Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 13794
Submitted: December 17, 2025 at 12:36:08 PM
First Name: Brett
Last Name: Kirkham
Pronoun: He/Him
Preferred Name: Brett
Student Number: 20391673
Email: brett.kirkham@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BSc
Plan: LISC
Level of Study: 3
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Request credit (CR) standing in a course or courses
Code: BCHM 218
Term: Fall
Year: 2025
Petition Category: Request credit (CR) standing in a course or courses
Instructor's Name: Douglas Quilty
Section/Class Number: 700
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean,
I am writing to respectfully submit this petition for consideration regarding my academic standing in BCHM 218. I acknowledge that I did not meet the application deadline to apply for Credit Standing for this course, it was my responsibility for that oversight. However, I am requesting consideration due to significant extenuating circumstances beyond my control that arose during the examination period and substantially affected my academic performance and my ability to navigate administrative deadlines.
In late November and throughout December, my family experienced a serious and unexpected medical crisis when my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer. This situation required me to travel home multiple times during the exam period to support my family. These repeated disruptions significantly impacted my study schedule, emotional stability, and ability to prepare consistently for exams, particularly for BCHM 218.
Compounding this stress, I experienced a panic attack immediately following one of my final exams. This episode was severe enough that I sought support and have since been managing ongoing anxiety symptoms. The panic attack, combined with the cumulative stress of family responsibilities and academic pressure, affected my concentration, memory, and overall exam performance. While I was still able to perform well on two of my final exams, my performance in BCHM 218 will not reflect my understanding of the course material or my effort throughout the term.
The timing and duration of these events are important to emphasize. The family medical emergency began shortly before finals and continued throughout the examination period, while my anxiety symptoms peaked immediately after one exam and persisted during the remaining assessments and administrative deadlines. As a result, the work most affected was my final examination performance in BCHM 218, as well as my ability to promptly recognize and act on petition deadlines.
During and after these events, I took steps to address the circumstances as responsibly as possible. I returned home to support my family when needed, while still attempting to maintain my academic responsibilities. I have also consulted with healthcare professionals regarding my panic attacks and mental health and can provide supporting documentation from my doctor and/or therapist upon request, including confirmation of my anxiety symptoms and the impact they had during this period.
I am submitting this petition because I believed it was worth trying my best to seek consideration for credit standing in BCHM 218, given the circumstances. I am concerned that this outcome may negatively affect my academic record and potentially limit my opportunities for graduate school should I choose to pursue that path in the future. This course result does not reflect my overall academic ability or commitment, as evidenced by my performance in other courses during the same examination period.
Thank you very much for taking the time to review my petition and consider the impact of these extenuating circumstances. I appreciate your understanding and consideration.
Sincerely,
Brett Kirkham
20391673
BSc, Life Sciences
I am writing to respectfully submit this petition for consideration regarding my academic standing in BCHM 218. I acknowledge that I did not meet the application deadline to apply for Credit Standing for this course, it was my responsibility for that oversight. However, I am requesting consideration due to significant extenuating circumstances beyond my control that arose during the examination period and substantially affected my academic performance and my ability to navigate administrative deadlines.
In late November and throughout December, my family experienced a serious and unexpected medical crisis when my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer. This situation required me to travel home multiple times during the exam period to support my family. These repeated disruptions significantly impacted my study schedule, emotional stability, and ability to prepare consistently for exams, particularly for BCHM 218.
Compounding this stress, I experienced a panic attack immediately following one of my final exams. This episode was severe enough that I sought support and have since been managing ongoing anxiety symptoms. The panic attack, combined with the cumulative stress of family responsibilities and academic pressure, affected my concentration, memory, and overall exam performance. While I was still able to perform well on two of my final exams, my performance in BCHM 218 will not reflect my understanding of the course material or my effort throughout the term.
The timing and duration of these events are important to emphasize. The family medical emergency began shortly before finals and continued throughout the examination period, while my anxiety symptoms peaked immediately after one exam and persisted during the remaining assessments and administrative deadlines. As a result, the work most affected was my final examination performance in BCHM 218, as well as my ability to promptly recognize and act on petition deadlines.
During and after these events, I took steps to address the circumstances as responsibly as possible. I returned home to support my family when needed, while still attempting to maintain my academic responsibilities. I have also consulted with healthcare professionals regarding my panic attacks and mental health and can provide supporting documentation from my doctor and/or therapist upon request, including confirmation of my anxiety symptoms and the impact they had during this period.
I am submitting this petition because I believed it was worth trying my best to seek consideration for credit standing in BCHM 218, given the circumstances. I am concerned that this outcome may negatively affect my academic record and potentially limit my opportunities for graduate school should I choose to pursue that path in the future. This course result does not reflect my overall academic ability or commitment, as evidenced by my performance in other courses during the same examination period.
Thank you very much for taking the time to review my petition and consider the impact of these extenuating circumstances. I appreciate your understanding and consideration.
Sincerely,
Brett Kirkham
20391673
BSc, Life Sciences
Documentation Detail: My documentation will be sent separately to the Faculty Office. If you guys need to see it.