Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To Whom It May Concern,

I am requesting to have my grade in Clinical Psychology (PSYC 236) converted to a credit standing due to extenuating circumstances which have significantly impacted my academic performance.

As a result of the ongoing dispute between PSAC and Queen’s University, my final clinical psychology exam was cancelled. Consequently, my grade is now entirely based on a single midterm, which was originally weighted at 25% but is now worth 100% of my grade.

Unfortunately, just one week before this midterm on January 30th, I experienced a traumatic family event that led to my parents' separation. This left me in a highly stressful situation, as I was unable to live with either parent and struggled to find stable housing. Additionally, I was on poor terms with my father, which took a toll on both my mental health and my ability to concentrate on my studies.

I tried to seek counselling during that time, but was unable to schedule an appointment before the exam. When I was finally able to meet with my therapist on February 26th, I was granted long-term academic accommodation until April 22nd. However, because I did not have documented proof of extenuating circumstances at the time of the midterm, I had to write the exam while emotionally unfit.

My current grade in PSYC 236 is a B-, while my overall GPA is 3.91. I was admitted to Queen’s as a Principal’s Scholarship recipient, ranking in the top 5% of my class. I am a hardworking and dedicated student. I believe it is unfair for a single evaluation—especially one written under very challenging circumstances—to have such a significant impact on my academic trajectory.

I sincerely hope you will consider my request for credit standing.

Thank you for your time,
Liza Rowatt