Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean (Studies):

I am appealing the Faculty's decision that I must withdraw from Queen's for one year.

Three years ago, disregarding my mother's disapproval, I left my home country and came to Queen's University filled with curiosity and excitement. I first started in the School of English where everyone around me speaks English as their second language. I enjoyed the two semesters in the School of English. Also, due to my exceptional grade in ESLA 140, I was granted the permission to graduate without taking ESLA 150. Just when I finally started University, everything went completely different from what I have expected. Everyday I woke up early and go to class on time, but having so much hard time comprehending what the professor is saying. People around me will talk to me friendly. However, when they speak really fast I would have trouble understanding; sometimes I could not express myself accurately due to the limitation of my vocabulary. Gradually, there are nothing much than just a friendly smile when we meet. It was the most frightening experience for me to go to tutorials that I have to talk to somebody in English. When I try to read the textbook, there are so many terminologies that I have to look up in the dictionary, I have to read multiple times in order to comprehend one sentence completely. At the end, all I could do is to memorize the sentences without understanding them and write them down in the exam. Using this method, some courses' grade went from D to C. I feel like I could achieve nothing and I became so depressed. I became less and less confident. I repel to talk on the phone or to meet new people. Every few nights before the exam, I would have nightmares. I am too afraid to talk to my parents since they weren't 100 happy about my decision of studying aboard. Therefore after the semester ended in mid April, I went back to China and consulted psychiatrist. After a month long session with the consoling, I finally picked up some confidence and courage. Just when I was pumped and returned to Canada to continue my summer study and to improve my English, I received the decision to ask me withdraw for one year. It was so devastating. Without the study visa, I have to return to China for one year since my visa will expire next year. I am eager to stay in Canada and learn English and stay in University. The last two years were not due to the lack of my ability but my false mindset that set me back. Nevertheless, my passion for studying in this wonderful university has never decrease. Thereby I am writing this letter genuinely to plead you to grant me a second chance from withdrawing.

I have already found an English tutor who will not only help me with English; she is also a trusted counselor. I will communicate more with others to create a better English learning environment. I will also try to adapt more efficient learning methods. If I can have another opportunity to stay next year I will definitely work even harder and cherish every moment in my study time at Queen's University. I would really appreciate your understanding.