Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Explanation of request for academic appeal

This semester has been an extremely traumatic one for me. Despite ongoing challenges, I had every intention of doing my very best to complete the work required to earn credit in all three courses I was enrolled in. Unfortunately, the unexpected traumas kept piling on top of one another.

?? September 26-28, short-term academic consideration provided for cardiac symptoms and an asthma attack
?? September 28 ?? November 3, long-term academic consideration provided due to several personal crises:
o 9-year-old daughter underwent surgery, requiring significant pre- and post- operative care (we regularly met with an OMT and dentist)
o I suffered a scalp infection requiring incision and draining, as well as weeks of wound care and surgical consults following (saw family doctor three times, and plastic surgeon)
o My spouse ?? we have been married 13 years and together for 18 ?? had a prolonged mental health crisis precipitating an unexpected legal separation for reasons of safety (I attended counselling weekly during this time, and also met with lawyers and a mediator)

I have now applied for another period of long-term academic consideration spanning November 23 ?? December 31 relating to my mother receiving an unexpected cancer diagnosis on November 23 (she was not unwell, and is an otherwise healthy 51-year old, so this was not on anyone's radar). The silver lining is that the team of doctors, nurses, and imaging specialists have been very responsive and subsequent testing, appointments, and so on have been completed rapidly. For the last 12 days, it has been a snowball of testing and appointments. I have been supporting my mother while she attends these many appointments as well as being with her for support while she shares this news with our family members. It has been a difficult time.

As mentioned above, I have applied for a period of long-term academic consideration until the end of this semester. I have reached out to the instructors in two of my three classes, and hope to work with them to complete these courses through the consideration process.

However, I do not believe I will be able to complete the course work for WRIT125 given the ongoing personal demands relating to the above circumstances. I am appealing to you to allow me to drop this course without academic penalty. I have been in touch with Prof. Vos who teaches WRIT125, and she has indicated her support of this appeal.

If possible in this portal, I will attach separately the supporting documentation for my September 28 - November 3 academic consideration request, as the challenges related to my personal health and the separation are ongoing. Lastly, if able, I will attach the documentation I provided with the most recent request for academic consideration spanning November 23 ?? December 31, to corroborate my mother??s cancer diagnosis.

I have been in touch with my instructors. I have also been in contact with Caroline Teske, disability services advisor with QSAS.

I can be reached via email at 21vjq@queensu.ca or by phone at 519-505-3804, if you require any additional information.

Thank you for your time and consideration,
Veronica