Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To the Associate Dean (Academic), Queen??s University.?

I am Surajreet Singh (20022066). I am appealing for a credit standing for the D+ grade I received in the LAW201 Course (Winter, 2022). I understand that this is an unusual request and one that should not be asked for lightly, but I know I would have done well in this course given the right circumstances.?As I had received my final grade late as a result of a delayed exam, I hope I am within the 21 days allotted for appeal.

Throughout my undergraduate degree, financial security has been a concern for me. I worked a sidejob when I could obtain one to help make ends meet where I could. For the past 3 years while attending Queens, I have been working as a parliamentary assistant with two MPs. This was due to familial financial need as well as my ambition to begin advancing my career. Despite this, my commitment to academics is not something I take lightly, as I have made the Dean??s List multiple times over the past few years. As I intend to pursue a career in law, I have done my best to balance both academic and professional commitments over the past few years.?

However, my professional, academic, and personal stress became unmanageable and I was unable to perform my best for this course. In March to April this year, my family suffered the sudden and unexpected loss of my maternal aunt. Such a loss, coming at a time when my uncles were also experiencing significant heart issues, prompted my immediate departure from Canada and I went overseas to meet my family and help them during this difficult phase. I was abroad for approximately a month and upon my return to Canada during the exam period, I had many COVID-like symptoms and was also a close contact as my sister had tested positive. As I tried to balance my work, studies and health, I have to admit that this module took a backseat with the various assignments that were over a time period, as well as having to take one final examination while ill. This resulted in a delay in taking the Law exam until nearly the last day allowed as I did not feel well for over a week and still felt under the weather on the day itself.?

I am aware that there are discrepancies between my other grades this semester and the grade I received in this module. The reason for that is that my major deliverables were sorted either in the months preceding the March and April time abroad or well into the exam period. It was during the March and April travel that I unfortunately missed multiple deadlines and was unable to fully attend to the coursework for assessments as I was attending to family.?

I am submitting this appeal to ensure that for my future academic endeavours, my portfolio represents my true disposition to academics as opposed to one marred by extenuating circumstances. I will continue to work on balancing work and studies as well as working harder in regards to law modules upon graduation, as it is in my plan to do so. I urge you to consider this appeal as I will be utterly disappointed with myself if this disappointing grade were to affect my chances of getting into law school and be in any way a reflection of my educational ability, interest and competence in law.?

I ask for your sincere consideration.?

Best,
Surajreet Singh
20022066