Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Academic Petition Committee,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to formally request a Change of Grade to CR Standing for ANAT 315 due to extenuating circumstances that have directly affected my academic performance. Specifically, I have been dealing with a knee injury that significantly impacted my physical and mental well-being throughout the fall semester.

At the beginning of the school year, I injured my knee while playing for the women’s varsity basketball team at Queen’s. This injury was initially difficult to diagnose, which left me uncertain about my recovery for several months. Throughout the semester, I struggled physically, finding it difficult to stand for extended periods, which made it hard to participate fully in labs, complete bellringers, and even sit in class. The pain I experienced during this time was constant, which compounded the mental and emotional strain I faced, particularly as I was unable to play basketball, a central part of my life.

As the semester progressed, I found it increasingly difficult to focus on my coursework, especially in ANAT 315, where the material is heavy in memorization. The combination of physical pain, emotional stress, and the uncertainty about my injury significantly impacted my ability to complete assignments and adequately prepare for exams. This became even more challenging when I was informed, very close to my exam dates, that I would need surgery and would unable to continue with my season. This news was incredibly difficult to process, as it meant I would miss the rest of my season, adding further emotional strain during a time when I was already struggling.

To address the injury, I sought regular athletic therapy and attended multiple specialist appointments, including an MRI, which caused further disruption to my ability to engage in coursework. I have attached a log of all my athletic therapy appointments to support my petition.

The mark I received in ANAT 315 does not accurately reflect my academic abilities. The challenges I faced due to my injury severely impacted my performance, and this low mark is negatively affecting my GPA. I believe a CR Standing would better reflect my academic potential, given the extenuating circumstances that hindered my ability to perform to the best of my abilities.

I respectfully request that you consider granting me a CR Standing for ANAT 315 due to these extenuating circumstances. I greatly appreciate your understanding and consideration during this challenging time.

Thank you for your time and support. Please let me know if you require any further information.

Sincerely,
Bree Bourget
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