Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to respectfully petition for a credit standing (CR) on my transcript for the courses Stats 263 and Comm 200. This petition is due to extenuating circumstances that significantly impacted my academic performance during the past winter 2023 semester.
Unfortunately, I faced an unforeseen and distressing situation that deeply affected my ability to perform at my usual hardworking and dedicated academic level. Specifically, I was emotionally challenged when my grandfather was diagnosed with a sudden illness. For many weeks, commuting between home and school negatively impacted my time devoted to studying, coinciding with the busiest time of the semester and my final exams. Although I received exceptional understanding from my professors, their abilities to support my concerns were ultimately limited.
Sadly, my grandfather's condition quickly worsened, and he passed away on March 30. Grieving this tragic loss, coupled with the family responsibilities and arrangements that followed, took a great emotional toll on me. It had become increasingly difficult to concentrate on my academic obligations. As a result, my final grades were adversely affected, causing a significant decline in my GPA.
I plan to retake COMM 200 during the upcoming fall semester with the aim of demonstrating my true academic potential. Despite having a solid understanding of the content for Stats 263 throughout the semester, my performance on the final exam, which carried the most weight, was hindered due to distraction and anxiety from my personal situation. Consequently, I believe my results could have been significantly better if I was mentally and emotionally focused at the time.
In relation to COMM 200, I will admit I faced challenges with the group I was assigned to during the semester, resulting in receiving negative peer evaluations, which carried significant weight in the course grading. Unfortunately, my group struggled with communicating and when it came to my situation, even though I actively sought guidance on areas where I could improve. Additionally, I was unable to truly grasp the course material , which is why I am motivated to take Business Fundamentals again in the fall.
This semester, I opted to take only three courses, including a summer course, taking into account the credits I had previously earned from Cegep. I performed relatively well in Econ 255, which was the third course of the winter due to my prior knowledge of the subject. However, I strongly believe I could have ended with a better final grade.
Presently, I am in the process of taking a summer course, COMM 231, which I am certain that it will positively impact my GPA due to my improved mental state and more conducive work environment. The implications of this final course grade are particularly distressing, as it jeopardizes my acceptance for the exchange program. I have been increasingly excited to experience a new journey at Manchester University in the upcoming winter 2024 semester.
I kindly request that Stats 263 and Comm 200 grades for the affected semester be reconsidered and appear as a CR on my transcript. Currently, my GPA stands at 2.67, and maintaining a 3.0 GPA requirement is necessary for me to proceed with the incredible opportunity of exchange at Manchester. Dr. Margaret Maliszewska has generously contacted Manchester University, and they have indicated that a GPA of 3.0 is considered for acceptance. Using an online GPA calculator, I've determined that if Stats 263 and Comm 200 are both accepted for a credit standing (CR) on my transcript, along with my predicted grade for the summer course I'm currently completing, my GPA will be 3.088. While I had entered a prediction of B+ for the final grade of my summer course I am still taking, I strive for a higher final grade and I wanted to plan for the worst-case scenario for estimation purposes. It is, however, crucial that both of these courses appear as CR on my transcript, as omitting just one would result in a GPA slightly below Manchester's acceptance requirements.
This will enable me to pursue my academic and future career goals, in addition to partaking in the program's invaluable cultural exchange. I have always had a strong desire to study abroad, which I know is something that is earned. I have consistently put all of my efforts into my academic studies and have taken full advantage of the resources given here at Queen's. I understand that this decision is not taken lightly, and I assure you that I have always strived to maintain a high standard of scholarly performance. Due to my commitment to academic priorities and my continuous passion for learning, I sincerely hope you can empathize with the challenges I faced during this time due to these extenuating conditions. The circumstances surrounding my grandfather's illness and subsequent passing were truly devastating, and I hope they can warrant consideration for this request. I have provided the obituary to validate this request. Additionally, I am open to meeting with you personally if you wish to discuss any further questions or concerns regarding this matter.
I want to wholeheartedly thank you for your attention and consideration. I sincerely hope that you will understand the difficulties I faced and grant my request to receive a CR for the aforementioned grade on my transcript. Not only would this decision help me overcome the academic setback, but it would also allow me to embrace this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore my individuality while studying abroad in the city of Manchester. I am grateful to have received such amazing support from my kind professor, Charles Molson. He not only introduced me to this option of writing to you to request a CR but also took the time to craft a letter to strengthen my petition. I sincerely appreciate your time and understanding, and I hope for a positive resolution to this concern.
Thank you dearly,
Charly Perlman