Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear: Associate Dean (Studies) of Arts and Science:

My name is Brigette Piazza (student number: 10060962). I am appealing to remove the final marks on my transcript for the following courses: PSYC251 (Developmental Psychology, Winter 2014), P16 (Astronomy, Winter 2014), COGS100 (Fall, 2013), PSYC271 (Brain and Behaviour, Winter 2014) due to extenuating circumstances beyond my control. In addition, regarding my appeal deadline of 21 days. After the school year completed I returned to Toronto. At that time it was imperative I find work immediately due to my financial situation. I also began a process of applying for the OSAP disability credit (I have a permanent medical condition). Between working, doctors and counselling visits it was extremely difficult for me to be able to submit the appeal within the deadline. I am appealing the 21 due date as I have been having complications with Disability Services, and in turn this has delayed significant documentation to support my case. As you will see in the supporting documentation, there have been various emails of communication returning back and forth for the duration of the summer, not leading to a final conclusion until August. There will be other supporting documentation being sent to the faculty office as well.
Throughout the course of my second year at Queen¿¿s University, I have faced a number of different obstacles that I have had to overcome. The first occurred during the first week at Queen¿¿s when my housemate¿¿s boyfriend was killed tragically after leaving our house to return to his university in a car accident, as well as a medical condition/mental disability I have been suffering with and that I have been attempting to manage and get under control (see attached documentation for details). That being said, there have been difficulties pinpointing the correct medication that are beneficial towards my medical condition and thus, causing a serious detriment on my academic/ school performance and my overall well-being. Despite being under medical care and having supports in place, my condition has been diagnosed as refractory and as a result there has been a considerable effect on my academic performance- primarily exams as I have had to defer multiple of my exams throughout the year on various occasions. The first deferral occurred during first semesters set of midterms. From the second week of September, these extenuating circumstances have dominated my academic ability, work performance and overall day-to-day functioning. As is, my condition already impedes my daily activities, and by having further severe personal circumstances exacerbating my condition, it lead me into a relapse of my condition.
After extreme thought and care into what I shall be doing for this upcoming year, I have concluded that I will continue intensive treatment and therapy (Cognitive-behaviour therapy sessions once a week, as well as overseen by a specialist), throughout the remainder of the year. This in turn, should provide some comfort for an outlet of support. Additionally, as provided in my supporting documentation, it explains that I cannot take more than 3 courses per semester as this should provide some relief to the intense stress I was feeling during the school year. That being said, I will continue to make appointments with my academic advisor, with the Queen¿¿s writing centre and make meetings with my TA¿¿s and Professors to provide all the extra support that I need. Thank you very much for your time and consideration, it is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me at 12bvp@queensu.ca or at 6472336437.

Warmest Regards,
Brigette Piazza