Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean (Academic),

I am petitioning for a Credit Standing in the course PSYC 271 (Fall, 2023).

The extenuating circumstances beyond my control include contracting COVID-19 on September 22nd, for the duration of 9 days until October 1st, as well as a mild ankle sprain on October 27th, for the duration of 10 days until November 6th. These extenuating circumstances had substantial effects in hindering my academic performance due to both their timing and severity. In the first instance where I contracted COVID-19, I was unable to attend lectures and study for the material of the 3rd and 4th weeks of the course. My body was aching during this time, and I had trouble maintaining focus throughout this period of days. I attempted emailing my professors at this point, but it had already affected my academic performance enough for me to put me off track for PSYC 271. I was very much not ready for the first midterm on October 5th, and this showed as a result of my poor grade. I made attempts at consulting with my accommodations officer on what steps I should take in order to be successful in the course, but they informed me that it should not be that big of a deal missing 1-2 weeks of material. Additionally, I sprained my ankle while playing basketball during the week of October 27th. This held drastic effects, due to its timing being immediately before the 2nd Midterm on Nov. 7, which is just about 1 and a half weeks before the exam. The timeline of my recovery lasted about 10 days, as the ankle sprain felt excruciating throughout the week. It hindered my ability to go to lectures, and also review material. I made various attempts at making a faster recovery, such as using the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate), and attending the front office of the Queen’s Athletics and Recreation Centre for their services directly after my injury. They pushed me in a wheelchair and directly escorted me to my home.

My future plans for achieving academic success include: taking courses that I am a lot more comfortable with (something easier than PSYC 271), having a better support group of friends in order to supply me with their notes and help me catch up on missed course material, creating a good daily routine with proper habits (such as going to church and the gym) alongside studying on a regular and consistent basis and forming realistic goals and being proactive in the case that I have an extenuating circumstance which hinders or prohibits me from working for a period of time. This will both help me prepare for the current state of academic probation I am on, and also set me up with a good foundation for instilling routines for future aspirations. I am asking for a chance to stay at Queens University for the winter semester, as I know that I can improve my GPA with these better habits. I will attain supporting documentation as soon as I can from the hospital I attended in Toronto when spraining my ankle. As for the case of having COVID-19, I took 3 Rapid-Antigen Tests which confirmed the contraction of it.

Please do consider my request.

Best,

Jacob Fong (Student ID: 20363093)
Queen's 2nd Year ConEd Student