Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 13402
Submitted: July 10, 2025 at 9:06:23 PM
First Name: Harsheta
Last Name: Taneja
Pronoun: she/her
Preferred Name: Harsheta
Student Number: 20338146
Email: 21ht29@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BSH
Plan: BIOL
Level of Study: 3
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Code: BIOL 200
Term: Winter
Year: 2025
Petition Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean,
I am writing to formally request a late drop for the course BIOL200 taken during the Winter 2025 term. I experienced an extenuating circumstance in mid-April 2025, during the final exam period, which severely impacted my academic performance, particularly in this course.
In mid-April, I was the victim of a sexual assault in downtown Kingston. This traumatic incident led to significant emotional and psychological distress. I was involved in an ongoing process with the police and accessed mental health support services to begin addressing the impacts of the trauma. These events occurred at a crucial point in the academic term, just prior to final exams.
While I had already been facing challenges in BIOL200, I believe I could have successfully completed the course under normal circumstances. However, the effects of the assault made it extremely difficult to prepare for and complete my final assessments, resulting in a failing grade. BIOL200 is a required course for my program, and I plan to retake it in Winter 2026 when it is next offered.
I have attached a supporting letter from Barb Lotan, Manager of Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Services at the Queen’s Human Rights and Equity Office, which verifies the circumstances and the impact on my academic performance.
I respectfully ask for your understanding and consideration in granting this petition to late drop BIOL200 due to the exceptional nature of these events.
Thank you for your time and support.
Sincerely,
Harsheta Taneja
I am writing to formally request a late drop for the course BIOL200 taken during the Winter 2025 term. I experienced an extenuating circumstance in mid-April 2025, during the final exam period, which severely impacted my academic performance, particularly in this course.
In mid-April, I was the victim of a sexual assault in downtown Kingston. This traumatic incident led to significant emotional and psychological distress. I was involved in an ongoing process with the police and accessed mental health support services to begin addressing the impacts of the trauma. These events occurred at a crucial point in the academic term, just prior to final exams.
While I had already been facing challenges in BIOL200, I believe I could have successfully completed the course under normal circumstances. However, the effects of the assault made it extremely difficult to prepare for and complete my final assessments, resulting in a failing grade. BIOL200 is a required course for my program, and I plan to retake it in Winter 2026 when it is next offered.
I have attached a supporting letter from Barb Lotan, Manager of Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Services at the Queen’s Human Rights and Equity Office, which verifies the circumstances and the impact on my academic performance.
I respectfully ask for your understanding and consideration in granting this petition to late drop BIOL200 due to the exceptional nature of these events.
Thank you for your time and support.
Sincerely,
Harsheta Taneja
Documentation
Professional Letter: 20338146 HT LoS FAS late drop petition SU25.pdf