Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to request an extension of the deadline to file an Appeal to have my grades from MUSC-171 (The Social History of Popular Music).

By way of background, I confirm that while I have not been diagnosed with a learning disability, I did apply for accommodations during the school year based on the attached assessment report. As you can see, although I didn¿¿t meet the qualifications for a formal diagnosis, my test scores are very low in a significant number of areas, which means I struggle. I was not able to get accommodations at Queen¿¿s when I applied, without an official diagnosis.

It is against this backdrop that I ask you to consider the very serious implications for me, of missing class time for an extended period.

I underwent two serious medical procedures this year. I missed a week of school, on my surgeon¿¿s instructions, after a significant oral surgery, after which I was medicated, disoriented and in pain. Thereafter, I was in a sports accident and fractured my foot, and severely sprained my ankle - as a result of which I had to stay off my foot entirely for a period of time, and then I had only limited mobility with an air cast and crutches, for and extended period.

I live in an apartment off campus, and I had to move out of my apartment, as I could not manage the flights of stairs. I relied on others for transportation and assistance getting around in winter.

All of this upheaval meant that I missed a lot of classes and fell behind. I spoke to all of my teachers directly, and with the accommodation office, and I made online inquiries as well, to request class notes - but I had no success in securing notes. I experienced significant anxiety as well, as a result of falling behind. I was not doing well - on any level. I did my best to recover after moving back home with my parents, and tried vigilantly to get caught up in school ¿¿ but despite working hard, and passing most of my classes.

Our Music teacher advised us that classroom attendance was critical to success in that class. She was absolutely correct. I failed the class.

As to the Appeal process timeline, I have no brilliant excuses for missing the deadline, other than to say that I was in a downward spiral during the appeal period after first semester, and didn¿¿t have the wherewithal to research my options or the capacity to manage a procedural Appeal, as well, at that time.

I hope that you will extend consideration to my timeline extension request and my Appeal to have my grade withdrawn in the circumstances.

I am happy to meet to discuss the matter further.

Thank You,

Zoe Conner