Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To Whom It May Concern:
I am requesting an appeal of the twenty-one day deadline for the appellation of previous grades. It has only recently been brought to my attention that this appeal process exists and if I had been aware of its existence I would have undoubtedly sought to use it within such a time frame.
I am currently entering my fifth and final year of my undergraduate degree at Queens University. In my fourth year I decided to pursue further studies in the terms of a graduate program. Until recently, I was unaware of the significant effects my first and second year grades had on my cumulative GPA, within regards to application to graduate programs. I was under the impression that steady improvement and much higher grades would make up for my earlier mistakes, however, I was wrong. Earlier this week I made an appointment to talk to a guidance counselor (Mrs. Cindy Butts) to discuss the best course of action to improve my GPA. I was under the impression that retaking the courses in which I did poorly, in was my only option. It was during this meeting that Mrs. Butts brought the appeal process to my attention.
My first and second academic years were extremely difficult for me. I had extenuating circumstances in terms of adaptation, with relation to family issues, and reconstructive surgery due to a rugby injury. The latter lead to depression and high levels of stress once I realized how I had worsened my academic situation since my first year.
Due to my ignorance of the appellation process and the fact that I believe I have strong reasons for appeals, only briefly outlined here, I am seeking an appeal of the twenty-one day deadline.

Thank you very much for your time,
Sincerely,
Thomas Toll
0622060