Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 13130
Submitted: May 12, 2025 at 6:17:10 PM
First Name: Benjamin
Last Name: Rush
Pronoun: he/him
Preferred Name: Ben
Student Number: 20268074
Email: 20bar2@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BAH
Plan: ECON/HLTH
Level of Study: 4
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Request a review of instructors' decisions on grading of final examination and/or term work
Code: ECON 361
Term: Winter
Year: 2025
Petition Category: Request a review of instructors' decisions on grading of final examination and/or term work
Instructor's Name: Weili Ding
Section/Class Number: 001
Component: Final exam and course weightings
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean (Academic),
I am writing to formally petition for a review of my final exam grade and the course weightings for ECON 361, which I recently failed under extenuating circumstances. I respectfully request reconsideration of my final standing in the course based on documented challenges that significantly impacted my academic performance.
On January 27, 2025, I sustained a serious injury to my dominant hand while playing Queen’s intramural basketball. This injury required surgery and ongoing medical care during my six-week recovery. Not only was this a difficult time due to constant physical pain, but this injury disrupted every aspect of my school life, including no longer being able to play for the Queen’s Varsity Squash Team, which took a toll on my mental health.
Despite these challenges, I made every effort to stay engaged with the course and complete all assignments to the best of my ability, earning grades of 67% and 88%, which I believe reflect my grasp of the course material when given appropriate flexibility. With a doctor’s note that stated minimal use of my dominant hand for six-weeks, Queen’s University provided me with formal academic accommodations that included excused absences from class, assignment extensions, and midterm deferrals. I also accessed others support resources including a Queen’s academic advisor and a registered psychologist.
While all of my other professors permitted me to defer midterm assessments due to my medical condition, Professor Ding did not honour my accommodations, and did not allow a deferral for the ECON 361 midterm. Instead, the weight of the midterm was transferred to the final exam (70%), significantly increasing its impact on my final grade. Given the continued difficulty I faced in studying and completing written work without the use of my right hand, this decision placed me at a substantial disadvantage and, unfortunately, did not set me up for success.
As a result of this outcome, I am now one credit short of graduation and will be unable to graduate with my cohort in June. I have already secured a full-time, permanent position aligned with my career goals that begins next week. Failing this course not only delays my academic progress but also puts me in a deeply challenging position as I transition into the next phase of my life.
In light of these circumstances, I am respectfully requesting that my final exam grade and course weighting be reviewed and revised in a way that reflects the documented barriers I faced and the work I demonstrated throughout the term. My sincere hope is to pass ECON 361 and graduate with my class.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I am committed to upholding the standards of academic integrity and fairness and appreciate your consideration during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Benjamin Rush
I am writing to formally petition for a review of my final exam grade and the course weightings for ECON 361, which I recently failed under extenuating circumstances. I respectfully request reconsideration of my final standing in the course based on documented challenges that significantly impacted my academic performance.
On January 27, 2025, I sustained a serious injury to my dominant hand while playing Queen’s intramural basketball. This injury required surgery and ongoing medical care during my six-week recovery. Not only was this a difficult time due to constant physical pain, but this injury disrupted every aspect of my school life, including no longer being able to play for the Queen’s Varsity Squash Team, which took a toll on my mental health.
Despite these challenges, I made every effort to stay engaged with the course and complete all assignments to the best of my ability, earning grades of 67% and 88%, which I believe reflect my grasp of the course material when given appropriate flexibility. With a doctor’s note that stated minimal use of my dominant hand for six-weeks, Queen’s University provided me with formal academic accommodations that included excused absences from class, assignment extensions, and midterm deferrals. I also accessed others support resources including a Queen’s academic advisor and a registered psychologist.
While all of my other professors permitted me to defer midterm assessments due to my medical condition, Professor Ding did not honour my accommodations, and did not allow a deferral for the ECON 361 midterm. Instead, the weight of the midterm was transferred to the final exam (70%), significantly increasing its impact on my final grade. Given the continued difficulty I faced in studying and completing written work without the use of my right hand, this decision placed me at a substantial disadvantage and, unfortunately, did not set me up for success.
As a result of this outcome, I am now one credit short of graduation and will be unable to graduate with my cohort in June. I have already secured a full-time, permanent position aligned with my career goals that begins next week. Failing this course not only delays my academic progress but also puts me in a deeply challenging position as I transition into the next phase of my life.
In light of these circumstances, I am respectfully requesting that my final exam grade and course weighting be reviewed and revised in a way that reflects the documented barriers I faced and the work I demonstrated throughout the term. My sincere hope is to pass ECON 361 and graduate with my class.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I am committed to upholding the standards of academic integrity and fairness and appreciate your consideration during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Benjamin Rush
Documentation
Professional Letter: Screen Shot 2025-05-12 at 6.14.16 PM.png
