Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To the Associate Dean of Studies,

I am writing to you to appeal the late drop of COGS100. I took the course in Summer 2017 and ended up receiving an 'F' in the course due to extenuating circumstances. I had contacted my professor throughout the period of the course and explained my extenuating circumstances and the effects it had on my performance. He was supportive and encouraged me to do my best with the remaining work and that he would take into consideration my situation when grading. I attempted to do this but scored very low on my exam and was unable to complete the second half of the coursework.

Not long after explaining my situation to my professor, I was admitted to see a psychiatrist, whom has been working with me since. Unfortunately, given the long waiting period to be admitted to see a psychiatrist, I was only able to see Dr. Chammas for the first time on September 14th, 2017. It has been a tough few months trying to get back into shape, and trying to get accustomed to medication, after having suffered a serious relapse in my condition during the summer of 2017.

On December 6th, I wrote to my professor to explain to him that I was doing much better and had managed to create somewhat of a stable routine for myself. In this e-mail, I asked whether it was possible to receive the opportunity to improve my grade by completing my coursework and re-writing my exam during the Fall exam period. Professor Khalifa explained that I was only able to hand in whatever assignments I had not completed, but could not rewrite the exam.

This was frustrating news for me. I had received an F as a direct consequence of my condition and was not able to substantially improve my mark by rewriting the exam. I had originally written the exam only because I did not have the appropriate documentation to request a leave from sitting the exam, even though I had made my professor aware of my condition before the exam. After providing the documentation, I felt it fair that I would receive an opportunity to rewrite the exam. Instead, I felt unsupported, a feeling I am unfortunately too well accustomed with.

The first time I discovered potential mental health issues was in my first semester at Queen¿¿s. After so many years of struggling with mental health issues, without adequate recognition of or support for my mental health condition, seeing multitudes of professionals at Queen¿¿s and beyond, and struggling to complete my undergraduate degree with good standing, I feel fortunate to finally be working with a doctor that has been able to give an appropriate diagnosis and provide me with the support I need.

It has been a tremendous journey of recovery in the past few years. The contrast between having come to Queen¿¿s with a respectable scholarship and strong community bonds, to experiencing culture shock, a family fall out and a consequent drop in financial support, and severe race-based injustice has taken an incredible toll on my health and well-being. My struggle, and the continued perseverance I have shown to complete my education over the years, is well recognized by my home faculty and the professors I have worked closely with.

After much consultation with multiple academic advisors, I have decided to apply as a transfer student for a second undergraduate degree at McGill University, bringing me one step closer to my dream of attaining a post-graduate degree in Social Justice Education. The required entry CGPA for the program of my choice is 2.7, slightly higher than my current CGPA. An opportunity to score well in COGS100 would have helped raise my CGPA to 2.7, making it easier to gain a fresh start and regain the trust of the academic community in my potential to contribute positively to society.

Without further ado, I am requesting to drop COGS100 without academic penalty and that the funds for COGS 100 (which are outstanding on my account due to continuing financial instability) could be redirected towards another course that I intend to take during this Winter term. I am currently receiving assistance with securing a job so that I am able to pay off the remainder of my fees. This would be a final attempt to increase my CGPA before applying to McGill. The deadline for the application is in May, 2018. I hope that by then everything will be sorted out, so that I may finally apply my potential in ways that were lost to me during my first degree.

This appeal is being handed in later than the ¿¿One-Term Appeal Deadline¿, even though I began the process in December with an Academic Advisor, because I have not had the funds to pay for the appeal until now.

Please find attached a copy of the original medical note that was provided by my Psychiatrist.

Your careful consideration of my appeal is deeply appreciated. I look forward to your feedback and hope that you will provide me with the support I need to begin a new chapter in my life.

Sincerest Regards,
Aayah Amir.