Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Olivia Lloyd
20235072
Major of Arts and Science, Philosophy
Queen’s University
20ogl@queensu.ca

23 October 2025

To:
The Associate Dean
Faculty of Arts and Science
Queen’s University

Subject: Petition for Late Course Drop – Fall 2023 and Winter 2024

Dear Associate Dean,

I am writing to respectfully request consideration for a late course drop for my Fall 2023 and Winter 2024 courses, which I was unable to successfully complete due to significant and undiagnosed medical issues that severely impacted my ability to study and function day to day. During this period, apart from one course I managed to complete, I failed the remaining eight courses.

Throughout the 2023–2024 academic year, I was suffering from an undiagnosed gastrointestinal disorder that caused debilitating daily pain and exhaustion. Despite repeatedly visiting walk-in clinics, since I was unable to obtain a family doctor due to long waitlists during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, I was consistently told that my symptoms were caused by stress or menstrual issues. In an attempt to address the problem, I had my IUD removed, but my condition did not improve. I underwent numerous medical tests, including blood tests, urine and stool samples, ultrasounds, and eventually an endoscopy and colonoscopy.

The process of seeking answers was physically and mentally draining having to book appointments months in advance and not hearing back for weeks and being told everything was fine. I had to repeatedly advocate for myself with new doctors who did not believe the extent of my pain. I was briefly told I had a cyst on my right ovary, which was causing the pain, to which doctors said could not be removed and nothing could be done. During this time, I experimented with different diets that provided no improvement and left me increasingly hopeless. My pain was so severe that I often stayed in bed, unable to eat or move comfortably. I sometimes avoided eating altogether just to delay the pain, to the point where my roommate found me pale, shaking, and dizzy from not eating enough.

After months of persistence, I finally found a family doctor in Toronto who referred me for a colonoscopy. I was subsequently diagnosed with non-ulcer dyspepsia and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and with proper dietary guidance, specifically beginning the FODMAP diet on October 26, 2024, I began to recover. However, during the earlier months of my illness, my mental health deteriorated severely. I was isolated, estranged from my parents, and paying for university on my own. Financial stress compounded my situation heavily. In first year, I was denied OSAP due to my stepfather’s income despite receiving no support from him. Once I was finally recognized as independent, I was able to receive OSAP in second year, but after my health crisis and academic probation, I had to work full-time to afford tuition and living costs.

I am also requesting that the petition deadline be waived, as I was not in a position, physically or mentally, to seek help or file this petition when I first became aware of it.

This has been an incredibly difficult and transformative period in my life. With a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, my health and stability have significantly improved, and I am committed to continuing my studies successfully. Since my diagnosis and treatment plan, I have already been able to show my improvement with my courses and have paid off my last semester of school out of pocket, easing my financial stress moving forward. I hope you will consider granting this petition to remove the failed courses from my academic record, as my performance during that time does not reflect my true capabilities or commitment to my education.

I have attached my medical records that I obtained from my General Practitioner during the time he helped to diagnose me. I have attached my doctor’s information if you may have any questions. If you would prefer a letter from my doctor he has told me that he can provide that too if needed.


Dr. Pelchovitz

Address: 491 Lawrence Ave W, North York, ON M5M 1C7

Phone: (416) 787-5693

Hours:
Thursday: 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.


Thank you very much for your time and understanding.
Sincerely,

Olivia Lloyd
20235072