Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter:
Annalise Hordij
20363912
Geography
22aah5@queensu.ca
December 5, 2024

Dear Dr. Stephenson,
I hope this message finds you well. I am a third year student at Queens and I am writing to you to formally request your approval to withdraw from LAW 201 for the current academic term and 2024-2025 year, due to unforeseen extenuating circumstances.
The following circumstances have impacted my ability to complete the current academic term successfully.
1) As of September 2024, I have had ongoing severe pain that has been debilitating. This health issue is currently still under investigation.
I have had several admissions to the ER department this term, while obtaining remote help from my Nurse Practitioner in Toronto. I have had several diagnositic tests at The Kingston General Hospital. At this point I am awaiting an appointment for a colonoscopy, likely to take several months.
As a result of this pain and challenges, I have been unable to attend classes and keep up with course demands for several weeks.
Since early October 2024, I attempted to reach my access disability counsellor mutliple times without success, yet have done my best to responsibly manage my courses e.g., request extentions on assignments.
At the height of my pain, I requested a 2 week accommodation for the week preceeding study week; however, was required to submit a paper during study week; the paper was graded poorly. While I have been proactive in trying to complete quizzes and assignments online from my bed, I have not had the benefit of attending in-person to fully grasp course content and expectations. I am aware there is much more necessary to complete for a successful course outcome.
2) In addition to this debilitating pain. I experienced several losses.
Most catastrophic was the sudden death of my dear friend on November 7th 2024 (below is the attached obituary). I am deeply grieving the loss of my friend, Emma.
I had to suddenly return home a dog that I lovingly fostered for six months, which has been very difficult.
Due to the support I required from my partner to help me out of bed and get medical attention, he has lost his job.
I am aware of the university's policies regarding course withdrawal. As soon as personal and health issues arose for me, I attempted to get the university's help to manage my academic obligations. Despite my best efforts, I have fallen so far behind. I am unable to dedicate the necessary time and focus to course material, particulary to finish the term at this point. I believe that temporarily withdrawing from the school for the 2024-2025 year is the best course of action. This would allow me to look after my personal well-being, while preserving my academic standing at this time.
I understand the importance of responsibly maintaining academic standards, and this decision is not being made lightly. I am committed to resolving these health issues with the support of my family, so that I may return to complete my undergraduate degree at Queen's University with full focus and dedication.
I would appreciate your understanding and consideration of this request. Please let me know if you require any additional documentation or further information to support my petition.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
Annalise Hordij
20363912
Geography