Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I am writing to respectfully request consideration of my progression status in the Bachelor of Computing (Honours) program at Queen’s University. My CGPA was significantly affected by my result in STAT 263, which changed my academic standing this term.

I take full responsibility for my academic performance; however, I must share that I have been facing profound mental distress this term. I come from a very different academic system in India, the CBSE curriculum, and adjusting to this environment has been overwhelming. As the semester went on, the pressure of meeting academic standards, combined with my personal stress, took a serious toll. In fact, during the exam for STAT 263, I was 5 minutes late, and in that rush, I printed out extra cheat sheets which weren’t allowed something I deeply regret. This mistake was a product of the immense mental pressure I was under; I did not intend to violate any policies. While I respected the professor’s guidelines, this incident created a heavy mental toll on me during the exam, and it deeply affected my final performance. Although my internal assessments in the course were strong, my final exam was derailed by this anxiety and disruption.

Because of this one subject, my entire trajectory in Computing—something I came all the way from India to pursue—feels as if it is slipping away. I am standing at a dead end, and it is incredibly difficult to cope, knowing that this one exam changed the course of everything. I am, therefore, requesting to drop STAT 263 from this term. If it is dropped, my CGPA will rise to 2.58, allowing me to continue meeting progression requirements—27 units completed, a B in CISC 121, and all other conditions met. I am fully committed to retaking STAT 263 next term, once I have regained my balance and addressed my mental health.

This program means everything to me, and I came here with a dream that has defined my path. I ask for your understanding, compassion, and flexibility, so I can continue on this journey.

Thank you very much for your time and support.