Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 3321
Submitted: April 21, 2017 at 11:36:58 AM
First Name: Samantha
Last Name: Matti
Student Number: 10099005
Email: 12srm8@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BAH
Plan: PSYC
Level of Study: 4
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Request a review of instructors' decisions on grading of final examination and/or term work
Code: PSYC 360
Term: Fall
Year: 2016
Petition Category: Request a review of instructors' decisions on grading of final examination and/or term work
Instructor's Name: Hans Dringenberg
Component: Final Exam
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing this appeal for my final exam in PSYC360. Due to extenuating mental health issues that include some struggles with depression and anxiety, I've put off the appeal until the end of the academic year; however, my anxiety about not completing it has pushed me to finally file the appeal. Due to a major break up and some family health issues back home, I've been struggling to stay focused and keep my grades up, although I feel I've done a good job in spite of the adversity. I haven't yet sought out counselling, but I've provided medical documentation in another course (PSYC437) when my mental health issues impeded my handing in of an assignment on time. I believe this note is still in the possession of the course instructor for PSYC437 (Amanda Shamblaw).
With respect to the regrade of my final examination, I've never requested a regrade before, but I feel as though this is an exceptional circumstance for me, and I would be remiss if I did not request this appeal. Firstly, I have never failed an exam in my 4 years at Queen's, so this 48 came as quite a shock over the Christmas break. Furthermore, all evaluations I received in the course prior to the final exam had been graded 85 or above, which I believe demonstrates my dedication to my academic performance in the class. Due to the fact that I studied extensively for this exam, and felt that I had a good grasp of the material, it prompted me to email my professor and ask what had happened. We agreed to a meeting after the break to discuss my exam. Although I approached the instructor, I left the meeting still unclear on how exactly I could have improved other than to have written more. Unfortunately, we had no formal examinations in this course prior to the final exam (only lab reports and a presentation), so I had no concept of how much information I was supposed to have written in the first place.
In terms of supporting documentation, I am able to provide a copious amount of (albeit slightly messy) notes that I believe demonstrate my knowledge, and back up the key concepts that appeared on the exam. These notes are available at any time should they be requested by the department. I also believe the course slides on onQ would provide the same support if need be (in the event that my notes are illegible).
Thank you very much for taking the time to read my academic appeal, and I hope to hear from you in the near future.
Sincerely,
Samantha Matti
10099005
I am writing this appeal for my final exam in PSYC360. Due to extenuating mental health issues that include some struggles with depression and anxiety, I've put off the appeal until the end of the academic year; however, my anxiety about not completing it has pushed me to finally file the appeal. Due to a major break up and some family health issues back home, I've been struggling to stay focused and keep my grades up, although I feel I've done a good job in spite of the adversity. I haven't yet sought out counselling, but I've provided medical documentation in another course (PSYC437) when my mental health issues impeded my handing in of an assignment on time. I believe this note is still in the possession of the course instructor for PSYC437 (Amanda Shamblaw).
With respect to the regrade of my final examination, I've never requested a regrade before, but I feel as though this is an exceptional circumstance for me, and I would be remiss if I did not request this appeal. Firstly, I have never failed an exam in my 4 years at Queen's, so this 48 came as quite a shock over the Christmas break. Furthermore, all evaluations I received in the course prior to the final exam had been graded 85 or above, which I believe demonstrates my dedication to my academic performance in the class. Due to the fact that I studied extensively for this exam, and felt that I had a good grasp of the material, it prompted me to email my professor and ask what had happened. We agreed to a meeting after the break to discuss my exam. Although I approached the instructor, I left the meeting still unclear on how exactly I could have improved other than to have written more. Unfortunately, we had no formal examinations in this course prior to the final exam (only lab reports and a presentation), so I had no concept of how much information I was supposed to have written in the first place.
In terms of supporting documentation, I am able to provide a copious amount of (albeit slightly messy) notes that I believe demonstrate my knowledge, and back up the key concepts that appeared on the exam. These notes are available at any time should they be requested by the department. I also believe the course slides on onQ would provide the same support if need be (in the event that my notes are illegible).
Thank you very much for taking the time to read my academic appeal, and I hope to hear from you in the near future.
Sincerely,
Samantha Matti
10099005
Documentation
Professional Letter Detail: Final Exam with Haley Everson

