Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dr. Stephenson ,

I am appealing to have my MATH 121 mark from the 2022 summer term changed to the Credit Standing (CR) designation on my transcript.

During this time period, there were extenuating circumstances that detrimentally impacted my ability to perform academically. In April 2022, I had just been made aware that my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, and was undergoing treatment. I was at home over the summer, which I was thankful for, as I could spend time with her, but this wholly affected me. She endured daily appointments for radiation and multiple medical procedures and surgery. My family was hijacked during this time with fears regarding what this diagnosis meant for her in the future. I am very close to my mom, and thoughts about her possibly dying overwhelmed me. My father had also taken a 6 month leave from his work due to his struggles with anxiety and depression. The home environment was extremely stressful for me, during this time period. My parents found a counsellor for me, but due to long waiting lists, I was only able to start with them at the end of the summer.

MATH 121 was a mandatory course for the Life Sciences program, so I was under the impression that I had no choice but to complete it over the summer term, before 2nd year began. I could not concentrate on my studies the way I would typically. I was barely sleeping and due to my level of anxiety over my mother??s cancer, my ability to concentrate incrementally worsened. As a result, I ended up failing the first exam with a 28% and ended up with a C+ in the course. This is not my baseline, and does not represent my academic performance nor potential.. In my case, a C+ should absolutely be considered given my other academic performances. I achieved an A- average for my 1st year fall and winter Life Sciences courses. This year, I have had consistent A/A-??s for my courses in the life sciences specialization program (which is known to be more difficult than the major route), proving the normally high standard I set for myself. I am also on the exec team for multiple clubs as well as being a varsity athlete so participation in anything to do with queens is normally always at my forefront.

I am hopeful that a CR designation could be applied in this case. This was a circumstance that was unpredictable and beyond my control. I was not eating or taking care of myself whatsoever. Going forward, I have prioritized my mental health and my mom is now recovering, health wise. I have long term goals, which include potentially applying to medical school or pursuing graduate studies in a field like cancer research. I am also pursuing a summer position with an oncologist next summer. A C+ on my transcript is evidently lower than my other consistent grades and since it is a 6.0 weighted course, it impacted my GPA greatly over a time period where my family and I were going through a dire situation, which made this year an uphill battle in an effort to fix it. I would greatly appreciate your consideration for this appeal, as it would without a doubt take this weight off my shoulders.

Sincerely,

Meghan Vrkoc