Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Hello,

My name is Michelle Guerrero, a second year student in the plan to complete a major in Biology and a minor in Life Science. I am writing to formally request the removal of STATS 263 from my transcript, a course I undertook during the winter semester of my first year 2023-2024. During this course I was keeping up and completing everything on the syllabus, finding it challenging but manageable especially enough to pass this course and the final exam. Unfortunately, during this time of exams my grandfather had a heart attack and passed away the first week of December. His passing was an emotional and challenging time for me, as I had to try my best studying for all my exams knowing I had to return home to be with my family during this difficult time. Though I tried my best to prepare adequately for my final exams, I did notice the ability to focus led to a significant drop in my performance in all of the exams I had to complete from my course load. Unfortunately, stats was my worst one.
Before the final exams, I was doing well in Statistics, similar to my other courses. I definitely found it challenging with it being my first year and getting into the routine of being a lot more independent but as I dedicated time to my work load it was okay. After the exams, I reached out to the professor of STATS 263, Mr. Molson to seek guidance on my situation to see if there is anything I could do as I had seen my final grade being an F and was very disappointed in myself. At the time, the option presented to me was to retake the course, however, because it is not a course I needed to take for my desired plan I was searching for another possible option. In recent conversations with my peers expressing my concern for my grade and desire to succeed this coming year in my university career and onward, I learned that petitioning to drop the course was also an option, which is why I am now submitting this request.
I sincerely hope it is not too late to have my circumstances considered because it has honestly caused me so much stress and am willing to do whatever it takes to have this petition reviewed and considered. I want to emphasize that I did put in considerable effort throughout the semester and was very committed to succeeding in this course, like I continue to be with my other ones. However, the emotional time of a close family member passing away unexpectedly, diminished my ability to focus and study effectively at the worst possible time as it was right at the critical period of exams starting and under normal circumstances, I am confident that I would have been able to complete the course with a satisfactory grade. While I understand the importance of academic integrity and performance, I respectfully ask to be considered with my poor performance in STATS263.
I kindly request this approval of my petition to drop from my transcript as it would not only alleviate the burden of a failing grade that does not reflect my true abilities but also allow me to focus on my studies and future academic success without the shadow of this experience.

Thank you for your time and understanding. I am more than willing to provide any additional documentation or information you may require to support my petition along with the letter my dad wrote as my supporting piece of documentation.

Michelle Guerrero
20394896
22vs33@queensu.ca