Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Jenn Stephenson, Ph.D.
Associate Dean (Studies),

I am writing to request that my requirement to withdraw for one year be reconsidered. The response that I received to my previous request is in align with the lack of support I have experienced while at Queen’s. I found the response to be not trauma informed and I question whether anyone who continues to make referrals to QSAS (and the other “supports” offered on campus) has actually experienced trying to utilize these themselves. I personally, have found them to be not helpful, humiliating, insulting and stressful. Aside from that, I have never qualified for the supports or accommodations as it appears anything g that is complex and beyond a student fresh out of highschool with anxiety etc. is not considered when creating the rules to receive accommodations. The only support I have felt in this journey is from Ban Righ. Without them, I would have given up on my goals a long time ago.

While I realize that I have struggled during my journey at Queen’s I went into each semester positive that things would be better and I would be successful. I did not ever imagine that things would continue for 6 years after trying to leave an abusive relationship. During my time at Queen’s my hone as attempted to be lit on fire, I have been stalked and threatened, physically assaulted. I moved from Newfoundland to Ontario to get away where most recently, my home has been broken into twice, my children have been kidnapped and my vehicle has been damaged at the hands of my ex husband. The Courts and police have been involved for years due to the intimate partner violence I have experienced. Alwo, due to financial struggles, I have had to work full time and this past semester (winter 2025) my landlord wanted to sell the home and changed the locks. Not allowing us into our home and stealing our belongings. With police assistance I was able to recover some items and relocate to a new home again. This is just a small part of the story. Explaining all of this was really just to say that I could not control, predict or prevent any of this and I really do want to accomplish my goals and finish my degree successfully.
Due to the psychology online program coming to an end I am asking that I be able to continue my studies on a part time basis of maximum two courses per semester until I can bring up my GPA. I feel that with moving to part time I would be more successful and it’s more realistic at this time. This will allow me to re-do some of my courses to improve my grade and also continue working towards my degree. I am also requesting a withdraw for my summer courses so that I can re-set and prepare for September. I hope that due to these extenuating circumstances beyond my control, you will reconsider my requirement to withdraw from Queen’s.
Thank you
Ashley Hart