Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To Whom It May Concern,

I am seeking the petition that I may be able to add two Arts and Science Online courses for Queen’s to my Summer 2024 timetable, specifically ENGL 273 and HLTH 101. I understand that it has been 2 business days since the add deadline; however, I believe that I have cause to join these two courses now for several reasons.

First, the week of May 6th was an extremely tough week for me personally. Wednesday, May 8th was my Dad’s interment (burial) and Friday, May 10th was my Grandma’s interment which also happened to be the add deadline for Summer 2024 courses. Emotionally, mentally, and physically this week was exhausting as I had to bury and say my final goodbye to my Dad and my Grandma whom I have lived with my entire life. Unfortunately, the add deadline slipped my mind as I grieved the loss of my Dad and Grandma with my family.

Second, I had full intentions to take these two courses for the Summer 2024 term. I was initially enrolled in both of them, however, (to my mistake now) dropped both a few weeks back when my Grandma unexpectedly died. I regret making this decision to drop these classes because my mind was in an even muddier blur dealing with the sudden and traumatic losses of both my dear Dad and Grandma who were young in age (40s and 60s, respectively). I meant to add the courses back before the add deadline but the add deadline slipped my mind completely because I buried my Dad and Grandma that same week.

Because of the death of my Dad, my family has made the tough decision to uproot our lives to move to Kingston so I can be in person for my final two years of study. Physically I have my own health issues, and as a family we are in this together. I want to ensure that I can be confident that everything academically is in order with our lives being uprooted (housing-wise) for this time.

Third, after communicating with the Arts and Science English Department and Con-Ed Department, timing is crucial. I plan to finish my Undergraduate studies at the end of next year, 2024-2025, to be able to be on track to complete my final Con-Ed year the following year of 2025-2026. All of my remaining 42 units are allocated to specific courses that entirely align with my Plan. I have 42 units to complete to finish my BAH, 39 units of which are English courses and 3 units of which are Biology related courses. I do not have the finances or the time to take courses for the pleasure of taking a course.

The majority of my remaining units belong to English, with 36 units being only available during the regular academic session (Fall & Winter). This really complicates matters as expressed by the Chair of the English Department. Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 I will be enrolled in 18 units of courses to cover the 36 units only available during the regular academic session, leaving 6 units left to be completed. I would like to have these 6 units (ENGL 273 and HLTH 101) completed this summer and not next summer because this would delay the completion of my Undergraduate degree which I have been told would complicate me being ready for my final Con-Ed year for 2025-2026. Further, financially, next year is going to be extremely rocky. Financially, I have nothing; I am banking that OSAP and bursaries can help fund the majority of my basic expenses accrued during my studies, with me working during the summer to meet basic expenses of food and rent. As a teacher, the majority of my supply dates are during April-June, and in April I have a 90-hour unpaid practicum. Plus, I would like to have the courses added now to keep me busy during the quiet times where my grief is extremely overwhelming.

Thank you for taking the time to hear my voice.

Take care,
Brooke
20271596