Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dean and Petitions Committee,

Until 27 May 2025 I had every confirmation—both in the SOLUS degree audit and in direct correspondence with instructors—that my final semester was complete and my degree would be conferred in June. At 10 a.m. that morning I was informed by the Graduation Coordinator that (a) the final grade for one winter-term course was excluded from the graduation audit, and (b) a separate requirement could no longer be satisfied with the course originally planned because of a change in its credit weighting. The result was sudden: I now stand a few credits short of the B.Sc. (Hons) Life Sciences degree, with the last-day-to-add already past.

The timing of this notification was wholly outside my control. I had completed all winter assessments on schedule and, believing graduation secure, accepted a full-time research position that begins 1 August 2025. That contract precludes any academic enrolment after July; its start date is fixed by the granting agency. Consequently, if I cannot add and complete the required credits in the current six-week summer session, I will forfeit the position, lose a year of professional momentum, and incur significant financial penalties.

Immediately upon learning of the deficiency I contacted Dr. Smith (PHIL 151) and Dr. Fergus (HLTH 101). Both have confirmed in writing that they welcome my late entry, have supplied all course materials to date, and have approved catch-up schedules that will bring me fully current by 7 June. No examinations have occurred yet; only short reflective assignments, which I am ready to work on promptly and will submit for formative feedback. My instructors’ affirmative support, together with the compact course designs (each worth 3.0 units), makes completion by the final assessment date in mid-July entirely feasible.

I therefore petition for (1) a retroactive waiver of the 10 May add deadline for PHIL 151 and HLTH 101, and (2) recognition that the extraordinary administrative timing—rather than any student omission—prevented earlier registration. The underlying academic event (a late grade posting and a credit-weight change) is precisely the kind of circumstance the Faculty’s policy describes as “extenuating” and “beyond the student’s control.” Its effect is direct and measurable: my exclusion from the graduation list despite otherwise satisfactory academic standing and all winter coursework submitted on time.

I have attached the instructors’ permission emails and graduation coordinator's email to corroborate both feasibility and necessity. I respectfully ask the Committee to act immediately so that tuition, bursary and loan applications, course access, and the learning-management portal can be opened without delay.

Thank you for considering this petition. I remain fully committed to upholding Queen’s academic standards and to completing these final credits with distinction.

Sincerely,
Sharaf Khan