Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean (Studies),

I am appealing to request an extension of IN grade in ECON 222.

I am appealing all this on the grounds of compassion as well as medical.
Over the summer 2019, I appealed the request to withdraw for a year due to my extenuating circumstances and was thankfully given another chance to come back and continue my studies. Since being diagnosed with anxiety and depression, I have been a more conscious and hardworking student while also taking care of my physically and mental needs. The symptoms of my ongoing circumstances regarding my mental health are the reason why I had deferred the examination for Econ 222 during winter term of 2019. Upon serious reflection of the past, I recognize that my dismissiveness of my own health, prevented me from being successful. Since my diagnosis, I have been actively trying to modify my past behavior and learning how to prioritize my health. With this being said, I would like to emphasize that my inability to write the deferred examination was not caused by my ongoing mental health issues; instead, it was due to catching an unexpected viral infection. The symptoms of this sudden and extenuating circumstance took a large toll on my health and lasted for over week. I was not in the right condition write the final exam on September 12th, 2019.

In just a matter of two days after getting to Kingston from summer break, I fell suddenly felt ill. I had a fever and was experiencing a lot of chest pain. My symptoms continued to worsen, and two days later, on September 4th, 2019 I was forced to seek medical help. First, I went to the Student Wellness Clinic located in Mitchell Hall (69 Union St W, Kingston, ON K7L 2N9), but after finding out that it was understaffed for the day, I headed to Hotel Dieu Hospital (166 Brock St, Kingston, ON K7L 5G2). After X-rays of my chest, the doctor concluded that I had a viral infection, for which no medication could be prescribed to relieve my symptoms. I was advised that it could take over a week for the viral infection to go away and I had no choice but to wait the course of the infection out. This sudden illness was nothing like I had experienced before and was so unlike a common cold and it left me feeling very weak. With no appetite, and no strength, it was very difficult for me to focus on studying for this exam, which was scheduled for September 12th, 2019.

Despite all this, I knew that my deferred exam was looming right around the corner and I was feeling very scared and unprepared. Immediately after my diagnosis, I took the initiative to reach out to my instructors to inform them about my extenuating circumstance because I was aware that I had a lot at stake. I told them well before the exam was scedhuled because I knew my ability to prepare for the exam would be compromised. I expressed my concerns regarding my ability to write this exam though my school email with my instructor (Michael Kennedy) and with Jennine Ball, (Undergraduate Assistant/Advisor).I explained my illness and requested for an extension to write this exam. Jennine Ball and Ian Cromb advised me that I would have to appeal to have the IN grade extended and submit to the portal regarding my inability to write the makeup exam.

Like we could in the past, I was under the impression that if I completed an attestation form and submitted it to the portal indicating my brief 3 day absence, I would be able to write my exam on a later date. My misconceptions and lack of knowledge on the school's appeal regulations lead me to believe that if I had indicated to the faculty that I was experiencing an extenuating circumstance and provided the necessary paperwork for this process, I would be given another day to write the final examination. This situation shows that I took the initiative to reach out to the Economics Department and took the responsibility to express my situation. Overall, it is evident that I desperately wanted to write the exam but was helpless because of circumstances not in my control. Since then, I have talked to the faculty and have been told that if my appeal is granted, I will be able to write the exam and finish the course.

In all sincerity, staring the semester off with the prospect of failing a course has been very difficult and emotional. The idea of failing a course because of circumstances not in my control has caused me to have panic attacks. Oftentimes, I have to remind myself that it was not my fault, my intention, or in my control to suddenly get sick. In fact, with Econ 222 being a core course and a crucial pre-requisite in my degree, I wanted nothing more than to write this deferred examination. It is clear that this extenuating circumstance has prolonged the incomplete grade.

I strongly believe that I deserve to have the IN grade for Econ 222 extended so I can have a fair chance at finishing the course. I feel like this request should be considered because I have completed the majority of the course and only have the final examination to write. Failing the course due to a circumstance not in my control would be unfair. I know I can receive a credit in this course, but I need a chance to show my ability. I have provided all the information I can, but if there is anything else I can do, I will cooperate fully.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, Neha Gupta