Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dr. Johanne Bénard,

My name is Sam Zimmerman. I have just recently concluded my fourth-year of studies at Queen¿¿s university, and plan to graduate with my class this summer. Today, I would like to appeal to change my first year PSYC 100 course into Credit standing (henceforth CR), and to waive the 21 day appeal deadline. I did not pursue this appeal within the 21 days as I was not aware of the possibility of appealing a grade ¿¿ it is only through recent investigation that I discovered this option. In the following letter, I will make the case for changing my PSYC 100 credit to CR, and I hope that it will persuade you to rule in my favour.

My first year classes at Queen¿¿s, particularly PSYC 100, were quite a tremendous adjustment for me. One of the factors that most affected my academic performance was my decision not to pursue accommodations for my learning disabilities. Before high school, I received a psychological-academic assessment (attached) suggested and allowed for my use of various accommodations for taking tests and exams. Though I used these accommodations in high school, I decided not to seek them upon enrolling in Queen¿¿s University; I was self-conscious about needing academic accommodations and wanted to attempt to succeed in university without them. Since my enrollment in PSYC 100 I have developed strategies for academic success, though they were not yet developed when they were so necessary. Accordingly, PSYC 100, a class which is primarily assessed through exams, was an extremely challenging course for me. I do not regret taking PSYC 100 ¿¿ though its academic challenge was consistently frustrating and at times overwhelming, it was an interesting course that certainly affected the person I am today. However, I do regret my decision not to pursue the academic accommodations which would have facilitated greater success in this class.

At the time I received my PSYC 100 final mark, I was neither aware of the impact it would have on my GPA nor the options I had to appeal this grade. It is now that I have received my final grades and can see how my decision not to seek academic accommodations which resulted in my performance in PSYC 100 could negatively impact my future. As it stands, my GPA stands at 3.45. If PSYC 100 were changed to a CR, then my GPA would change to 3.53, a level that would qualify me to graduate with distinction, an achievement which would reflect my ambition and capabilities for future applications to any degree course or career I might pursue.

My performance in PSYC 100 stands apart from my subsequent performance at Queen¿¿s University. I have excelled in my classes, contributed to the Queen¿¿s and Kingston communities through my extracurricular activities, and pursued further academic engagement through various research opportunities. I have earned an excellent GPA in my classes for my English program as well as those of my electives; in fact, I achieved some of my highest grades in my fourth-year English seminars, classes which demand high levels of intense study and engagement. I have taken on various leadership roles to help sustain and improve campus life through my roles as a volunteer and then Fundraising coordinator for the AMS Food Centre, a co-Chair of Queen¿¿s Feminist Review, and a Vice-President for Queen¿¿s Hillel. My commitment to academic pursuits are further evidenced by my work with Dr. Shelley King, the head of the English Language and Literature Department, as a 2014 Undergraduate Summer Student Research Fellow, my presentation and participation of various research projects at Inquiry at Queen¿¿s, and by my acceptance to multiple graduate programs and choice of McMaster¿¿s MA in Cultural Studies and Critical Theory beginning in September 2015.

Changing my PSYC 100 credit to CR will make a tremendous difference to my future and will allow me to demonstrate the success for which I have strived and for which Queen¿¿s University has prepared me. As the changes to my course would need to occur before my graduation in early June, I would appreciate if you could prioritize this appeal and consider it quickly, so I have the time to enact the changes necessary. If you require any additional information, please feel free to contact me at your convenience either at 9srz@queensu.ca or on my cell at (613) 583-4392.

Many thanks for your time and consideration,
Sam Zimmerman
06232540