Petition Letter
Dear Dr. Dorit Naaman,
My name is Tami Sakariyas-DE, and I am a student in the Faculty of Arts and Science. I am
writing to respectfully petition the Requirement to Withdraw decision due to significant
extenuating circumstances beyond my control that have affected my academic
performance. This letter outlines the nature and timing of these circumstances, their
impact on my academic performance, and my plan for future academic success.
My academic difficulties are the result of ongoing family circumstances that began in Fall
2021 and continued over several years. During this time, my grandmother was diagnosed
with cancer and moved into our home, where my father became her primary caregiver.
Around the same period, our home experienced a major basement flood shortly after
moving into a bungalow, which required extensive repairs over approximately two years.
These events resulted in a prolonged period of instability within my household, including
increased financial stress, limited living space, and ongoing family responsibilities.
These circumstances affected my ability to maintain consistent academic routines over
time. The instability at home made it difficult to focus, establish structured study habits,
and maintain consistent academic performance. This impact continued into my university
studies.
When I began my studies at Queen’s University in Fall 2025, I experienced continued
difficulty maintaining academic consistency. Despite my intention to improve
academically in a new environment, I now recognize that I had not fully recovered from the
cumulative stress and instability of previous years. As a result, I struggled throughout both
the Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 terms to meet the academic demands of my courses, which
is reflected in my academic performance.
Although my academic performance was affected, I remained engaged in the university
community. I participated in student organizations including AMS and CESA and received a
first-year Concurrent Education award. I also attempted to access academic support
through the Bounce Back tutoring program, but ongoing engagement was not sustained. I
recognize that I should have been more proactive in seeking and maintaining academic
support when challenges continued.
My academic performance in Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 does not reflect my academic
ability or commitment, but rather the cumulative effect of prolonged external stress and
unresolved challenges that affected my ability to perform consistently.
Since receiving the Requirement to Withdraw decision, I have begun taking steps to
address these issues. I attended a walk-in clinic regarding the effects of prolonged stress
and was advised to complete follow-up medical testing. I am also in the process of
obtaining additional documentation where possible.
I respectfully request that the Requirement to Withdraw be waived and that I be permitted
to continue my studies. I am committed to demonstrating academic success under
improved structure, support, and stability.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Tami Sakariyas-DE
t.sakariyasde@queensu.ca | (905) 531-8642
Student #: 20557022
My name is Tami Sakariyas-DE, and I am a student in the Faculty of Arts and Science. I am
writing to respectfully petition the Requirement to Withdraw decision due to significant
extenuating circumstances beyond my control that have affected my academic
performance. This letter outlines the nature and timing of these circumstances, their
impact on my academic performance, and my plan for future academic success.
My academic difficulties are the result of ongoing family circumstances that began in Fall
2021 and continued over several years. During this time, my grandmother was diagnosed
with cancer and moved into our home, where my father became her primary caregiver.
Around the same period, our home experienced a major basement flood shortly after
moving into a bungalow, which required extensive repairs over approximately two years.
These events resulted in a prolonged period of instability within my household, including
increased financial stress, limited living space, and ongoing family responsibilities.
These circumstances affected my ability to maintain consistent academic routines over
time. The instability at home made it difficult to focus, establish structured study habits,
and maintain consistent academic performance. This impact continued into my university
studies.
When I began my studies at Queen’s University in Fall 2025, I experienced continued
difficulty maintaining academic consistency. Despite my intention to improve
academically in a new environment, I now recognize that I had not fully recovered from the
cumulative stress and instability of previous years. As a result, I struggled throughout both
the Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 terms to meet the academic demands of my courses, which
is reflected in my academic performance.
Although my academic performance was affected, I remained engaged in the university
community. I participated in student organizations including AMS and CESA and received a
first-year Concurrent Education award. I also attempted to access academic support
through the Bounce Back tutoring program, but ongoing engagement was not sustained. I
recognize that I should have been more proactive in seeking and maintaining academic
support when challenges continued.
My academic performance in Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 does not reflect my academic
ability or commitment, but rather the cumulative effect of prolonged external stress and
unresolved challenges that affected my ability to perform consistently.
Since receiving the Requirement to Withdraw decision, I have begun taking steps to
address these issues. I attended a walk-in clinic regarding the effects of prolonged stress
and was advised to complete follow-up medical testing. I am also in the process of
obtaining additional documentation where possible.
I respectfully request that the Requirement to Withdraw be waived and that I be permitted
to continue my studies. I am committed to demonstrating academic success under
improved structure, support, and stability.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Tami Sakariyas-DE
t.sakariyasde@queensu.ca | (905) 531-8642
Student #: 20557022