Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dean Bénard, Associate Dean (Studies):


I am writing this letter for the purpose of appealing the Faculty's decision that I must withdraw from Queen's University for a minimum of three years. I wish that this letter would grant me the opportunity to explain my circumstances and plead my case.


In late October 2014, I started to experience severe lower back pain. After about one week of endurance of such pain, I decided to consult with a medical professional on my condition, hence my first visit to a local clinic here in Kingston - as stated in the medical documentation provided. Following my first examination, the doctor has suggested an X-ray imaging and has prescribed appropriate medications for the pain. Despite putting a halt to all physical activities and a few more follow-up doctor visits, however, my condition continued to worsen and showed no signs of improvement. Since there was not much the doctors can do, I decided to stop visiting the clinic. This incidence persisted throughout the first semester and continued on to the second semester.


In terms of how the condition has affected my academic performances: first of all, sitting in general would worsen my lower back pain, which in turn had an immense impact on my ability to concentrate for a long period of time (maximum thirty to forty-five minutes). This had led to short attention span during lectures and studying. Second of all, the pain would sometimes become exceptionally excruciating during certain times of the month - for example, menstruation - that I would have no choice but to skip lectures and even exams. During the time of occurrence, I have had taken steps to minimize the impact on my academic performances; for example, I recorded every lectures and revisited them after class to capture all possible content that I could have missed; I made sure that I obtain lecture notes from fellow students if I had to skip a lecture. With regard to studying strategies, I made sure that I take small breaks every half an hour in order to reduce the pain. I also realized that I am responsible for my own well-being, therefore, I made sure that I do my strengthening and stretching exercises every day, as suggested by the doctor.


I understand that a strong evidence is needed in order to determine the successes of such appeal and while I am well aware that my academic performances has not exactly been prestige, I have found motivation through my working experience during the time I was required to withdraw for one year. More importantly, during that time, I have improved myself in other aspects which could benefit and motivate me to strive for excellence in no matter what I do please kindly refer to the attached reference letter for your consideration. But given the extenuating circumstances that I was facing, I feel that my academic performances in the past year has not accurately reflected my ability to become the student I know that I can be. Therefore, I implore you to give me one more chance to become the student and, hopefully soon-to-be, future proud Queen's graduate that I can be. Thank you for taking the time to consider my request.


Respectfully,

Tracy Lee