Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 13300
Submitted: June 9, 2025 at 1:29:38 AM
First Name: JIAHAO
Last Name: CUI
Pronoun: he
Preferred Name: Tristan
Student Number: 20288248
Email: 20jc149@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BAH
Plan: PSYC
Level of Study: 1
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Waive the requirement to withdraw for a minimum of three years
Level 1 Status
Status: DeniedLevel 2
Appeal Type: Level 2
ID: 328
Submitted: July 17, 2025 at 4:27:55 AM
Relevant Petition: 13300
Decision(s) Being Appealed: Waive the requirement to withdraw for a minimum of three years
Appeal Grounds
Appeals to the Board of Studies must include a letter based on one or more of the Grounds for Appeal (Appeal Regulation 3.4). What are the grounds you are basing your appeal on?
- The Associate Dean's decision did not follow the rules of procedural fairness. A breach of procedural fairness includes such things as the Associate Dean failed to:
- Follow the university rules and regulations in a way that supported your right to a fair process.
- Make a reasonable decision in your appeal. A “reasonable” decision is one that is based on evidence, thought out and supported by facts and logical inferences from the facts. To be reasonable, the decision must contain adequate reasons for the conclusions.
Appeal Grounds Details: I am appealing the decision on the grounds that it was not fully reasonable, as it did not sufficiently consider updated documentation regarding my recovery and readiness to resume studies. In my initial petition, I may have failed to provide comprehensive evidence that I had overcome the extenuating circumstances. However, since then, I have attended follow-up medical assessments, and on July 12, 2025, my physician confirmed that I have made significant progress and am fit to return to academic life.
While the Associate Dean’s decision acknowledged the strength of my academic plan and showed understanding by reducing the withdrawal to one year, it relied on the initial perception that I had not yet demonstrated readiness. That conclusion was made without the benefit of updated medical documents, which I now provide. I believe this makes the original decision incomplete and therefore not fully reasonable.
I also wish to highlight that I was unable to meet certain documentation requirements earlier due to the severe impact of grief, cultural stigma around mental health, and lack of immediate support while studying abroad. I believe a fair process should take into account these barriers and allow students the opportunity to clarify and supplement their case, especially when mental health is involved.
I respectfully request the Board to consider my current condition, verified recovery, and concrete academic preparation, and grant me the opportunity to continue my studies this fall.
While the Associate Dean’s decision acknowledged the strength of my academic plan and showed understanding by reducing the withdrawal to one year, it relied on the initial perception that I had not yet demonstrated readiness. That conclusion was made without the benefit of updated medical documents, which I now provide. I believe this makes the original decision incomplete and therefore not fully reasonable.
I also wish to highlight that I was unable to meet certain documentation requirements earlier due to the severe impact of grief, cultural stigma around mental health, and lack of immediate support while studying abroad. I believe a fair process should take into account these barriers and allow students the opportunity to clarify and supplement their case, especially when mental health is involved.
I respectfully request the Board to consider my current condition, verified recovery, and concrete academic preparation, and grant me the opportunity to continue my studies this fall.
Appeal Letter
Appeal Letter: I am writing with deep sincerity to appeal the one-year required withdrawal decision. I want to thank the Associate Dean for reviewing my initial petition and reducing the withdrawal period from three years to one. I truly appreciate this compassion. However, I now hope to respectfully request the opportunity to resume my studies without further delay.
This past year has been the most difficult period of my life. I underwent surgery in June 2024 and was hospitalized for nearly two months, followed by the unexpected passing of my grandfather—who raised me and was my greatest emotional support—early this year. I was devastated both physically and emotionally, and my mental health declined rapidly into a state of severe depression, which left me unable to function academically. I struggled to ask for help due to cultural barriers, emotional paralysis, and shame. At that time, I felt too broken to reach out.
Since returning to China, I have been receiving weekly therapy and medical support. I now have an updated medical statement (dated July 12, 2025) confirming that I have substantially recovered and am ready to resume full academic responsibilities. I’ve rebuilt a healthy daily routine, established academic goals, and regained the confidence and structure that I previously lacked. I’ve also proactively prepared to retake key courses and have enrolled in tutoring and coding programs during the summer to ensure I am ready for a successful return.
I understand the university’s concern about students needing time away to address personal challenges. But for me, that time has already happened. I have not only reflected on what went wrong but taken serious steps to change my life. I am no longer the person I was during that crisis. I have grown, sought help, and built the tools I need to succeed.
I ask only for a chance to continue my education this fall, to rebuild my academic path with the full intention of meeting and exceeding expectations. I believe in Queen’s University and the values it upholds, and I am committed to contributing positively as a student and member of this community.
Thank you for considering my appeal.
This past year has been the most difficult period of my life. I underwent surgery in June 2024 and was hospitalized for nearly two months, followed by the unexpected passing of my grandfather—who raised me and was my greatest emotional support—early this year. I was devastated both physically and emotionally, and my mental health declined rapidly into a state of severe depression, which left me unable to function academically. I struggled to ask for help due to cultural barriers, emotional paralysis, and shame. At that time, I felt too broken to reach out.
Since returning to China, I have been receiving weekly therapy and medical support. I now have an updated medical statement (dated July 12, 2025) confirming that I have substantially recovered and am ready to resume full academic responsibilities. I’ve rebuilt a healthy daily routine, established academic goals, and regained the confidence and structure that I previously lacked. I’ve also proactively prepared to retake key courses and have enrolled in tutoring and coding programs during the summer to ensure I am ready for a successful return.
I understand the university’s concern about students needing time away to address personal challenges. But for me, that time has already happened. I have not only reflected on what went wrong but taken serious steps to change my life. I am no longer the person I was during that crisis. I have grown, sought help, and built the tools I need to succeed.
I ask only for a chance to continue my education this fall, to rebuild my academic path with the full intention of meeting and exceeding expectations. I believe in Queen’s University and the values it upholds, and I am committed to contributing positively as a student and member of this community.
Thank you for considering my appeal.
Documentation
Document: _Personal Statement.pdf
Document: Medical Certificate-3.pdf