Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Queen's University Arts and Science Office,

My name is Danielle Shankman, and I am majoring in Sociology while completing a Gender and Life Diversity Certificate. I have just finished my fourth year of study and will be taking a fifth year starting this September to complete my remaining outstanding credits for graduation.

This petition concerns a required class I took during my second year (Winter term 2021) at Queen's named SOCY 227, Theorizing Contemporary Society, taught by Professor Thomas Abrams. I originally believed that I was enrolled in the class, completed all of the coursework, including the final exam, and passed the class with flying colours. However, I recently discovered that the class does not appear on my transcripts or on the academic page of my SOLUS. After inquiring about this, I was told that the computer logs indicate that I was never enrolled in the class. I believe this to be a technical error for several reasons and wish to have the class added to my transcript with the grade I earned at the time I completed it.

Firstly, the class appeared on my OnQ, and I had full access to all the materials, including readings, lectures, and announcements through this portal. I also could successfully upload assignments through this portal and access discussion forums.

Secondly, I received all class emails on my Onlook Queens email account from SOCY 227. This includes all standard emails including due date reminders, notifications of lecture upload and assignment submission confirmations. Additionally, I have emails between myself and Professor Abrams from this time discussing class materials and assignment submission dates, proving that I was a member of his class.

Thirdly, I completed all assignments and work for this class. I learned a substantial amount from this class, which laid a foundation for future Sociology classes that I have taken. I worked hard in this class and finished it with a B. I know this final grade because I recently met with Professor Abrams, who informed me of this grade as it was inputted back in 2021. The work for this class consumed a lot of time, energy and focus which i gladfully applied to receive the grade I did. I would hate for it all to have been for nothing and moreover that that time and focus could have been put toward other classes if it wasnt even going to count in the end. Overall, I remember spending many nights fueled by Red Bull and stress completing assignments, and I would truly hate for my hard work to go to waste.

Lastly, I recognize the need for this petition due to formalities; however, I strongly believe this issue is merely the result of a system error. I have talked to both Professor Abrams and Michelle Underhill on the matter, and they believe the same. Beginning this September, I will start my final year at Queen's and do not want a technical error to impact my ability to graduate or my course load, especially when I have taken the class to its full extent and completed all assessments for it.

All in all, I appreciate your consideration and understanding

Sincerely,

Danielle Shankman