Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dr. Jenn Stephenson,

I hope this finds you well. I am appealing for an IN standing on my summer courses (RELS 131, CLST 205, ENIN 207, and ARTH 120) as well as my winter courses (GPHY 228 and DEVS 392). In each of these courses, what is missing is one assignment. You may notice that in my winter term, I have not included the ARTH 260 course. This is because I was able to work out a productive solution with the professor. However, my other courses require more specific documentation that surpasses what QSAS is able to provide. Especially in the case of the summer courses as they are beyond the statute listed in the university regulations. From July 2020, I began to experience a very difficult situation with an ongoing episodic illness that left me unable to take care of myself, let alone engage in my academic responsibilities. I had to relocate and be cared for by my parents. Which is a privilege I am lucky to have. I then began the start of the winter term, feeling optimistic. I had a very slight and temporary improvement, during which I was trying to get back to my academic responsibilities the best I could. In this period I was fighting the episodic nature of my situation and trying to complete whatever I could to uphold my academic responsibilities. However, as a result of the severity of my illness, I was unable to meet my responsibilities to myself or to the university effectively or think clearly. It is also the reason for the delay in my appeal as I spent much of last term unable to function in the most basic ways. I have been actively receiving care both medically and paramedical so that I can complete my degree as it is quite honestly what means the most to me. As such, I have already completed the missing work for these courses in the hopes that I may be able to submit them.
Regarding planning for the future to ensure I do not end up in such a difficult situation again. I believe that coordination and communication with my professors about the complexity of my situation is key. There are times I am particularly unable to do so myself. To account for this, I have spoken with my QSAS advisor about specific techniques we can put in place to make sure the field of communication is kept open. Additionally, as a part of my academic plan, I will maintain diligence in my medical and paramedical care to limit these instances as much as possible. I appreciate and am thankful for Queen's commitment to accessibility. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best wishes,

Logan McCarthy (20008610)