Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 13918
Submitted: January 19, 2026 at 7:43:36 PM
First Name: Nicole
Last Name: Altomare
Pronoun: she/her
Preferred Name: Nicole
Student Number: 20275265
Email: 20nsa1@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BAH
Plan: INDG M
Level of Study: 4
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Add a course after the academic deadline
Code: IDIS 173
Term: Winter
Year: 2026
Petition Category: Add a course after the academic deadline
Instructor's Name: Jeremy Butler
Section/Class Number: on-line 5638
Code: IDIS 199
Term: Winter
Year: 2026
Petition Category: Add a course after the academic deadline
Instructor's Name: Simone Christine Cunningham
Section/Class Number: On-line 5639
Province / Region: Eastern Ontario
Exam Centre: Kingston
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: Good afternoon,
I am writing to respectfully request permission to add a course after the deadline due to extenuating personal circumstances.
On Tuesday, January 13, my grandfather, Carmelo Toma, passed away after a period of hospitalization. I spent much of that week at the hospital with my family, and today we laid him to rest. During this time, I was not in a clear headspace and was navigating significant grief and responsibility within my family.
On Friday, I dropped a course with the intention of adding another to ensure I remained on track to graduate, but due to the circumstances and my state of mind, I did not complete the course addition before the deadline. I take full responsibility for this oversight. However, I am sincerely asking for leniency, as this final course is required for me to graduate in June.
I have applied to several teacher education programs and indicated in my applications that I will be graduating this June. In order to accept any offer of admission, I must have completed my degree requirements. Without this course, my graduation and my ability to proceed with teacher’s college would be jeopardized.
I understand the importance of deadlines and do not make this request lightly. I am fully prepared to commit to the added workload and to meet all academic expectations moving forward. I am also able to provide documentation regarding my grandfather’s passing. The death occurred at Cortellucci Vaughn Hospital. His funeral and visitation were held at Westminster Funeral Home at 5826 Bathurst St, Toronto, Ontario and the coordinator's name was Rita. I am attaching the prayer card and will try to get access to proof of his death from my grandmother. As the funeral was today, I will speak with her tomorrow and send that info following this application.
Thank you very much for your time, understanding, and consideration during this difficult period. I would be deeply grateful for the opportunity to complete this final requirement and remain on track to graduate.
Sincerely,
Nicole Altomare
Student Number: 20275265
Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Indigenous Knowledge and Ways of Knowing
Queen’s University
I am writing to respectfully request permission to add a course after the deadline due to extenuating personal circumstances.
On Tuesday, January 13, my grandfather, Carmelo Toma, passed away after a period of hospitalization. I spent much of that week at the hospital with my family, and today we laid him to rest. During this time, I was not in a clear headspace and was navigating significant grief and responsibility within my family.
On Friday, I dropped a course with the intention of adding another to ensure I remained on track to graduate, but due to the circumstances and my state of mind, I did not complete the course addition before the deadline. I take full responsibility for this oversight. However, I am sincerely asking for leniency, as this final course is required for me to graduate in June.
I have applied to several teacher education programs and indicated in my applications that I will be graduating this June. In order to accept any offer of admission, I must have completed my degree requirements. Without this course, my graduation and my ability to proceed with teacher’s college would be jeopardized.
I understand the importance of deadlines and do not make this request lightly. I am fully prepared to commit to the added workload and to meet all academic expectations moving forward. I am also able to provide documentation regarding my grandfather’s passing. The death occurred at Cortellucci Vaughn Hospital. His funeral and visitation were held at Westminster Funeral Home at 5826 Bathurst St, Toronto, Ontario and the coordinator's name was Rita. I am attaching the prayer card and will try to get access to proof of his death from my grandmother. As the funeral was today, I will speak with her tomorrow and send that info following this application.
Thank you very much for your time, understanding, and consideration during this difficult period. I would be deeply grateful for the opportunity to complete this final requirement and remain on track to graduate.
Sincerely,
Nicole Altomare
Student Number: 20275265
Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Indigenous Knowledge and Ways of Knowing
Queen’s University
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: View My Current Program/Plan
Institution - Queen's University
Career - Undergraduate
Program - Bachelor of Arts (Hons.)
Major - Indg Knowledges & Perspectives
Arts Minor - Sociology
If my petition is granted, I have a clear and manageable plan to ensure my academic success for the remainder of my degree. The extenuating circumstance affecting my academic decision-making was temporary and directly related to the sudden illness and passing of my grandfather. With the funeral now complete, I am able to refocus fully on my academic responsibilities.
I intend to maintain a full but manageable course load for the remainder of the term and will prioritize structured weekly planning, consistent attendance, and early completion of assignments. I am already familiar with the expectations of upper-year coursework and have successfully managed similar workloads throughout my degree.
I am in contact with academic advising to ensure I remain on track for graduation and will continue to seek guidance should any academic concerns arise. If needed, I am also aware of and prepared to access Queen’s student support services to assist with stress management and well-being.
These steps will allow me to successfully complete my final degree requirements and graduate in June as planned.
Institution - Queen's University
Career - Undergraduate
Program - Bachelor of Arts (Hons.)
Major - Indg Knowledges & Perspectives
Arts Minor - Sociology
If my petition is granted, I have a clear and manageable plan to ensure my academic success for the remainder of my degree. The extenuating circumstance affecting my academic decision-making was temporary and directly related to the sudden illness and passing of my grandfather. With the funeral now complete, I am able to refocus fully on my academic responsibilities.
I intend to maintain a full but manageable course load for the remainder of the term and will prioritize structured weekly planning, consistent attendance, and early completion of assignments. I am already familiar with the expectations of upper-year coursework and have successfully managed similar workloads throughout my degree.
I am in contact with academic advising to ensure I remain on track for graduation and will continue to seek guidance should any academic concerns arise. If needed, I am also aware of and prepared to access Queen’s student support services to assist with stress management and well-being.
These steps will allow me to successfully complete my final degree requirements and graduate in June as planned.
Documentation
Professional Letter: Carmelo Toma.pdf
History
Originally submitted January 19, 2026 at 7:43:36 PM.
| Field | Reference | Old Value | New Value | Note | User | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| status | N/A | Received | Incomplete | Kerri Andrews | 2026-01-21 1:13:37 PM | |
| status | N/A | Incomplete | Withdrawn | student request | Kerri Andrews | 2026-01-22 3:05:17 PM |