Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Jessica Oppong
63 Glenheron Crescent
Vaughan, Ontario
L6A 0G2
18jao1@queensu.ca

February 21, 2022

Dr. Jill Atkinson
First Floor Dunning Hall

To Dr. Atkinson,

My name is Jessica Oppong, and I am currently in my third year of study, pursuing a philosophy major. I was not sure if I should apply for credit standing or aegrotat because I was not able to complete one of my assignments because I was not allowed to, but I would have if I was given permission. I am writing today to be considered for Aegrotat for ENIN 301 (Fall, 2021). I was not able to complete one of the assignments due to a sickness, I believe was the flu, and when I asked for an extension, the professor informed me that there was a built-in grace period, so I am not entitled to a further extension. The assignment was due on October 18, 2021, and I fell ill on October 16, 2021. I tried to continue to work on the assignment, but I was pushing myself too hard to the point where I almost fainted and I could not see straight so my mother, a nurse, informed me that I should stop, get better, and deal with this issue the following week when I have fully recovered. I went to the Student Wellness Center to ask what I should do, and they told me that I do not need a medical note at that point, but I can just apply for Academic Consideration for three days and the professor should approve that. On October 22, 2021, I did as I was told and within a few minutes, My ENIN 301 professor emailed me, saying that he does not approve my request and I will still need to submit my assignment by the deadline. At that point, I was exhausted from trying to simply be exempt from work due to an illness, so I gave up and focused on my recovery. Once I had recovered, the professor informed me that it was too late to turn in any outstanding assignments. By that time, I had gotten a doctor??s note that explained that I could not do any work but because of the professor??s clarity on refusing my exceptions, I did not submit it. I was going to let it go until recently. While I plan to apply to for law school next semester, I have been reviewing my academics and requirements and I realized that ENIN 301 is having an effect on my overall GPA. I was not okay with this due to the fact that I had a legitimate illness that prevented me from doing my work. With all this in mind and my supporting documentation, I am requesting a review of my case so that I receive an estimated mark that will, hopefully, improve my mark for ENIN 301 and my overall GPA. My future plan is to have a better approach when I am faced with an illness, and I am unable to complete coursework. Although my situation relied on my professor??s approval, next time, I plan to still complete the coursework when I am no longer sick and submit it or email it to the professor with medical accommodation.

Thank you in advance for your consideration and I apologize if Credit Standing works better for my case. I spoke to an academic advisor, and they informed me that my case was not the standard case so I should mention both Credit Standing and Aegrotat. I am still, at this moment, applying for Aegrotat.

Best Regards,
Jessica Oppong