Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Queen’s University
Faculty of Arts and Science
Attn: Jenn Stephenson, Associate Dean
Re: Callum McCormack, Student #20184200

Dear Ms. Stephenson,

My condition has signifiant physical and mental impact on classroom learning, short-term
working memory, organization ability, fine motor skills, anxiety, sleep quality, and mood. This
collection of challenges poses substantial obstacles for me, particularly in certain types of
learning and memorization, in person instruction, and test-taking situations. I am appealing to you for consideration on two matters that will help me complete my studies.

Item 1: CLST 103 request to drop without penalty
Despite my passion for the subject ‘Intro to Roman Civilization’ I encountered difficulties
with the learning environment and the test format in Winter ’23 term. My symptoms made in
person learning difficult at least in part because he did not wish to disturb his classmates and to
attract unwanted attention. I struggled to come to terms with the issues hindering my
engagement with a subject I love, which led me to postpone the decision to drop the class
and I missed the deadline. For medical reasons I am asking that the record of this course be deleted/dropped.

Item 2: Smith School of Business Certificate request for admission to program
I have always planned on enrolling in this certificate program in my final year. Gaining admittance to the Smith School of Business certificate, requires a GPA of 2.6 whereas my GPA is 2.13 at this time. I had many setbacks as a result of my condition, particularly during the Covid period which compounded the impact of my symptoms. With current treatment I am working on significantly better health and expect to attend in person classes starting Tuesday. What can I do to apply for an exception to the Smith School of Business certificate program?

I realize that dropping one course without penalty will not boost my GPA, but I did want you to know that I had some A level grades in course work before the triggers of exams changed my final grades. I probably should have appealed these at the time, but the time has passed. Your understanding, consideration, and support in this matter is really important to me as I continue to make progress in academics and work on future career prospects.

Thank you for taking the time to review this letter and for your thoughtful consideration of
my situation. Dr Sandor who has written to you on my behalf previously has provided a letter I will include and has offered any additional information or documentation that may is necessary to support my appeal.


Kind regards,
Callum McCormack