Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I am writing to respectfully request the assignment of a Credit (CR) grade for PHGY 216 for this past winter 2025 academic term.

The basis of my petition relates to the extenuating circumstances that arose due to the Teaching Assistant (TA) strike that occurred during the term. The disruption of normal course operations created significant uncertainty and stress, which adversely affected my academic performance. The loss of access to TA support, grading delays, and the lack of consistent communication about grading policies were well beyond my control and had a direct and substantial impact on my mental well-being.

I found the revised grading structure, which relied solely on a multiple-choice exam, particularly challenging and not reflective of my true understanding of the course material. The stress and confusion surrounding the altered evaluation methods, coupled with the absence of TA support, compromised my ability to perform to my usual academic standards.

I want to emphasize that my concerns are in no way a reflection on Dr. Ward, who showed dedication and compassion under difficult circumstances. I recognize that these challenges were beyond his control as well.

During this TA strike I experienced heightened anxiety and stress. I sought support by engaging in services provided by the university to help manage my mental health and academic responsibilities. Despite these efforts, the cumulative effect of the situation significantly impaired my performance in this course.

Given these unusual academic and personal challenges, I respectfully request consideration for a Credit (CR) grade to acknowledge the impact of these extenuating circumstances while maintaining the integrity of my overall academic record.

Thank you for your time and understanding in reviewing my request. I am happy to provide any additional documentation or clarification if needed.