal.

My diagnosis was first detected through my knee, which was swollen and immobile for a month. Eventually, I started to experience minor swelling and pain in my hands, which led to more severe limitations in these joints, and other areas. I was having difficulty with adapting to the symptoms and completely underestimated the setbacks that entailed. This included difficulties with performing mundane tasks such as brushing my teeth, combing my hair, and requiring assistance from loved ones. This also began to directly affect my performance at work, resulting in short-term disability leave. I was still being optimistic towards my academic goals, especially since I had just returned. As a student registered with QSAS, I was utilizing this support to navigate the obstacles I was facing. However, due to the severity of my condition, I wasn't able to physically endure the winter term. I unfortunately missed the deadline to drop the two courses I had enrolled in prior to my condition spiraling. I was also not aware of whether there was a feasible option to take a term off, as I recently returned in the fall. In the midst of trying to sort out everything with school and work, I was severely sick from my medication, unable to function normally, while still experiencing significant symptoms of my condition.


I refuse to allow my physical “disability” or any mental obstacles to refrain me from pursuing my academic goals. This leads to my efforts in retaking a summer course for WRIT 125, in hopes of gradually improving my GPA. I am currently standing with an 80%, and have every intention of finalizing this course with a successful grade.


I have submitted an academic appeal in the past due to family circumstances, and the diagnosis of a mental illness. I’d like to express my gratitude to my previous appeal being granted, and am appreciative of the option of submitting another appeal due to these new extenuating circumstances. I’d like to thank you for gracing me with such empathy and understanding thus far, not only as a student but as a person. This new appeal is not to justify my ill progress, or to take advantage of this support system. As a student and young adult, I take full accountability for my actions, and acknowledge that I need to be diligent when facing such circumstances. Regardless of these adversities, I am choosing to persevere and continue to advocate for my place at this school, and my ability to succeed. I would appreciate you considering my appeal, as these circumstances were a result of facing a physical disability. Thank you once again for your time and consideration.