Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Members of the Academic Petition Committee,

I am writing to formally request the removal of two course grades from my academic record: PHYS 118: Basic Physics and STAT 263: Introduction to Statistics. This request is based on documented circumstances related to my registered academic accommodations and the successful completion of equivalent replacement courses.

At the time I took the physics course, my approved academic accommodations were not in place prior to the final examination. I requested that the examination was split into two parts due to the large volume of material, an accommodation that is permitted under my documentation. After reaching out to my advisor, I was informed that this specific accommodation was intended only for students with mental challenges, and as a result, my request was denied for that exam. Despite explaining my situation to my advisor, I did not receive a response until after the exam had already taken place, at which point I was informed that she was no longer my assigned advisor and was advised to contact another individual. As a result, I wrote the final exam without the accommodations I require. I have dyscalculia, which significantly affects my ability to process mathematical information, and writing a physics exam without accommodations placed me at a serious disadvantage. Under these circumstances, I believe I was not provided a fair opportunity to demonstrate my understanding of the course material.

Since then, I have retaken an equivalent physics course during the academic year (rather than the summer term) and successfully passed, demonstrating my ability to meet the learning outcomes of the course when appropriate supports are in place.

I am also requesting the removal of my statistics grade. I later retook an equivalent statistics course that assessed learning through more evenly distributed and varied evaluations, rather than relying primarily on a single exam weighted at 80%. Due to my dyscalculia, the original course structure made it extremely challenging for me to demonstrate my understanding through one heavily weighted exam. In contrast, the alternative course format allowed me to engage more effectively with the material and successfully complete the course.
Given the absence of accommodations during the physics exam, the nature of my documented learning disability, and my successful completion of equivalent replacement courses, I respectfully request that these two grades be removed from my academic record.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I appreciate your review of my petition and would be happy to provide any additional documentation if required.

Sincerely,

Isabelle Gravelle

Student Number: 20282359
Program: Geological Sciences Specialization