Petition Letter
Dear Associate Dean (Academic),
I am writing today to request that CISC101 (Summer 2020) be late dropped from my Cumulative Grade Point Average CGPA (it will stay on your transcript but have a DR as the grade, meaning late drop). It is the only course I took during this period and, due to extenuating circumstances beyond my control related to COVID-19, was unable to pass- preform as well as I could in this course.
As explained on the syllabus for the course, If the final exam mark is less than 50, then the quiz, assignment and participations marks will not count and the exam mark becomes the final course grade. My final grade in the course reflected the use of this rule.
I will outline the extenuating circumstances that caused me to struggle in my preparation and performance on the CISC101 final exam and in the course more generally.
Since early March, when the COVID 19 pandemic began to formally change student life, I have had to move out from my apartment in Kingston and into a space neighbouring my grandparents so I could help limit their risk during this time. This involves numerous errands and maintenance of their property, effectively taking up a lot of the time I had planned to dedicate to my summer course. My grandparents are simply at an age and risk level where they could not do these things for themselves.
In the weeks following, it was becoming clear that my athletic life at Queen's would be drastically changing for the upcoming year. I would not be able to be in Kingston over the summer and my final season as a Gael would be in jeopardy. This not only affects my personal life and well-being, but it affects my financial standing as the grants I receive for playing basketball at Queen's were at risk.
I would need to find a source of income, and thankfully I was able to find a job. A three-month contract, working 8:30-5, 5 days a week from home. This posed a challenge, as I would need to continue to help my grandparents as the risk associated with them leaving their home increased. Unfortunately, I was left with little time to fulfill the recommended time commitment outlined in the CISC101 syllabus (6-8 hours in material + 4-7 hours in assignments/quizzes). I struggled, but I was still able to bring a passing grade into the final exam though that involved many long nights without sleep.
With the final exam approaching. I was unable to take time off work without it being unpaid time; something that was not an option for me as I need to save as much money as possible for this upcoming academic year. I was doing well enough in the course at this point to pass the course, thus why I never considered dropping at the drop deadlines.
The unique circumstances that have been brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic did not allow for the required amount of time to learn the material and do well on the final exam. My grade in this course is not a reflection of the effort I put into the class and my academic standing as a whole at Queen's. I was at a loss beyond my control as the COVID19 situation for me evolved faster than I could fully evaluate and all of the changes it would impact holistically.
I truly appreciate your consideration,
Quinton Gray
I am writing today to request that CISC101 (Summer 2020) be late dropped from my Cumulative Grade Point Average CGPA (it will stay on your transcript but have a DR as the grade, meaning late drop). It is the only course I took during this period and, due to extenuating circumstances beyond my control related to COVID-19, was unable to pass- preform as well as I could in this course.
As explained on the syllabus for the course, If the final exam mark is less than 50, then the quiz, assignment and participations marks will not count and the exam mark becomes the final course grade. My final grade in the course reflected the use of this rule.
I will outline the extenuating circumstances that caused me to struggle in my preparation and performance on the CISC101 final exam and in the course more generally.
Since early March, when the COVID 19 pandemic began to formally change student life, I have had to move out from my apartment in Kingston and into a space neighbouring my grandparents so I could help limit their risk during this time. This involves numerous errands and maintenance of their property, effectively taking up a lot of the time I had planned to dedicate to my summer course. My grandparents are simply at an age and risk level where they could not do these things for themselves.
In the weeks following, it was becoming clear that my athletic life at Queen's would be drastically changing for the upcoming year. I would not be able to be in Kingston over the summer and my final season as a Gael would be in jeopardy. This not only affects my personal life and well-being, but it affects my financial standing as the grants I receive for playing basketball at Queen's were at risk.
I would need to find a source of income, and thankfully I was able to find a job. A three-month contract, working 8:30-5, 5 days a week from home. This posed a challenge, as I would need to continue to help my grandparents as the risk associated with them leaving their home increased. Unfortunately, I was left with little time to fulfill the recommended time commitment outlined in the CISC101 syllabus (6-8 hours in material + 4-7 hours in assignments/quizzes). I struggled, but I was still able to bring a passing grade into the final exam though that involved many long nights without sleep.
With the final exam approaching. I was unable to take time off work without it being unpaid time; something that was not an option for me as I need to save as much money as possible for this upcoming academic year. I was doing well enough in the course at this point to pass the course, thus why I never considered dropping at the drop deadlines.
The unique circumstances that have been brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic did not allow for the required amount of time to learn the material and do well on the final exam. My grade in this course is not a reflection of the effort I put into the class and my academic standing as a whole at Queen's. I was at a loss beyond my control as the COVID19 situation for me evolved faster than I could fully evaluate and all of the changes it would impact holistically.
I truly appreciate your consideration,
Quinton Gray