Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Arts and Science Academic Committee,

I am writing to formally petition for consideration of the extenuating circumstances that significantly impacted my performance on the BIOL102 final exam during the Fall 2024 semester. I kindly request that my situation be reviewed in relation to my final grades, with particular attention to the exam results.

I have been diagnosed with mental health disabilities that substantially affect my ability to concentrate, process course material effectively, and manage the stress and pressure of timed assessments without proper accommodations. While I have been actively seeking treatment through prescribed medication and healthcare support, I was unable to engage with Queen’s Student Accessibility Services (QSAS) early enough in the semester to secure the accommodations I require. These accommodations—such as extra time, noise-canceling headphones, and a quiet testing environment—were instrumental to my success in high school examinations.
Despite a strong grasp of the course material, the absence of these necessary supports during the BIOL102 exam created significant challenges that hindered my ability to fully demonstrate my knowledge. My mental health disabilities severely impacted my ability to manage the exam’s demands, which was completely out of my control and deeply upsetting. As a result, I was unable to perform to the best of my abilities, and my exam grade does not accurately reflect my true comprehension or overall performance in the course.
Throughout the semester, I consistently demonstrated a high level of academic achievement, maintaining a notably high average in BIOL102 through online quizzes and laboratory work. These assessments allowed me to perform in an independent environment that was conducive to my learning needs. My performance in these components underscores my strong understanding of the course material and my potential to succeed academically, which was hindered during the exam by extenuating circumstances beyond my control.

Following the 2024 Fall Semester Exams, I have taken proactive steps to ensure such challenges do not recur. I have initiated the process of registering with QSAS to formally establish my need for accommodations and am working closely with healthcare professionals to better manage the impact of my disability on my studies.
Given these circumstances, I respectfully request that the committee consider a reevaluation of the impact of the BIOL102 exam on my final grade, or an opportunity to complete a supplemental exam under appropriate accommodations.
I am prepared to provide supporting documentation from various healthcare providers to verify my diagnosis and the impact of my disabilities on my academic performance, as well as records of my BIOL102 quiz and lab performance as evidence of my competency in the subject matter.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration. I am committed to addressing these personal challenges and ensuring my continued success at Queen’s University by securing the necessary accommodations for my accessibility needs. Please do not hesitate to reach out if further information or documentation is required.

Sincerely,
Chloe Weizman
(20457646, 23sxs2)