Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Appeal Letter: Dear Board of Studies,

I am writing to appeal the decision made by the Associate Dean to deny my request for credit standing (CR) in DEVS 220 (2023 Summer). My appeal is based on the grounds that the Associate Dean's handling of the matter did not align with Academic Regulation 10.3.2, failing to support my right to a fair process and make a reasonable decision.

There were primarily two reasons why I did not drop the course before the deadline in Week 8 and why I could not adhere to the agreement with my instructor for late submission.

The first reason pertains to my unforeseeable and uncontrollable health condition, specifically pericarditis. Following my diagnosis of this heart disease on May 30th, my recovery proved to be a prolonged and challenging journey. From May 30th (Week 4) until June 23rd (Week 8), my recovery progress was sluggish, with the heart disease recurring intermittently, causing persistent chest pain. My physical condition was severely compromised, and I found myself in Sault Ste. Marie, a location devoid of accessible medical resources, family doctors, clinics, or school health services for me as an outsider. Throughout this ordeal, I received no assistance during my physical and psychological suffering. The unforeseen nature of my illness and its extended impact before the Week 8 deadline were entirely beyond my control, rendering it impossible for me to gauge my ability to complete the coursework. Prior to the Week 8 drop deadline, my intent was to complete the course, as evidenced by my agreement with the lecturer to submit assignments late, even though the ongoing effects of my suffering prevented me from honoring that commitment. Subsequently, with the assistance of QSAS, I managed to submit the assignments late in August. I made every effort possible under these extraordinarily difficult and painful circumstances, but my academic performance was significantly hindered by my illness, especially when compared to my academic standing in previous years.

The second reason revolves around financial constraints, particularly as an international student. I faced significant financial penalties should I have chosen to drop the course after May 12th (Week 2), amounting to a substantial sum exceeding CAD5000. A similar situation occurred last summer when I had to drop two courses before Week 8 due to family reasons, resulting in a loss exceeding CAD10,000. These financial penalties disproportionately affect international students like me compared to domestic students, further contributing to my hesitation in dropping the course. I was determined to persevere and catch up with the coursework in the subsequent weeks after my recovery.

It is crucial to underscore the profound impact that the outcome of this appeal will have on my academic progress and life. I am currently in my fourth year, marking the final academic year of my undergraduate studies at Queen's University. I will not have another opportunity to retake this course as I have already selected six core courses for the upcoming semester, and I am scheduled to graduate in the spring of 2024. Maintaining a strong academic performance with a cGPA of 3.5+ over the past three years, I consistently achieved grades ranging from A to B. However, the unexpected illness and ensuing physical and mental challenges led to significantly lower grades than anticipated. In this course, I received a D-, which will adversely affect my graduation and overall grade. Simultaneously, I am in the process of applying for graduate school, where stringent GPA requirements apply. Should my appeal be denied, the decline in academic performance due to this course may jeopardize my eligibility to pursue graduate programs, a situation that would have devastating consequences for my future.

In summary, I have clarified two aspects of extenuating circumstances that were misunderstood and underappreciated during the initial appeal process. I emphasize my unwavering sincerity and good faith in presenting my personal circumstances, which align entirely with the provisions outlined in Academic Regulation 10.3.2. These circumstances are not only consistent and well-documented but also constitute unforeseeable extenuating factors that were beyond my control. I implore the Board of Studies to make a fair and reasonable decision, taking into account the intricacies of this case and the profound implications of the appeal's outcome on my academic achievements and future prospects.

I sincerely thank you for your time, assistance, and understanding.

Sincerely yours,
Tianshu Yin