Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Academic Dean,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to respectfully petition for a late drop of BIOL 334 (Comparative Biochemistry) for the Winter 2024 term. I request that this course be removed from my academic transcript due to severe and unforeseen personal and medical circumstances that prevented me from completing the course, despite my active engagement throughout the term and consistent efforts to address the situation through formal academic channels. I would like to provide a detailed explanation of the difficulties I faced to offer a better understanding of my situation.

At the beginning of the Winter 2024 term, I was performing well in BIOL 334. I was academically engaged, fully committed to the course, and focused on completing the year on a strong note, with the goal of graduating with distinction and pursuing medical school. However, during the final exam period, I was affected by the sudden death of a close family member, which required me to leave the country unexpectedly and remain abroad through the second week of May. This event brought back memories of the unexpected death of a friend that occurred less than a year earlier. This loss had a profound impact on my mental health. I sought professional help, attending multiple sessions with both a psychiatrist and the university’s counseling services.

Throughout this event, I was actively communicating with QSAS, academic advisors, and the accommodation team. The Queen’s counselor formally advised that I not return to academic activity until August, due to emotional distress and an inability to focus.

Despite this recommendation, I contacted my instructor, Dr. Susan Yates, to inform her that I would be available to complete the deferred exam in July. I was determined to finish the course and had received clearance from counseling to resume my studies. Unfortunately, I received no response to my repeated email communications until September. By that time, I was informed that I would not be permitted to write the final exam, despite being eligible for the accommodation. The reason I did not sit the exam in July was the absence of any response from the instructor, which I believe was neither fair nor reasonable under the circumstances.

After consulting with academic advisors, I was informed that final grades for the course needed to be submitted by September 13, and that I would be permitted to complete the exam as long as it was written before that date. Relying on this information, I continued reaching out to Dr. Susan Yates to schedule the deferred exam. Unfortunately, she did not respond to my repeated attempts until September 10—and only to inform me that she would not allow me to complete the final exam—effectively preventing me from completing the course despite my continued efforts and readiness.

Throughout this process, I was in regular communication with the Academic Consideration Office, my academic advisor, QSAS, and my course instructor. I followed the required procedures and intended to complete the course once I was able. Despite this, I received an “F” grade in BIOL 334 without being afforded the opportunity to write the final exam.

After speaking with my advisor and completing a review of my credits, I realized I am able to graduate now with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences, and BIOL 334 is not a requirement for this program. I respectfully request that the course be removed from my academic transcript because I was not given the opportunity to finish it and it is not required for my program.

Removing BIOL 334 would allow my transcript to accurately reflect my academic potential and achievements, which is especially important as I prepare to apply for postgraduate studies, including medical school.

I have attached relevant supporting documentation, including emails and a counseling note. I sincerely appreciate your time and consideration in reviewing this petition and would be happy to provide any further clarification or materials as needed.

Sincerely,
Faraz Kamali
Student ID: 20237039
20fk1@queensu.ca