Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 4164
Submitted: January 24, 2018 at 3:11:42 AM
First Name: Ruoling
Last Name: Gao
Student Number: 10098298
Email: 12rlg2@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BAH
Plan: PSYC/GNDS
Level of Study: 4
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Add a course after the academic deadline, Drop a course after the academic deadline, Request an extension of an incomplete grade
Code: GNDS 412
Term: Winter
Year: 2018
Petition Category: Add a course after the academic deadline
Instructor's Name: Trish Salah
Code: GNDS 345
Term: Winter
Year: 2017
Petition Category: Request an extension of an incomplete grade
Instructor's Name: Nancy Butler
Code: GNDS 375
Term: Winter
Year: 2018
Petition Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean (Studies),
My name is Ruoling Gao and I am writing to you to appeal for the extension/completion of GNDS 345 (Winter 2017), and for the allowance of 3.0 extra units this semester. In the case of the latter request, should it be granted, I would like to replace GNDS 375/3.0 for GNDS 412/6.0.
The main reason for my requests is due to serious extenuating circumstances regarding my mother¿¿s health. Earlier last year my mom was diagnosed with cancer. Since then, it has been it has been very difficult both physically and emotionally. She has undergone multiple surgeries with complications as well as the effects of chemo. The mortality of your parents is not a topic a person at this age normally considers and it was very difficult for me to talk about. It was very difficult for me to keep up with certain areas of school and to be honest was not in the best state of mind.
The sudden nature of the news and subsequent months affected my ability to complete major assignments within some of my courses resulting in Failure. Therefore, I was put into a situation of being short GNDS credits to graduate in my medial. I recognize that looking on my transcript it may seem unwise to grant an overload request. However, the 21 units is a result of two 400 level GNDS courses being worth 6 units each. Therefore, despite a 3 unit overload, my schedule would still consist of a reasonable 5 classes this term. Additionally, I have since spoken extensively with the genders department regarding my options and have been advised that my proposed course load is still realistically achievable for me.
With regards to the extension and completion of GNDS 345, I have also spoken with the professor of the course. Professor Butler has expressed that she would be more than willing to still accept and mark the missing course work and does not believe it necessary to repeat the entire course, as I was very close to completion. She has also expressed willingness to provide written proof of this should it be requested.
Moving forward, I understand that policies regarding unit limits are in place with student success in mind and to avoid setting themselves up for failure. Therefore, I have extensively considered this course of action and only do so after great personal reflection and consultation with the Gender's department who have been made aware of my situation. I will accept full responsibility for any consequence from an overload; however do truly believe that 21 units will be manageable due to the fact that it will still be a reasonable 5 courses. Furthermore, I have been in contact with the professor of GNDS 412 and have taken initiative to keep up with the readings/syllabus of the course so that should my appeal be approved, I will not be behind.
Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. Although it is not easy for me to speak about my mom, I have had a much better support system now and hope that I have provided adequate information for which to make your decision. If you have any questions, require any additional clarification, or would like to speak in person, I would be very willing to cooperate. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Ruoling Gao
My name is Ruoling Gao and I am writing to you to appeal for the extension/completion of GNDS 345 (Winter 2017), and for the allowance of 3.0 extra units this semester. In the case of the latter request, should it be granted, I would like to replace GNDS 375/3.0 for GNDS 412/6.0.
The main reason for my requests is due to serious extenuating circumstances regarding my mother¿¿s health. Earlier last year my mom was diagnosed with cancer. Since then, it has been it has been very difficult both physically and emotionally. She has undergone multiple surgeries with complications as well as the effects of chemo. The mortality of your parents is not a topic a person at this age normally considers and it was very difficult for me to talk about. It was very difficult for me to keep up with certain areas of school and to be honest was not in the best state of mind.
The sudden nature of the news and subsequent months affected my ability to complete major assignments within some of my courses resulting in Failure. Therefore, I was put into a situation of being short GNDS credits to graduate in my medial. I recognize that looking on my transcript it may seem unwise to grant an overload request. However, the 21 units is a result of two 400 level GNDS courses being worth 6 units each. Therefore, despite a 3 unit overload, my schedule would still consist of a reasonable 5 classes this term. Additionally, I have since spoken extensively with the genders department regarding my options and have been advised that my proposed course load is still realistically achievable for me.
With regards to the extension and completion of GNDS 345, I have also spoken with the professor of the course. Professor Butler has expressed that she would be more than willing to still accept and mark the missing course work and does not believe it necessary to repeat the entire course, as I was very close to completion. She has also expressed willingness to provide written proof of this should it be requested.
Moving forward, I understand that policies regarding unit limits are in place with student success in mind and to avoid setting themselves up for failure. Therefore, I have extensively considered this course of action and only do so after great personal reflection and consultation with the Gender's department who have been made aware of my situation. I will accept full responsibility for any consequence from an overload; however do truly believe that 21 units will be manageable due to the fact that it will still be a reasonable 5 courses. Furthermore, I have been in contact with the professor of GNDS 412 and have taken initiative to keep up with the readings/syllabus of the course so that should my appeal be approved, I will not be behind.
Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. Although it is not easy for me to speak about my mom, I have had a much better support system now and hope that I have provided adequate information for which to make your decision. If you have any questions, require any additional clarification, or would like to speak in person, I would be very willing to cooperate. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Ruoling Gao
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: ACADEMIC PLAN
In terms of an academic plan, I have already set in motion actions that I believe will help lead me to success this term. As touched on in my letter, I have taken initiative to review and keep up with the work of GNDS 412, which I intend to enroll in place of GNDS 375 should my appeal be granted. I have also been in contact with the professor who has expressed willingness to accept my later addition to the class.
At the time of this appeal, there may be IN notes on my transcript from the previous term. However, to clarify, all work for those courses have since been completed and the final mark is just pending update on SOLUS. In addition, with regards to the extension of GNDS 345, I have been in contact with the professor and should my appeal be granted, would only have one assignment left to submit in that course. Therefore, I have very little in terms of previously incomplete work to stand in the way of my focus on the current term¿¿s courses. I have made myself thoroughly aware of the work associated with my proposed course load and believe it to be an achievable one, which I have also discussed with the department.
In addition, I have taken steps to build a support system for myself in light of my family situation. My mom¿¿s condition is more stable now and I anticipate a relatively lesser strain on my academics this term, although I am fully prepared to seek help with the university counselling services should I feel the need for additional support. Although my situation is ongoing, my methods for coping are also evolving and believe that I am well equipped to complete the proposed course load in my appeal this semester.
In terms of an academic plan, I have already set in motion actions that I believe will help lead me to success this term. As touched on in my letter, I have taken initiative to review and keep up with the work of GNDS 412, which I intend to enroll in place of GNDS 375 should my appeal be granted. I have also been in contact with the professor who has expressed willingness to accept my later addition to the class.
At the time of this appeal, there may be IN notes on my transcript from the previous term. However, to clarify, all work for those courses have since been completed and the final mark is just pending update on SOLUS. In addition, with regards to the extension of GNDS 345, I have been in contact with the professor and should my appeal be granted, would only have one assignment left to submit in that course. Therefore, I have very little in terms of previously incomplete work to stand in the way of my focus on the current term¿¿s courses. I have made myself thoroughly aware of the work associated with my proposed course load and believe it to be an achievable one, which I have also discussed with the department.
In addition, I have taken steps to build a support system for myself in light of my family situation. My mom¿¿s condition is more stable now and I anticipate a relatively lesser strain on my academics this term, although I am fully prepared to seek help with the university counselling services should I feel the need for additional support. Although my situation is ongoing, my methods for coping are also evolving and believe that I am well equipped to complete the proposed course load in my appeal this semester.
Documentation
Professional Letter: Appeal Documentation.jpg
