Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean,

I am writing to you to submit an appeal requesting a Credit (CR) Standing, as a replacement to the poor grade I had received in PHIL 157. In order to better understand my request, I would like to kindly ask you to read further as I explain the nature of the situation and the surrounding circumstances.

In the documentation provided, you will see that I had been granted an initial extension. I handed in my assignment on time, on January 1st, but to the wrong professor. He e-mailed me back to tell me, which I did not see until January 4th. I immediately wrote to my professor to explain what had happened and he replied on January 6th, granting me a final extension. Unfortunately, I hadn¿¿t received his e-mail until January 8th, and he refused to grade it.

As you can see, we did not have immediate contact with one another. This is because I was up north visiting my sister, and I did not have access to internet unless I drove to town. I could not coordinate a ride every day to go use the internet, and I ended up missing my last chance. I recognize that this incident has been a result of my initial mistake however, I would like to tell you about the other surrounding circumstances which have affected my position, as a student.

There have been many factors which have influenced by post-secondary experience. Coming from a northern aboriginal reservation has proven to be a drastic contrast to what feels to me a large urban area. I have experienced many culture shocks, including those which come from areas such as technologies, establishments, and even processes. In my transition from St. Lawrence College to Queens University I failed to seek proper guidance. I thought that because I was confidently pursuing a major in philosophy, I did not have to take other first year courses. I was enrolled in three PHIL courses, and it was very intense.

Since my first meeting with Academic Advisor Michelle Gallant, I have learned to take more care of myself and the education that I am receiving. I have been into contact with Academic Advisors Kathryn Morrissey and Vicky Andrews, who have been helping to guide me, and have been introducing me to the opportunities available to me. I think that it is worth mentioning to you that I am a student who is determined to succeed. All of my marks this term are as follows: A- (PHIL 115B) and three 8.5/10 (PHIL 111B). I have also brought it upon myself to buy a cellphone, which will allow me to remain in contact with society and my responsibilities within it. There are many things that may refer to when I say that I have learned self-care and how its meaning extends however, I would like to share with you a piece of information that is sensitive to me, and that has affected my most. A week before school began my mother passed away from a car accident, and she was only 41 years old. I¿¿ve only gotten to see her 3 times since I moved to Kingston in 2014 which upsets me because we used to spend too much time together before. My mind, and I suppose my heart, has been occupied and unavailable. None the less, I have gotten into contact with the counselling services offered on campus and have been making efforts to take care of my life. When you compare the grade I received in the Fall Term to the grades I am receiving now, you can see that I am serious about education.
Associate Dean, may you please grant my request to receive a (CR)

Thank you for listening to me.

Sincerely,


Kelly-Ann King
Chi¿¿ Meeqwetch