Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dr. Bernard,

My name is Tamara Chang. I am currently in second year majoring in Sociology. I am writing this letter of appeal with the following two requests:
To enroll into the online class of PSYC 100
To enroll into MUSC 260 (Polyhymnia).

I completed my first year at the BISC and had originally declared SOCY as my major with the intention of eventually switching into PSYC. Following my return to Canada last spring, I enrolled in PSYC 100 online through Distance Studies and completed the course at home in Vancouver, BC in hopes of achieving a high enough grade to be able to transfer into a PSYC major plan. However, after writing the final exam, I learned I had just missed the threshold and received a B (75) instead of the required B+ (77).

In August, I had contacted several staff members at Queen's to discuss potential options and I could do either a major in PSYC or a PSYC medial. Between all the phone calls and emails, I was overwhelmed by all of the information. Because of that, I misinterpreted how I could get into a PSYC major plan. My initial understanding was that even though I did not have a high enough grade point, I would be placed on a waitlist. I would continue taking PSYC courses during this academic year and if a spot opened up, the faculty of Psychology would determine my acceptance/transfer based on my GPA from PSYC 100 along with the GPA of the 200-level PSYC courses. However, it was not until I met with Meghan Norris that I learned I was completely wrong, and unfortunately, it was already past the open enrollment period. I had discussed options with her and although I am eligible for a PSYC medial, my main preference is to major in Psychology.

My next request is to enroll into MUSC 260, a 1.5 unit course spanning across the fall and winter terms. I was originally enrolled in six courses for winter term, two of which I was put on a waitlist. I did not realize that by adding Polyhymnia put me in a course overload situation. I did not receive the email from Kim Gudlauski, Dan School of Music, in time to rectify the problem. I spoke to Darrell Bryan, the choral director for Polyhymnia, and he has agreed to allow me to join the course. I have been attending rehearsals since week one. As one of four alto 2s, I am an integral part of this ensemble.

Thank you,
Tamara Chang