Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I am writing to respectfully petition for my grades in MATH 121, completed during the Summer 2025 term, and PHYS 115, completed during the Fall 2025 term, to be changed to Credit Received (CR) designations.

During both the Summer and Fall 2025 terms, I experienced very significant challenges with concentration, test anxiety and time management. The most significant challenge for me was completing the midterm, weekly quizzes, tests and final exam within the standard time limits. These difficulties had a substantial impact on my academic performance, but I had not yet had a formal assessment done and thus didn’t have access to academic accommodations.

Between December 2025 and March 2026, I had a complete and comprehensive psychological assessment done and was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and a Learning Disability with ADHD traits. Following this assessment, I was eligible for accommodations through Queen’s University, including extra time for exams, scheduled breaks, a separate testing environment, and note-taking and audio-recording aids.

These accommodations directly managed the challenges that affected my performance in MATH 121 and PHYS 115. I was not able to perform to the best of my ability, as my anxiety significantly interferes with concentration during tests and examinations, and strict time limits further exacerbate these difficulties. My anxiety during tests and examinations manifests as zoning out, having an empty head, shaking and usually talking to myself, which is strictly prohibited during online proctored and in person exams. In addition, my learning disability affects my ability to complete examinations efficiently under standard testing conditions, as I take longer than normal to read questions, collect my thoughts and start writing.

Because MATH 121 and PHYS 115 were heavily based on timed assessments, weekly tests/quizzes, and high-yield exams, not having these accommodations had a direct negative impact on my final grade. I received a D+ as my final grade in MATH 121 and C- as my final grade in PHYS 115, which stands out as it is significantly lower than my typical academic performance. I believe this further reflects the extent to which my academic performance in this course was affected by my disability, which was not yet identified or supported at this time. As seen in my current transcript, there was a significant increase in my grades after my accommodations were put in place, which further illustrates how not having accommodations negatively impacted my MATH 121 and PHYS 115 mark.

I have attached my psychologist's letter, my current transcript, and proof of my accommodations at Queen's University.

Thank you for your time and consideration of my petition.

Sincerely,
Amanda Benincasa
20471801