Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 14135
Submitted: April 8, 2026 at 3:28:50 PM
First Name: Aamna
Last Name: Jahangir
Pronoun: she/her
Student Number: 20555208
Email: 25ks7@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BSc
Plan: CISC
Level of Study: 1
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Waive the requirement to withdraw for one year
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: I am writing to respectfully petition the requirement to withdraw and request that my academic standing be reconsidered in light of significant extenuating circumstances beyond my control that directly affected my academic performance during my first year in the Bachelor of Science program.
During this academic year, I experienced the loss of two close family members. The first loss occurred right before the school year began, and the second occurred in March. These events had a profound emotional and psychological impact on me and significantly affected my ability to focus, attend classes consistently, complete coursework on time, and prepare adequately for tests and examinations.
The significant decline in my academic performance has been extremely difficult for me to come to terms with, as this level of academic struggle is not representative of my usual abilities. Throughout high school, although I experienced occasional academic lows, my performance has never declined to this extent, and I believe my high school transcript reflects my true academic potential and previous consistency as a student especially in my field of study and other science subjects.
The shift from high school to then living alone and away from family was a large factor in my poor performance. Oftentimes I felt as though I was the least intelligent in the room, and that all the other students knew everything and more while I sat there confused. This belief took a toll on my self esteem which affected how well I did throughout the year.
Following these losses, I experienced an extended period of grief, emotional distress, and difficulty concentrating that lasted for several weeks and continued to affect me throughout the term. During this time, I found it extremely difficult to keep up with lectures, remain consistent with studying, and complete assignments to the best of my ability.
In addition to these family losses, I also became severely ill for several weeks at a time this year during the academic term and couldn’t move from bed, which further worsened my ability to attend to coursework and maintain my academic responsibilities. This illness, combined with the ongoing effects of bereavement, significantly contributed to missed coursework, reduced preparation for assessments, and poor performance in my courses.
In addition to the that, my mother was also seriously unwell while living in England. Being physically far away from her caused me significant emotional distress and ongoing anxiety, as I was genuinely worried about the possibility of losing her as well. This persistent stress and fear made it extremely difficult for me to focus on lectures and maintain consistent study habits.
These circumstances directly affected my performance in courses including my CISC, MATH, ECON and PHARM classes.
At the time, I attempted to manage these circumstances as best as possible while continuing my studies. I relied on family support and am now taking further steps to ensure future academic success.
I understand the recovery required is very significant but I can guarantee that I can make a comeback academically and have already started to plan this recovery, not delaying any time and already enrolling in summer classes to aid me in brining up my GPA.
I request that any sort of alternative solution be offered in order to avoid leaving Queen’s for 12 months. I request that I be allowed to stay— even on academic probation, or if I must retake courses next year I am willing to do that as well.
I fully acknowledge my academic standing; however, I respectfully request that these extenuating circumstances be considered and that the requirement to withdraw be waived, with consideration for academic probation or another alternative that would allow me to continue my studies without interruption.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
During this academic year, I experienced the loss of two close family members. The first loss occurred right before the school year began, and the second occurred in March. These events had a profound emotional and psychological impact on me and significantly affected my ability to focus, attend classes consistently, complete coursework on time, and prepare adequately for tests and examinations.
The significant decline in my academic performance has been extremely difficult for me to come to terms with, as this level of academic struggle is not representative of my usual abilities. Throughout high school, although I experienced occasional academic lows, my performance has never declined to this extent, and I believe my high school transcript reflects my true academic potential and previous consistency as a student especially in my field of study and other science subjects.
The shift from high school to then living alone and away from family was a large factor in my poor performance. Oftentimes I felt as though I was the least intelligent in the room, and that all the other students knew everything and more while I sat there confused. This belief took a toll on my self esteem which affected how well I did throughout the year.
Following these losses, I experienced an extended period of grief, emotional distress, and difficulty concentrating that lasted for several weeks and continued to affect me throughout the term. During this time, I found it extremely difficult to keep up with lectures, remain consistent with studying, and complete assignments to the best of my ability.
In addition to these family losses, I also became severely ill for several weeks at a time this year during the academic term and couldn’t move from bed, which further worsened my ability to attend to coursework and maintain my academic responsibilities. This illness, combined with the ongoing effects of bereavement, significantly contributed to missed coursework, reduced preparation for assessments, and poor performance in my courses.
In addition to the that, my mother was also seriously unwell while living in England. Being physically far away from her caused me significant emotional distress and ongoing anxiety, as I was genuinely worried about the possibility of losing her as well. This persistent stress and fear made it extremely difficult for me to focus on lectures and maintain consistent study habits.
These circumstances directly affected my performance in courses including my CISC, MATH, ECON and PHARM classes.
At the time, I attempted to manage these circumstances as best as possible while continuing my studies. I relied on family support and am now taking further steps to ensure future academic success.
I understand the recovery required is very significant but I can guarantee that I can make a comeback academically and have already started to plan this recovery, not delaying any time and already enrolling in summer classes to aid me in brining up my GPA.
I request that any sort of alternative solution be offered in order to avoid leaving Queen’s for 12 months. I request that I be allowed to stay— even on academic probation, or if I must retake courses next year I am willing to do that as well.
I fully acknowledge my academic standing; however, I respectfully request that these extenuating circumstances be considered and that the requirement to withdraw be waived, with consideration for academic probation or another alternative that would allow me to continue my studies without interruption.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: Academic Plan to Support Petition to Waive Requirement to Withdraw
A. Course of Study
I am currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Science program and intend to continue working toward an Honours Bachelor of Science, with an interest in Computing.
I will review my Academic Advisement Report on SOLUS and meet with an Academic Advisor in the Faculty of Arts and Science / Computing office prior to course registration to ensure that I fully understand my degree requirements and select appropriate courses moving forward.
Given the challenges I experienced this year, I will prioritize core foundational courses and ensure that I am enrolled in courses that align with my academic strengths and long-term goals. If necessary, I am open to adjusting my academic plan in consultation with an advisor to ensure that my program remains realistic and achievable.
B. Course Load and Work Expectations
Given the significant personal and health-related challenges I experienced this year, I recognize that my previous course load may not have been manageable under those circumstances.
Moving forward, I am prepared to take a reduced course load, if recommended, in order to focus on fewer courses and improve my academic performance. I understand that a full course load requires a substantial time commitment, and I will ensure that I allocate sufficient time each week to attend lectures, complete assignments, and study effectively.
I do not plan to take on excessive external commitments that would interfere with my academic responsibilities. My primary focus will be on rebuilding my academic standing and establishing consistent study habits.
I will also take courses over the summer to help bring up my GPA sooner rather than later without delay so that I do not need to wait for the next school year to begin my academic recovery.
C. Strategies for Success
This year, my academic performance was significantly impacted by multiple extenuating circumstances, including the loss of family members, illness, and ongoing family-related stress. These experiences affected my concentration, consistency, and ability to manage my coursework.
To address these challenges moving forward, I will implement the following strategies:
1. Academic Support
- Attend professor and TA office hours regularly for clarification and support
- Use tutoring resources such as ASUS Peer Tutoring and study groups
- Seek help early when I do not understand course material
2. Time Management and Study Skills
- Create and follow a structured weekly study schedule
- Break assignments into smaller, manageable tasks with internal deadlines
- Begin exam preparation well in advance rather than last-minute studying
3. Wellness and Mental Health Support
- Access Student Wellness Services for counselling to manage grief and stress
- Continue to develop coping strategies to improve focus and emotional wellbeing
- Seek support early if personal circumstances begin to affect my academics again
4. Communication and Accountability
- Maintain regular communication with instructors regarding any academic difficulties
- Reach out for support immediately if I begin to fall behind
- Meet with an academic advisor periodically to track my progress
5. Realistic Planning
- Be mindful of my limits and avoid overloading myself academically
- Adjust my academic plan if needed based on performance and wellbeing
- Focus on steady, consistent improvement rather than attempting to take on too much at once
The challenges I experienced this year were significant but temporary. I am now in a better position to focus on my studies and have developed a clear, realistic plan to improve my academic performance.
I am fully committed to following this plan and to working toward returning to good academic standing. I respectfully request the opportunity to continue my studies under academic probation rather than being required to withdraw.
A. Course of Study
I am currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Science program and intend to continue working toward an Honours Bachelor of Science, with an interest in Computing.
I will review my Academic Advisement Report on SOLUS and meet with an Academic Advisor in the Faculty of Arts and Science / Computing office prior to course registration to ensure that I fully understand my degree requirements and select appropriate courses moving forward.
Given the challenges I experienced this year, I will prioritize core foundational courses and ensure that I am enrolled in courses that align with my academic strengths and long-term goals. If necessary, I am open to adjusting my academic plan in consultation with an advisor to ensure that my program remains realistic and achievable.
B. Course Load and Work Expectations
Given the significant personal and health-related challenges I experienced this year, I recognize that my previous course load may not have been manageable under those circumstances.
Moving forward, I am prepared to take a reduced course load, if recommended, in order to focus on fewer courses and improve my academic performance. I understand that a full course load requires a substantial time commitment, and I will ensure that I allocate sufficient time each week to attend lectures, complete assignments, and study effectively.
I do not plan to take on excessive external commitments that would interfere with my academic responsibilities. My primary focus will be on rebuilding my academic standing and establishing consistent study habits.
I will also take courses over the summer to help bring up my GPA sooner rather than later without delay so that I do not need to wait for the next school year to begin my academic recovery.
C. Strategies for Success
This year, my academic performance was significantly impacted by multiple extenuating circumstances, including the loss of family members, illness, and ongoing family-related stress. These experiences affected my concentration, consistency, and ability to manage my coursework.
To address these challenges moving forward, I will implement the following strategies:
1. Academic Support
- Attend professor and TA office hours regularly for clarification and support
- Use tutoring resources such as ASUS Peer Tutoring and study groups
- Seek help early when I do not understand course material
2. Time Management and Study Skills
- Create and follow a structured weekly study schedule
- Break assignments into smaller, manageable tasks with internal deadlines
- Begin exam preparation well in advance rather than last-minute studying
3. Wellness and Mental Health Support
- Access Student Wellness Services for counselling to manage grief and stress
- Continue to develop coping strategies to improve focus and emotional wellbeing
- Seek support early if personal circumstances begin to affect my academics again
4. Communication and Accountability
- Maintain regular communication with instructors regarding any academic difficulties
- Reach out for support immediately if I begin to fall behind
- Meet with an academic advisor periodically to track my progress
5. Realistic Planning
- Be mindful of my limits and avoid overloading myself academically
- Adjust my academic plan if needed based on performance and wellbeing
- Focus on steady, consistent improvement rather than attempting to take on too much at once
The challenges I experienced this year were significant but temporary. I am now in a better position to focus on my studies and have developed a clear, realistic plan to improve my academic performance.
I am fully committed to following this plan and to working toward returning to good academic standing. I respectfully request the opportunity to continue my studies under academic probation rather than being required to withdraw.
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Documentation Detail: A letter from Queen’s Student Wellness regarding the mentioned incidents