Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 8695
Submitted: January 26, 2022 at 3:01:59 PM
First Name: Matthew
Last Name: Rezkalla
Student Number: 20103458
Email: 17mr46@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BCH
Plan: COMP-M
Level of Study: 4
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Request aegrotat (AG) standing in a course or courses
Code: PHIL 260
Term: Fall
Year: 2021
Petition Category: Request aegrotat (AG) standing in a course or courses
Instructor's Name: Nancy Salay
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: Matthew Rezkalla
PHIL 260 Appeal for Aegrotat standing (AG standing)
January 20, 2022
Dear Associate Dean:
I am writing this appeal for my IN in PHIL 260 (Fall 2021) for an AG standing.
PHIL 260 has this grading scheme: 10% per quiz (3 quizzes for 30%), 30% for midterm, 30% for final. I have finished everything except the final. From what I understand, I can request an AG standing on the basis that I have finished a minimum of 60% of the course and that an extenuating circumstance prevents me from completing the final 40%.
My extenuating circumstance during January 10-12 has been accepted by Queens for the delayed Fall 2021 exam period in Winter 2022. I have provided them medical documentation to support my case, and they have confirmed their approval this past week.
I had an acute medical illness during my exam period and was unable to write it. Without going into the details of the illness, the event disabled me to write it. I was not in a capable physical state which in turn also affected my mental state during the exam period. I have requested attention from a doctor and have an ongoing plan that involves medication and other forms of physical and mental health maintenance.
During the Fall 2021 exam period, all exams had been delayed. Professor Salay posted in announcements and sent countless emails explaining the situation, specifically:
If you have an IN in the course, you may delay the exam to the January Exam Period.
Because I had an IN, I had the option to write in January. I chose to do so, but did not write anything because of this acute illness/extenuating circumstance.
I am majoring in artificial intelligence and minoring in philosophy. I am tenacious and hard-working. I would try the exam again, but I have 6 courses this term, am graduating in April, am applying to a variety of graduate programs (two of which is at Queens) and scholarships, am looking for jobs, and
more. My battle with physical and mental health is daily. I have truly done as much as I can in this course, but I can confidently say it is not safe nor healthy for me to take this on again.
I have completed 60% of the course. I have provided evidence that I faced medical extenuating circumstances during my exam period. It truly affected my ability to write, physically and mentally. I have worked hard in the course, and continue to work hard for my degree. I really hope we can come to an agreement because this IN means I would need to take another course and push my graduation, which does not seem very fair nor reasonable considering the extenuating circumstances and AG appeal eligibility. I really hope Queen's can understand this situation.
Sincerely,
Matthew Rezkalla
20103458
PHIL 260 Appeal for Aegrotat standing (AG standing)
January 20, 2022
Dear Associate Dean:
I am writing this appeal for my IN in PHIL 260 (Fall 2021) for an AG standing.
PHIL 260 has this grading scheme: 10% per quiz (3 quizzes for 30%), 30% for midterm, 30% for final. I have finished everything except the final. From what I understand, I can request an AG standing on the basis that I have finished a minimum of 60% of the course and that an extenuating circumstance prevents me from completing the final 40%.
My extenuating circumstance during January 10-12 has been accepted by Queens for the delayed Fall 2021 exam period in Winter 2022. I have provided them medical documentation to support my case, and they have confirmed their approval this past week.
I had an acute medical illness during my exam period and was unable to write it. Without going into the details of the illness, the event disabled me to write it. I was not in a capable physical state which in turn also affected my mental state during the exam period. I have requested attention from a doctor and have an ongoing plan that involves medication and other forms of physical and mental health maintenance.
During the Fall 2021 exam period, all exams had been delayed. Professor Salay posted in announcements and sent countless emails explaining the situation, specifically:
If you have an IN in the course, you may delay the exam to the January Exam Period.
Because I had an IN, I had the option to write in January. I chose to do so, but did not write anything because of this acute illness/extenuating circumstance.
I am majoring in artificial intelligence and minoring in philosophy. I am tenacious and hard-working. I would try the exam again, but I have 6 courses this term, am graduating in April, am applying to a variety of graduate programs (two of which is at Queens) and scholarships, am looking for jobs, and
more. My battle with physical and mental health is daily. I have truly done as much as I can in this course, but I can confidently say it is not safe nor healthy for me to take this on again.
I have completed 60% of the course. I have provided evidence that I faced medical extenuating circumstances during my exam period. It truly affected my ability to write, physically and mentally. I have worked hard in the course, and continue to work hard for my degree. I really hope we can come to an agreement because this IN means I would need to take another course and push my graduation, which does not seem very fair nor reasonable considering the extenuating circumstances and AG appeal eligibility. I really hope Queen's can understand this situation.
Sincerely,
Matthew Rezkalla
20103458
Documentation
Professional Letter: AG support.pdf
Document: MR.jpg
Decision Letters
Level 1 Status
Status: DeniedLevel 2
Appeal Type: Level 2
ID: 49
Submitted: March 7, 2022 at 12:21:17 AM
Relevant Petition: 8695
Decision(s) Being Appealed: Request aegrotat (AG) standing in a course or courses: PHIL 260, Fall 2021 (Nancy Salay)
Appeal Letter
Appeal Letter: Matthew Rezkalla
PHIL260 AG Appeal
March 6, 2022
Dear Board of Studies:
I can only assume you have read the previous letter and understand why I could not take the exam last semester. The Deans response:
??? you have submitted does support the circumstances related to a deferred exam, but you have not submitted an explanation of circumstances or documentation which would prevent you from completing the course during this current term. The input I received from the instructor indicates a willingness to allow you to complete the course requirements this term and I would suggest you contact Professor Salay to make arrangements related to completing the final exam.?
From my understanding, the problem is with this term. I did not know I had to provide any form of documentation or evidence for this term, and I thought I provided enough of an explanation, but I will give it another shot.
In short, I am not mentally nor physically healthy. I can??t really say that any blunter than it is. If you want medical notes for that, I can get that. I will have to go out of my way to get it, but I can do it if that is what you require, please just let me know rather than decline my appeal. I can more easily get documentation from my family as well, just let me know. Further documentation is no problem whatsoever, so I would prefer to not be declined because of this and rather communicated with like a normal human being facing struggles just the same as all of you.
I am in 6 courses and am job searching, while mentally and physically ill. I am under enormous amounts of stress. My grandfather was just rushed to the ER out-of-country. He is my last grandparent; I lost my grandmother in the Fall term. I was ready to drop everything and go, but my mom said to focus on school. We are all currently counting the weeks, days, even hours; the other day his vitals collapsed, and he came back.
I will say this and try not to be too curt. If anything happens, I will drop everything and go to his funeral. I cannot put it into the words on this paper, you could only see it if you saw the toll on my face. I can tell you, if I am forced to take this exam again, it will simply not go well. Either I will fail it or I will not do it, because I am not healthy enough nor do I have the time to study a 7th course right now, because I physically cannot. My life is currently not permitting me to take on any further stress without being potentially affected physically and mentally, that includes another exam and a 7th course to study for. This is not a matter of whether or not the instructor is ??willing to let me take it?. I am not healthy. I am truly, not, healthy. I can give you documentation, just specify what you want. I have provided both medical and familial documentation support, and nowhere was it stated that documentation was needed for the following term??s ability to do the exam.
I am eligible for Aegrotat Grade. I have worked hard and continue to do so. I am unhealthy. I am physically unhealthy and mentally unhealthy. I can get documentation, if you just asked. I am under stress, which is taking more of a toll on my health. And to top it all off, my last grandad is counting his days, not recognizing anyone.
I promise, I cannot do this exam. If this still did not make it clear, I can only assume the only other thing that will clarify this is a doctor telling you I will die if I take this exam. Not sure what else is needed but please tell me and I will oblige to work this AG out, because I cannot physically do this exam. I just want to graduate and breathe, please.
Sincerely and humbly,
Matthew Rezkalla
20103458
PHIL260 AG Appeal
March 6, 2022
Dear Board of Studies:
I can only assume you have read the previous letter and understand why I could not take the exam last semester. The Deans response:
??? you have submitted does support the circumstances related to a deferred exam, but you have not submitted an explanation of circumstances or documentation which would prevent you from completing the course during this current term. The input I received from the instructor indicates a willingness to allow you to complete the course requirements this term and I would suggest you contact Professor Salay to make arrangements related to completing the final exam.?
From my understanding, the problem is with this term. I did not know I had to provide any form of documentation or evidence for this term, and I thought I provided enough of an explanation, but I will give it another shot.
In short, I am not mentally nor physically healthy. I can??t really say that any blunter than it is. If you want medical notes for that, I can get that. I will have to go out of my way to get it, but I can do it if that is what you require, please just let me know rather than decline my appeal. I can more easily get documentation from my family as well, just let me know. Further documentation is no problem whatsoever, so I would prefer to not be declined because of this and rather communicated with like a normal human being facing struggles just the same as all of you.
I am in 6 courses and am job searching, while mentally and physically ill. I am under enormous amounts of stress. My grandfather was just rushed to the ER out-of-country. He is my last grandparent; I lost my grandmother in the Fall term. I was ready to drop everything and go, but my mom said to focus on school. We are all currently counting the weeks, days, even hours; the other day his vitals collapsed, and he came back.
I will say this and try not to be too curt. If anything happens, I will drop everything and go to his funeral. I cannot put it into the words on this paper, you could only see it if you saw the toll on my face. I can tell you, if I am forced to take this exam again, it will simply not go well. Either I will fail it or I will not do it, because I am not healthy enough nor do I have the time to study a 7th course right now, because I physically cannot. My life is currently not permitting me to take on any further stress without being potentially affected physically and mentally, that includes another exam and a 7th course to study for. This is not a matter of whether or not the instructor is ??willing to let me take it?. I am not healthy. I am truly, not, healthy. I can give you documentation, just specify what you want. I have provided both medical and familial documentation support, and nowhere was it stated that documentation was needed for the following term??s ability to do the exam.
I am eligible for Aegrotat Grade. I have worked hard and continue to do so. I am unhealthy. I am physically unhealthy and mentally unhealthy. I can get documentation, if you just asked. I am under stress, which is taking more of a toll on my health. And to top it all off, my last grandad is counting his days, not recognizing anyone.
I promise, I cannot do this exam. If this still did not make it clear, I can only assume the only other thing that will clarify this is a doctor telling you I will die if I take this exam. Not sure what else is needed but please tell me and I will oblige to work this AG out, because I cannot physically do this exam. I just want to graduate and breathe, please.
Sincerely and humbly,
Matthew Rezkalla
20103458
Documentation
Decision Letters
Level 2 Amendments
Appeal Type: Level 2 Amendment
ID: 50
Submitted: March 7, 2022 at 12:22:48 AM
Relevant Petition: 8695
New Information: To clarify, the date I received a decision is exactly 21 days from today. I have been so busy and stressed that I could only write this now. Hope this is still reviewed.
Documentation
Appeal Type: Level 2 Amendment
ID: 55
Submitted: March 20, 2022 at 7:00:44 PM
Relevant Petition: 8695
Documentation
Document: AG support.docx
History
Originally submitted January 26, 2022 at 3:01:59 PM.
| Field | Reference | Old Value | New Value | Note | User | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| status | N/A | Received | In Review | Spring Forsberg | 2022-01-28 11:32:30 AM | |
| status | N/A | In Review | Incomplete | Spring Forsberg | 2022-01-28 11:39:03 AM | |
| status | N/A | Incomplete | In Review | Spring Forsberg | 2022-01-31 11:33:05 AM | |
| documentation | N/A | MR.jpg | Spring Forsberg | 2022-01-31 1:09:42 PM | ||
| status | N/A | In Review | Denied | Spring Forsberg | 2022-02-14 8:46:19 AM | |
| associate_dean | N/A | Jenn Stephenson, Ph.D. | Spring Forsberg | 2022-02-14 8:46:19 AM | ||
| decision_letter | N/A | N/A | Decision letter sent | Spring Forsberg | 2022-02-14 8:47:02 AM | |
| new_appeal_level_2 | N/A | Level 2 | Level 2 Appeal ID: 49 | 17Mr46 | 2022-03-07 12:21:17 AM | |
| new_appeal_level_2 | N/A | Level 2 Amendment | Level 2 Appeal ID: 50 | 17Mr46 | 2022-03-07 12:22:48 AM | |
| new_appeal_level_2 | N/A | Level 2 Amendment | Level 2 Appeal ID: 55 | 17Mr46 | 2022-03-20 7:00:44 PM | |
| status | N/A | Received | Denied | Pamela Briand | 2022-04-05 1:58:42 PM | |
| decision_letter | N/A | N/A | Decision letter sent | Pamela Briand | 2022-04-06 11:58:03 AM |

