Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean of Arts and Science,
My name is Allison Jacobi-Dorbeck and I am currently a third year student in the Faculty of Arts and Science. I am a Psychology (BscH) major, with a minor degree in Life Sciences. At this time, I am appealing in request to waive the 21-day deadline for a re-read of my final examination in one course. The course that I request to do so is BIOL350, Evolution and Human Affairs (Fall 2015). I was taken aback by the mark received on my final exam, the impact that this grade has had on my final mark in the course, and ultimately my cumulative GPA. I am appealing past the deadline due to my intense workload this current semester, as well as being actively involved in many extra-curricular activities and volunteer initiatives outside of academics. Reading week was an opportunity to be able to sit and reflect upon what I would like to request in writing.
Being in my third year at Queen's University, my journey thus far has been full of adventures and I reflect on each as a learning experience. I have encountered many opportunistic changes as well as some not-so-favourable obstacles. During my second year in particular I was faced with the struggles that mental illness can impose, and have since gone great lengths to continuously improve upon myself, as both a student and a member of the community. After seeking appropriate help and treatment following my second year, I was able to begin my third year here at Queen's with an optimistic, proactive and positive attitude. With this in mind, being up-to-date with coursework and making sure to seek guidance and suggestion in areas of shortcomings seemed almost natural. From this, I saw a progressive improvement that reflected in my grades, while at the same time opening doors that have lead to new and unique academic opportunities.
Given the effort put forth toward each of my courses in the fall 2015 semester, I was shocked and somewhat discouraged when I received a final mark of D+ in a course where I had gone into the exam with a grade of A-. After waiting until after the winter holiday to receive my mark (my exam was 'misplaced' over holidays), I was astounded by the fact that I had received such a low grade and naturally I sent a request to my professor to review my exam. After what I would say was a dissatisfying meeting with the professor, and an hour after reviewing the exam in comparison to the answer key, I was less than enthused to notice the many marks that had been overlooked. Later, I received an email form the professor bluntly stating that he refused to grant me even one extra mark (long answer questions totaling 120 marks).
I can confidently say that I have made great progress in terms of my academic successes, and I have put forth an appreciable effort toward each and every one of my courses. It was a huge disappointment to see this final grade due to the exam, and I feel that this mark does not whatsoever reflect my true understanding of the course, or the effort I had put forth throughout the entire semester. This has placed somewhat of a lingering stressor upon me through the beginning of this current winter semester, and I would be incredibly grateful for any opportunity to have the exam reread by an unbiased member (or members) of the department. Now that my academic schedule has allowed for the time to communicate my concern, I sincerely hope that the 21-day deadline does not interfere. Thank you very much for your time and understanding, I greatly appreciate your consideration.