Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Harish Alam
20353762
Life Sciences Specialization
August 27th, 2025

To:
Associate Dean (Academic)
Faculty of Arts and Science
Queen’s University

Re: Petition for Credit Standing – BCHM 315


Dear Associate Dean,
I am writing to respectfully request Credit Standing for BCHM 315: Proteins & Enzymes, taught by Dr. Robert Campbell, on compassionate grounds.

During the Fall 2024 term, I experienced the bereavement of a close family member in September. This loss profoundly affected me emotionally and mentally. The impact of this bereavement extended across the remainder of the term and directly interfered with my academic performance in BCHM 315.

While I was able to remain enrolled and complete all required components of the course, the quality of my work was not representative of my usual academic ability. Prior to these events, I had maintained consistent engagement with the course and was confident in my grasp of the material. However, following the loss, I struggled with concentration, motivation, and energy. I found it especially difficult to prepare for examinations and read class material. Although I continued to attend class and submit the necessary work, the circumstances significantly diminished my ability to perform at my typical level.

The bereavement occurred on September 24th, 2024 before the first midterm exam of the course and derailed my academic abilities. I attempted to continue to meet expectations, believing that I could balance my personal responsibilities and academic requirements. Unfortunately, the effects of grief and the associated challenges made this extremely difficult, and my final performance in BCHM 315 did not reflect the work and understanding I had demonstrated in the class.

My other courses were less severely impacted for two main reasons. First, some courses had a more flexible assessment structure, which allowed me to adjust my workload. Second, the content and expectations in those courses did not require the same level of sustained preparation and focus that BCHM 315 demanded. This distinction explains why the bereavement disproportionately affected BCHM 315 compared to my other coursework.

I did not pursue a course drop earlier because I initially believed that I could recover and complete all requirements successfully. It was only toward the latter part of the term, when I had already completed the majority of the coursework, that the extent of the impact became apparent. At that stage, I had already invested significant time and effort, and I remained committed to finishing the course. However, despite this commitment, my final grade does not fairly represent my academic potential under normal circumstances.

I have attached a copy of the death certificate, plane tickets and my family doctor’s note to verify my circumstances. Since then, I have accessed support through my family and friends and campus resources, and I feel more equipped to manage my responsibilities effectively. Looking ahead, I am confident in my ability to continue my studies without further disruption. I have also developed a personal plan to better balance my workload and to seek help early if unforeseen circumstances arise in the future.

In light of these extenuating circumstances, I respectfully request Credit Standing in BCHM 315. This outcome would fairly recognize the work I completed and the understanding I demonstrated throughout the course, while acknowledging that my final performance was not representative of my true academic ability.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration of my petition.

Sincerely,
Harish Alam
20353762