Petition Letter
Alessia Battisti
20332410
Arts & Science
Queen’s University
14 November 2024
Dear Associate Dean Dr. James Fraser,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to formally request a review and consideration for the removal of courses from my academic transcript and the requirement to withdraw for one year. I understand that this is an unusual request, but I believe there are extenuating circumstances that warrant such a petition, and I would like to provide further details to support my case.
The past two years at Queen’s have been a confusing and challenging time for me. Before coming to university, high school was a place where I thrived. I consistently excelled academically, earning the Principal’s Award every year and graduating with an average of 93%. However, the day I received university offers was one of the scariest moments of my life. At the last minute, I chose Queen’s, hoping that a change of environment might be good for me.
During my Grade 11 year, my mother suffered a brain aneurysm and underwent three surgeries over the course of three years. Due to COVID-19, I was unable to visit her in the hospital for two months. The experience of nearly losing her had a profound effect on me, and I became deeply anxious whenever we were apart. I constantly feared that every moment with her could be my last, which created an overwhelming sense of dread whenever I was away from home.
When I began my first year at Queen’s, I made a genuine effort to embrace the university culture and do my best, I joined intermural filed hockey and figure skating and even did a Medical Brigade in Honduras, but unfortunately, I struggled. In the second semester, I was prescribed anti-depressants, which initially helped but also led to increased anxiety. The medications made it difficult for me to leave my dorm, as I feared something bad might happen if I stepped outside. This heightened anxiety significantly impacted my ability to attend classes and fully engage in my studies.
The second year came quickly, and before I knew it, I found myself in a position where I had to put in my best effort. I had just received notice that my cumulative GPA was far too low, and I knew I had to step up my game or risk being required to withdraw. In the fall of 2024, I truly tried my hardest—I attended classes, went to labs, and tried to stay on campus instead of going home every weekend. I stuck it out, even when it felt difficult.
However, when I received my marks after Christmas break, I felt incredibly discouraged. Despite the effort I had put in, my grades didn’t reflect it. Looking back, I realized that while I was attending lectures, I wasn’t reviewing the material afterward, I wasn’t attending tutorials, and I didn’t reach out for help when I needed it most. When the winter term began, I was completely isolated. I stopped going to class, I didn’t show up for my exams, and I ended up with zeroes across the board.
I know that many students face challenges and still manage to push through, and I can’t help but feel that I let myself down. These past two years have really affected my mental health, and I’ve struggled with feelings of inadequacy. I’m not asking for a handout, but rather for a chance to show you who I really am as a student. I’m not the person my grades might suggest, and I know I am capable of so much more.
Taking this year off has given me a lot of time to reflect, and I’ve realized how much I’ve missed learning. I’ve been working non-stop to keep my mind occupied, but I can’t escape the fact that I am truly passionate about my education. I am requesting the opportunity to have these courses removed from my transcript and, if possible, to have the requirement to withdraw waived. My goal is to make the necessary adjustments to my academic record so that I can continue working towards a place where I can feel proud of my academic progress.
Thank you for considering my request, and I would be grateful for the chance to discuss this further.
20332410
Arts & Science
Queen’s University
14 November 2024
Dear Associate Dean Dr. James Fraser,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to formally request a review and consideration for the removal of courses from my academic transcript and the requirement to withdraw for one year. I understand that this is an unusual request, but I believe there are extenuating circumstances that warrant such a petition, and I would like to provide further details to support my case.
The past two years at Queen’s have been a confusing and challenging time for me. Before coming to university, high school was a place where I thrived. I consistently excelled academically, earning the Principal’s Award every year and graduating with an average of 93%. However, the day I received university offers was one of the scariest moments of my life. At the last minute, I chose Queen’s, hoping that a change of environment might be good for me.
During my Grade 11 year, my mother suffered a brain aneurysm and underwent three surgeries over the course of three years. Due to COVID-19, I was unable to visit her in the hospital for two months. The experience of nearly losing her had a profound effect on me, and I became deeply anxious whenever we were apart. I constantly feared that every moment with her could be my last, which created an overwhelming sense of dread whenever I was away from home.
When I began my first year at Queen’s, I made a genuine effort to embrace the university culture and do my best, I joined intermural filed hockey and figure skating and even did a Medical Brigade in Honduras, but unfortunately, I struggled. In the second semester, I was prescribed anti-depressants, which initially helped but also led to increased anxiety. The medications made it difficult for me to leave my dorm, as I feared something bad might happen if I stepped outside. This heightened anxiety significantly impacted my ability to attend classes and fully engage in my studies.
The second year came quickly, and before I knew it, I found myself in a position where I had to put in my best effort. I had just received notice that my cumulative GPA was far too low, and I knew I had to step up my game or risk being required to withdraw. In the fall of 2024, I truly tried my hardest—I attended classes, went to labs, and tried to stay on campus instead of going home every weekend. I stuck it out, even when it felt difficult.
However, when I received my marks after Christmas break, I felt incredibly discouraged. Despite the effort I had put in, my grades didn’t reflect it. Looking back, I realized that while I was attending lectures, I wasn’t reviewing the material afterward, I wasn’t attending tutorials, and I didn’t reach out for help when I needed it most. When the winter term began, I was completely isolated. I stopped going to class, I didn’t show up for my exams, and I ended up with zeroes across the board.
I know that many students face challenges and still manage to push through, and I can’t help but feel that I let myself down. These past two years have really affected my mental health, and I’ve struggled with feelings of inadequacy. I’m not asking for a handout, but rather for a chance to show you who I really am as a student. I’m not the person my grades might suggest, and I know I am capable of so much more.
Taking this year off has given me a lot of time to reflect, and I’ve realized how much I’ve missed learning. I’ve been working non-stop to keep my mind occupied, but I can’t escape the fact that I am truly passionate about my education. I am requesting the opportunity to have these courses removed from my transcript and, if possible, to have the requirement to withdraw waived. My goal is to make the necessary adjustments to my academic record so that I can continue working towards a place where I can feel proud of my academic progress.
Thank you for considering my request, and I would be grateful for the chance to discuss this further.