Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to formally request credit standing or aegrotat standing for my DRAM 100 course, which I completed during the Winter 2024 semester. I make this request because I feel my academic performance was significantly impacted after experiencing multiple sexual assaults by a fellow Queen’s student during the third week of the academic year, and that the great I received in this course is preventing my GPA from fairly representing the hard work I have put into my academics at Queen’s.

These events, which were entirely beyond my control, had a profound effect on my ability to focus, attend classes, and complete coursework. These effects were especially pronounced in DRAM 100, as I had been studying for this course with the individual involved when the assaults occurred. In the months following the assaults, I experienced severe emotional and psychological distress, which greatly interfered with my academic engagement and success.

My challenges were further compounded by my decision to pursue an investigation of the events through Barb Lotan and Queen’s Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Services. I am pleased with my decision to pursue this investigation. However, it did not come without negative consequences to my school work, including spaning the entire academic year, many emotional meetings/interviews requiring me to relive the events, and mild harassment from the perpetrator and their peers, which made it increasingly difficult for me to attend classes on most, if not all, academic days. Despite my best efforts to stay engaged and the continued support from Professor Renyk, I was unable to complete certain academic responsibilities to my usual standard as I had hoped.

I understand the university requires clear evidence of how these circumstances affected my academic performance, and I have done my best to provide this information while maintaining my privacy and emotional well-being. I am able to provide supporting documentation from the emergency room and the SA/DV program at KGH, as well as documentation regarding the investigation and its results. I can also request a letter of support from Barb Lotan if needed.

Until recently, I was unaware that credit standing or aegrotat standing was an option available to me, which is why I am applying now—nearly a year later. I understand that petitions must be submitted within a year of the course’s conclusion, and as this is my final week to apply, I am doing so as soon as possible.

I am requesting your compassionate consideration for credit standing or aegrotat standing, as I believe this would allow my GPA to more fairly reflect my academic efforts and potential had these extenuating circumstances not occurred. I remain committed to my education and am actively working toward healing so that I can continue my studies with renewed focus and strength.

Thank you for your time, understanding, and compassion in reviewing my request.

Sincerely,
Grace Shea (20423160)
04/04/2025