Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Appeals Office at Queen's University,

I am writing regarding a situation that resulted in my absence from my PSYC 100 examination. On April 30, 2020, I submitted an academic consideration to defer all my final exams due to the situation with COVID-19. This consideration was approved. I granted a Permission for an Incomplete Grade or Deferred Examination on May 20, 2020, by my PSYC 100 professor. I wrote all my other final exams within two weeks of this academic consideration, and, on June 1, 2020, I emailed to ask when the PSYC 100 final exam may be. Paul Fortin, the Program Associate/PSYC100 Coordinator, told me that the exam would be in September or earlier. When I received the emails about the PSYC 100 final examination that would take place on September 2, 2020, I notified Devin Fowlie, the Program Associate/PSYC100 Coordinator, that I could not attend because of work obligation. This was on August 24, 2020. I explained that my seasonal work ended on September 7, 2020, and I could write my examination any time after that. Jenalee Dymond, another Program Associate/PSYC100 Coordinator, told me to apply for academic consideration. I did, and it was denied because commitments are not considered an extenuating circumstance under the Senate Policy. After this, I spoke with Melissa Marcucci Grant, an Academic Advisor, who spoke with my instructor Dr. Meghan Norris asking if I could have the weighting of my grades rearranged to accommodation. This request was also denied.

It would much be appreciated if I could extend my incomplete so that I would not fail this full-year course. I have a continuing struggle with mental health, and the winter semester of 2020 was the first time in nearly a year where I would have successfully completed a full course load. The goal of returning to Queen's as a full-time student has been a goal of mine, and I would be devastated to fail a course because I was unable to attend because of a work commitment. During the summer, I worked full time as a beachfront lifeguard o Toronto Island. Unlike other lifeguarding positions, there are special requirements, and therefore it is difficult for our supervisors to find replacements. I could not afford to lose my job because I needed a stable income to help save for rent. I have submitted my disability verification forms filled out by my physician and my academic accommodation from April and request an incomplete grade.

I patiently await your decision and thank you for taking the time to review my consideration.

Sincerely,
Samantha Gillen
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