Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To Associate Dean (Psychology),

I am applying for an appeal of my PSYC 100 grades from the 2018-19 academic year. Unfortunately, I received an F in the course. I believe I deserve an appeal because of some extenuating circumstances during the past year.

Firstly, I am a varsity athlete on the women's rugby team (QWR) and I received two concussions, one on Sept. 28 and one on Nov. 1, 2018 which had a major impact on me this year. The concussions symptoms limited my ability to attend class and study thoroughly for the PSYC 100 exams. I continue to suffer from concussion symptoms, such as headaches, memory loss, sensitivity to light and noise, and trouble focusing for long periods of time.

Secondly, I suffered from pneumonia during the months of September and October which made it difficult to function at my normal level.

Thirdly, I was not able to write the PSYC 100 mid-term exam in the fall term due to an overlap with one of QWR's games. I corresponded with the PSYC 100 administrative team and the solution was to add the missed 15 to my mid-year exam making it worth 40 of my final grade. The final exam was bumped to 45 of my final grade and the course work was worth 15.

Throughout my recovery I was in contact with both Dr. O'Connor in the ARC's therapy zone, the administrative team for PSYC 100 and the Academic Liaison for varsity athletes. I submitted my doctors notes to ensure accommodations for my concussions and I was excused from psych lectures and labs for a short period of time.

My concussion symptoms and pneumonia hindered me from attending all classes. I did complete all my tutorial assignments however the TA was not open to marking them because they were late, even though I had the accommodations. I believe there were 3 unmarked assignments. When I was in tutorial I participated and contributed to the discussions.

I believe the reason I did not have success in this course yet I had moderate success in my other courses was due to the fact that the other courses had more essays and assignments throughout the year which I could work on for short periods of time and come back to them when I felt better. In the PSYC 100 course 2 exams were weighted at 85 of my mark and I had difficulty concentrating and for the extended periods.

I did not drop this course because I was planning to apply to Health Studies and PSYC 100 is a requirement. I also did not apply for extended accommodations in my winter term of PSYC 100 because I felt as though my concussion symptoms were not as extreme, as well as the accommodations I did receive in my fall term did not aid me throughout PSYC 100. In the future I will utilize tutoring sessions, try to take courses that are more evenly weighted with essay and assignments throughout the course as well, I will utilize all the support systems available to help give me the best possible academic outcome.

The circumstances outlined above made success in the PSYC 100 exams very difficult for me resulting in my failing grade therefore, I would greatly appreciate your consideration of this appeal.

Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing your decision.

Kindest Regards,

Celia Martensson