Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Sammi Cho
20274230
January 14th, 2026

Dear Petition Team,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to request an extension for my deferred exam due to on-going medical and mental health challenges that have significantly affected my academic performance this semester. I am currently dealing with a combination of depression, anxiety (including panic attacks), ADHD (hard time focusing on tasks), and a learning disability (which I was diagnosed with in elementary school until high school but need to get it reassessed stated by student wellness as they didn’t allow for my previous high school records of my disability), which have had a profound impact on my ability to succeed in my courses.

To provide some context, I have been actively seeking professional help to manage my conditions. My family doctor initially referred me to a psychiatrist. However, my case was deemed not “severe” enough (not suicidal). I then was referred again to a different psychiatrist at a hospital. After many weeks of waiting, I have still not received any follow-up or contract from the hospital, leaving me without necessary care and help.

I also sought help from the counseling and social work services at Queen's University. However, I was advised that the psychiatrists here only offer one initial consultation session that includes an assessment, and they do not provide follow-up care, which I need to manage my conditions effectively. The psychiatrist my family doctor referred me to, however, would offer follow-up appointments, which I believe would better address my needs.

Despite my attempts to seek appropriate care, I have found that the counseling services and SASS at Queen's have not provided sufficient support for my ongoing mental health struggles. This lack of support has severely hindered my academic progress, as evidenced by my midterm grades. I have also failed one of my other courses in fall semester, although my professor kindly offered me a chance to retake the exam due to my consistent attendance.

In addition to the difficulties with my mental health, the overwhelming workload from this semester’s courses, coupled with the lack of appropriate medical support, has made it impossible for me to prepare adequately for my exams. Furthermore, during one of my practical exams, I experienced a severe panic attack that caused me to black out, leading to failure.

Given these circumstances, I am unable to take my deferred exam due to the ongoing nature of my medical condition and the insufficient support I have received. The stress from managing my mental health, academic responsibilities, and the lack of proper treatment has left me in a position where I am unable to perform at my best.


I kindly request an extension for my deferred exam, as I continue to seek the necessary treatment for my conditions. I am committed to overcoming these challenges, but without proper medical support, I am unable to achieve the academic success I am capable of.

Thank you for considering my petition.

Sincerely,
Sammi Cho
20274230