Petition Letter
Dear Associate Dean (Academic),
I hope this message finds you in good health and spirits. I am writing to formally petition for a Aegrorat Standing (AG) in the course POLS 262 and if that is not possible, a late drop. I believe that under normal circumstances, I would have passed the course and met all the required learning outcomes. However, due to unforeseen health complications, I was unable to perform at my usual academic level.
In March 2022, my academic performance was significantly disrupted when I, Daniel Cox, was urgently admitted to KGH due to heart palpitations and an irregular heartbeat. This medical emergency, followed by ongoing health issues in the subsequent weeks, was a severe setback. Emergency Doctor James Landine advised me to suspend my involvement in athletics and academics to allow for recovery and stabilization. This unfortunate incident occurred during the period designated for the completion of my final essay and preparation for the final exam in POLS 262, restricting my capacity to deliver to my full potential. The severity of my situation, I believe, was not adequately addressed, as I received only three days of academic consideration when a longer period was crucial.
Throughout this trying period and the weeks that followed, I sought to manage my coursework and personal life with optimism. Despite my efforts, the circumstances overwhelmed me and hindered my ability to effectively manage the course. This issue was further compounded when I received no response from my Teaching Assistant, Canon Sahin, after inquiring about the grading of my late-submitted essay. This lack of communication left me feeling isolated and under-supported during this pivotal period.
POLS 262, as the only non-hybrid course I was enrolled in that semester, was disproportionately affected by my inability to physically attend classes, take notes, and engage with the course material and professor. My GPA for that semester was the lowest in my three years at Queens, signifying a significant disruption during that time. While my performance in other courses also suffered, the impact on POLS 262 was particularly profound due to its course structure and delivery method.
I am aware that the timing of this petition, nearly exceeding the one-year limit, is less than ideal. After I discovered that I had failed the course, I resolved to better my academic performance in the subsequent year and discussed my situation with an academic advisor. The option to petition for a Credit Standing or the possibility of grade removal due to extenuating circumstances only surfaced during a conversation with my girlfriend, also a Queens student, and upon consultation with Academic Advisor Pamela Briand. As the fourth of five siblings to attend Queens, I had been reticent to discuss my academic struggles, mistakenly believing there were no further steps I could take.
Upon investigating, I learned that a Credit Standing can be requested up to one year after the end of a course. It's worth noting that my grade for this course was not finalized until the course closed on June 30th, consequently pushing back the official end of the course and indicating my appeal is within the time frame.
While I am aware that a passing grade is generally required for a successful petition, I was advised by Academic Advisor Pamela Briand that it may still be possible to have the grade removed or to explore other options. Given the challenging circumstances I encountered during this period, I firmly believe some form of academic consideration is warranted.
I kindly request your understanding and consideration regarding this matter. Please let me know if any additional information is required to aid your deliberations.
Thank you for your time and patience.
Yours sincerely,
Daniel Cox
Student Number: 20208264
I hope this message finds you in good health and spirits. I am writing to formally petition for a Aegrorat Standing (AG) in the course POLS 262 and if that is not possible, a late drop. I believe that under normal circumstances, I would have passed the course and met all the required learning outcomes. However, due to unforeseen health complications, I was unable to perform at my usual academic level.
In March 2022, my academic performance was significantly disrupted when I, Daniel Cox, was urgently admitted to KGH due to heart palpitations and an irregular heartbeat. This medical emergency, followed by ongoing health issues in the subsequent weeks, was a severe setback. Emergency Doctor James Landine advised me to suspend my involvement in athletics and academics to allow for recovery and stabilization. This unfortunate incident occurred during the period designated for the completion of my final essay and preparation for the final exam in POLS 262, restricting my capacity to deliver to my full potential. The severity of my situation, I believe, was not adequately addressed, as I received only three days of academic consideration when a longer period was crucial.
Throughout this trying period and the weeks that followed, I sought to manage my coursework and personal life with optimism. Despite my efforts, the circumstances overwhelmed me and hindered my ability to effectively manage the course. This issue was further compounded when I received no response from my Teaching Assistant, Canon Sahin, after inquiring about the grading of my late-submitted essay. This lack of communication left me feeling isolated and under-supported during this pivotal period.
POLS 262, as the only non-hybrid course I was enrolled in that semester, was disproportionately affected by my inability to physically attend classes, take notes, and engage with the course material and professor. My GPA for that semester was the lowest in my three years at Queens, signifying a significant disruption during that time. While my performance in other courses also suffered, the impact on POLS 262 was particularly profound due to its course structure and delivery method.
I am aware that the timing of this petition, nearly exceeding the one-year limit, is less than ideal. After I discovered that I had failed the course, I resolved to better my academic performance in the subsequent year and discussed my situation with an academic advisor. The option to petition for a Credit Standing or the possibility of grade removal due to extenuating circumstances only surfaced during a conversation with my girlfriend, also a Queens student, and upon consultation with Academic Advisor Pamela Briand. As the fourth of five siblings to attend Queens, I had been reticent to discuss my academic struggles, mistakenly believing there were no further steps I could take.
Upon investigating, I learned that a Credit Standing can be requested up to one year after the end of a course. It's worth noting that my grade for this course was not finalized until the course closed on June 30th, consequently pushing back the official end of the course and indicating my appeal is within the time frame.
While I am aware that a passing grade is generally required for a successful petition, I was advised by Academic Advisor Pamela Briand that it may still be possible to have the grade removed or to explore other options. Given the challenging circumstances I encountered during this period, I firmly believe some form of academic consideration is warranted.
I kindly request your understanding and consideration regarding this matter. Please let me know if any additional information is required to aid your deliberations.
Thank you for your time and patience.
Yours sincerely,
Daniel Cox
Student Number: 20208264

