Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Tuesday September 29th 2015

Hi Sue,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to you with my desire to enter a course past the add/drop period. My wish is that I will be placed in this course - SOCY 210 - so that I can re-take it with the hope of increasing my original grade.
I am currently in my fourth year here at Queen's. My major is in sociology and my minor is history. I struggled substantially with the second year required sociology courses: research methods was very unfamiliar and a whole new, complex way of thinking. At the time, I am positive that I thought I was trying hard, but looking back, I realize many different avenues I could have taken to get help in the class. I never thought that I would explicitly need the course for a future career option.
Now here I am, looking to apply to masters of social work programs. Masters of social work programs require both research methods and statistics. The school I really want to go to - U of T - has this written on its admissions website for MSW's: All applicants must have completed satisfactorily at least three full courses, or their equivalent, in the social sciences, to include a half-credit course in research methodology, preferably in the social sciences. A grade less than mid-B in the required half-credit course in research methodology will lessen the applicant's probability of admission. I got a C+. I did not realize this grade (as it is not a 300 or 400 level credit) would be considered until today at the career fair.
I recognize that this appeal may seem far stretched, but I would like to increase my chances of getting into this program. Moreover, I would really like the opportunity to apply myself, do better, and be proud of my grades.
I feel like I should tell you a little about myself so you have some context on who I am as a person/student. The entirety of my time here I have been involved in both the Queen's and Kingston communities. I work off campus and have volunteered heavily with ASUS. This year I got hired as a Student Constable for the AMS. In addition, I am doing an undergraduate thesis on public health and conceptions of consent because I am so deeply bothered and concerned by the amount of sexual harassment and rape found on college and university campuses. I have friends and try to go to the gym once every three weeks. I am very proud of the person I am here at Queen's, and I would like to make the most of my time here by having some better grades.

I appreciate your consideration on this topic. If you have any questions about me, my poor second year grades or my application, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Have a wonderful day,

Nicole Capogna