Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 13360
Submitted: June 23, 2025 at 7:55:17 AM
First Name: Samantha
Last Name: Valera
Pronoun: She/Her
Student Number: 20396814
Email: 22dsf1@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BHSc
Plan: Major
Level of Study: 1
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Request credit (CR) standing in a course or courses
Code: PHGY 170
Term: Winter
Year: 2025
Petition Category: Request credit (CR) standing in a course or courses
Instructor's Name: Cotechini, Tiziana
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: Dear Associate Director,
I am writing to formally appeal my academic standing for the Winter 2025 academic year, during which my academic performance was significantly impacted by unforeseen and extenuating circumstances. This past semester marked my return to studies after a necessary leave from both my work and academic pursuits, following a hospitalization in late October 2024 due to the psychological issues mentioned below. Unfortunately, I encountered unexpected challenges that directly affected my ability to reintegrate successfully into my studies.
My performance in PHGY 170 was significantly impacted by the active symptoms of a permanent, episodic psychological issue. During this time, I contended with overwhelming fatigue, alongside intense emotional distress and anxiety. These acute challenges directly compromised my capacity for academic concentration and effective assignment completion. As a result, I faced difficulties meeting deadlines, leading to substantial late penalties, and was hindered in my preparation for exams, all of which adversely affected my final academic standing.
To manage these circumstances, I took proactive steps to mitigate their impacts. For example, I sought consultation with a medical professional on February 10, 2025 and followed their recommended treatment plan and began regular sessions with a personal counselor starting in February 2025 to develop coping strategies. Most recently, I met with an advisor from QSAS. Through this consultation, we have worked to put necessary academic accommodations in place to support my learning going forward. While these steps were taken, the severity and duration of the circumstances unfortunately outweighed my efforts to maintain my academic standing.
I have attached supporting documentation, including a doctor's note from my Nurse Practitioner, Anna Tran, NP dated October 2024, outlining the period of my illness, which corroborates the timing and nature of these events and their significant impact on my studies.
I am confident that, given a fair opportunity, I can demonstrate my true academic potential. I am fully committed to dedicating myself to my studies next semester, leveraging the accommodations now in place and continuing with the support systems I have established.
I respectfully request that the committee consider these extenuating circumstances when reviewing my appeal and grant a (CR) designation for PHGY 170. This designation is requested because the severity of my health issues fundamentally compromised the quality of my academic performance in the course, resulting in a low mark despite my efforts to complete all requirements.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Samantha Valera (20396814)
I am writing to formally appeal my academic standing for the Winter 2025 academic year, during which my academic performance was significantly impacted by unforeseen and extenuating circumstances. This past semester marked my return to studies after a necessary leave from both my work and academic pursuits, following a hospitalization in late October 2024 due to the psychological issues mentioned below. Unfortunately, I encountered unexpected challenges that directly affected my ability to reintegrate successfully into my studies.
My performance in PHGY 170 was significantly impacted by the active symptoms of a permanent, episodic psychological issue. During this time, I contended with overwhelming fatigue, alongside intense emotional distress and anxiety. These acute challenges directly compromised my capacity for academic concentration and effective assignment completion. As a result, I faced difficulties meeting deadlines, leading to substantial late penalties, and was hindered in my preparation for exams, all of which adversely affected my final academic standing.
To manage these circumstances, I took proactive steps to mitigate their impacts. For example, I sought consultation with a medical professional on February 10, 2025 and followed their recommended treatment plan and began regular sessions with a personal counselor starting in February 2025 to develop coping strategies. Most recently, I met with an advisor from QSAS. Through this consultation, we have worked to put necessary academic accommodations in place to support my learning going forward. While these steps were taken, the severity and duration of the circumstances unfortunately outweighed my efforts to maintain my academic standing.
I have attached supporting documentation, including a doctor's note from my Nurse Practitioner, Anna Tran, NP dated October 2024, outlining the period of my illness, which corroborates the timing and nature of these events and their significant impact on my studies.
I am confident that, given a fair opportunity, I can demonstrate my true academic potential. I am fully committed to dedicating myself to my studies next semester, leveraging the accommodations now in place and continuing with the support systems I have established.
I respectfully request that the committee consider these extenuating circumstances when reviewing my appeal and grant a (CR) designation for PHGY 170. This designation is requested because the severity of my health issues fundamentally compromised the quality of my academic performance in the course, resulting in a low mark despite my efforts to complete all requirements.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Samantha Valera (20396814)
Documentation
Professional Letter: Samantha Valera - Petition Documents.pdf