Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Michael Beckford
307-1230 Windermere Way SW
Edmonton, AB T6W 2J3

Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Queens University
99 University Ave
Kingston, ON K7L 3N6

To the Associate Dean (Studies)

I am appealing the Faculty¿¿s decision that I am not longer able to continue studies because I have not obtained the minimum required GPA of 1.6. I am seeking for a Credit Standing so I can keep the course credit; however, I can still ensure the GPA does not count towards my total GPA.

The extenuating circumstance beyond my control is the downward spiral of the health of my mother. This provided a personal psychological challenge which negatively impacted my academic performance. Additionally, during this period of time I was required to leave the province to work over a weekend which reduced the amount of time available towards studies. This fact was also beyond my control because it is a part of my job description. This merely compounded the psychological challenge. I also had to take my mother to the hospital in July for surgery.

My mother has been ill for several months. She has visited the doctor numerous times and been unable to obtain conclusions to her health. Her currently has rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, colon polyps, and from time to time vertigo.

Should grace be provided and my appeal be granted I have already made personal adjustments to succeed in my future studies. I have enlisted the assistance of my sister, Marlene Brown, who resides in the same city. She has now confirmed she is going to participate with the aid of tending to my mother. Together we are going to jointly take my mother to any required doctor appointments. In the future if there is a situation where she needs to go to the hospital and I know this will negatively impact my studies and knowledge is provided in advance my sister will take my mother to the hospital. My sister is not partaking in any academic studies. Her work provides more flexibility and her life does not have any additional commitments. She is also married and has additional emotional support.

I am single and alone and I am the sole caretaker of my mother. Prior to this arrangement I did not have any assistance with taking care of my mother. Due to my own pride I did not discuss the matter with my sister. Now because this has negatively impacted my studies beyond my control I have enlisted aid to ensure such external circumstances will not negatively impact my academic studies.

I have desired to complete an English degree for several years and I am hoping you will grant me this credit standing so I will keep the course credit, but the GPA will not count towards the total GPA.

To support the above I am able to provide the following is required:

¿¿ Joyce Beckford ¿¿ 416 417 7893. This is my mother¿¿s phone number she is able to discuss her health and my daily contribution to her life if required. She can also verify I had to take her to surgery in July of 2018. I purchase all her groceries, pick up medication so on and so forth.
¿¿ Dr. Waseem Hassan ¿¿ 212 5540 Windermere Blvd SW, Edmonton, AB. Phone Number is 780 466 6236. He will verify my mother had surgery at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton Alberta several weeks before my exam.
¿¿ Dr. Talwalkar ¿¿ 71 King Street W, Mississauga, ON ¿¿ 905 273 4700. This was her doctor when she lived in Ontario prior to moving to Edmonton. He can also verify her state of health in the past.