Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean,

I am writing with a request to waive a requirement to withdraw for one year. I just learned of this requirement on July 21, 2025. I understand that an email was sent prior to this, I have not been checking my Queen’s University email and missed your letter.

I would like to describe some circumstances that have contributed to my poor academic performance and explain that I am enthusiastic to return to my studies in the Fall 2025 semester, given the opportunity.

Several issues occurred in succession over the 2024-25 academic year:

In December 2024 our family pet became sick, and we had to make a difficult choice to euthanize her. This was difficult and created a negative impact on my mental state, I have since recovered but this did play a role in my inability to focus on school.

Shortly following the death of our pet, my grandfather suddenly passed away in February 2025. I was out of the country with my family when this happened and we rushed home to make final arrangements for him. I returned to school immediately the next day while mourning and struggled with this over the next several months. I have come to terms with his death, and I am able to manage my emotional state.

The following month, March 2025, my younger sister underwent a few difficult life changes, in addition to the losses we have suffered as a family. With the hardship of my grandfather and pet passing, and the continuous stress her schooling placed on her, she entered a state of mental anguish affecting not only herself, but my family as well. This took attention away from my studies as I mainly focused on her mental health recovery and assuring her safety at the time. She has since found mental stability and a balance, no longer requiring my help or support with these issues.

There was consistent, over-arching financial stress. I frequently travelled from Kingston to my hometown in Stoney Creek to pick up shifts from my part-time job throughout my school year. This took away from my academic focus and my courses. My family has agreed that this is not ideal and support me staying in Kingston to focus on school, not worrying about finances.

All of these circumstances have contributed to an unhealthy lifestyle, both physically and psychologically, which I have been living. I have recently enrolled in counselling and have an appointment with my family physician on July 31st to discuss how to put my best foot forward in this coming year to regain a heathy lifestyle.

I ask that you consider these extenuating circumstances and waive the requirement for me to withdraw for one year. I would like to return to my studies in the Fall 2025 semester. Below is my academic plan to finish my degree and graduate from Queen’s University. I would be happy to discuss this live if that is an option.

Academic Plan
- Fall 2025 – 5 courses
- Winter 2026 – 5 courses
- Intercession – 1 course
- Summer – 1 course
- Fall 2026 – 5 courses
- Winter 2027 – 5 courses
- Intercession – 1 course
- Summer – 1 course
- Fall 2027 – 6 courses

Best Regards,
Reese Drew