Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To whom it may concern,

My name is Maya Katsof (20219526), and I recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Honours, with distinction, in Applied Economics. On March 18th, 2024, I underwent a significant surgery to reconstruct the tendon in my left middle finger using a tendon graft from my calf. As a result, I couldn't walk and I was confined to bed for approximately 2-3 weeks, and unable to use my left hand until early June 2024. I continue to require follow ups with Occupational Therapy and Dr Daneshvar at Hotel Dieu. This posed considerable challenges during my final semester at Queen’s University, particularly as a left-handed economics student unable to write.

This situation significantly impacted my ability to attend classes and complete assignments, particularly in ECON 445, Industrial Organization & Public Policy, which required extensive math and writing. As can be imagined, knowing I could not attend class, could not do any practice problems or study effectively I went into the exam feeling extremely defeated. Despite having a scribe, it was extremely stressful to take the exam knowing I would not be able to be successful due to a trauma that I had no control over. I felt failure was inevitable given the circumstances.

I chose Queen’s University in part because I was offered the Senator Frank Carrel merit scholarship. I was honoured and recognized the significance and responsibility that came with accepting the scholarship. It motivated me throughout my academic career, to achieve high marks, never receiving lower than an A- in any other economics course. Due to the unforeseen circumstances surrounding my surgery and recovery, I was unable to perform as strongly as I would have under normal conditions. My grade is not a reflection of my knowledge or effort related to this course, but a consequence of not being able to attend class, engage with the material, study and effectively prepare for the exam.

Given my academic record and dedication to my studies, I am respectfully requesting a Credit Standing (CR) for ECON 445. I understand that this request is normally only awarded for a grade of C or lower, and I have received a C+. I’m really hoping that you will still consider my request as I am a hardworking, straight-A student and a C+ is not an accurate reflection of what I consider my academic standard. I hope you will consider my unique circumstances and the impact on my academic performance. It would be disheartening to see a C+ on my transcript, due to circumstances beyond my control, after consistently maintaining higher standards throughout my four years at Queen’s University.

Thank you for considering my request. Should additional information, photos, or reports be required please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Daneshvar and his team at Hotel Dieu Hospital or me. I am confident that with your understanding, the integrity of my academic record can be preserved.

Sincerely,
Maya Katsof