Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Greetings Petitions Committee and Associate Dean,

I hope this letter finds you well, and thank you for taking the time to consider my request. Over the past couple of years, I have been dealing with ongoing health issues, which have made this period particularly challenging. Despite these difficulties, I have done my best to fulfill my academic responsibilities to the best of my ability. I am writing today to respectfully request permission to write two deferred exams for BIOL 330 and PSYC 370, as well as to complete the remaining lab components for BIOL 300.

Before outlining my circumstances and explaining my performance in these courses and others taken during the fall semester, I would like to note that the solutions I am proposing in this letter have been discussed with and supported by the respective course instructors. However, they have indicated that a formal petition is required in order to proceed with these requests and accommodations.

During the fall semester, I was diagnosed with an infection caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This condition caused persistent gastrointestinal symptoms, including significant stomach pain, nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, a decreased appetite, and difficulty maintaining normal daily routines. As the semester progressed, these symptoms increasingly affected my ability to attend classes consistently and fully participate in academic activities.
Despite these challenges, I made every effort to uphold my academic commitments. With the support of Academic Consideration approvals during the semester, I was able to continue completing coursework and assessments where possible. However, as my symptoms worsened toward the end of the term, I was required to begin treatment and return home during the winter break in order to properly address my health condition. This treatment and recovery period unfortunately delayed my ability to return in time to complete my deferred examinations.

As a result, I was unable to write the deferred exams for BIOL 330 and PSYC 370 during the scheduled period. Additionally, my health circumstances affected my ability to complete the remaining lab components for BIOL 300. I have attached all approved Academic Consideration documentation covering the dates of the deferred examinations, as well as documentation supporting the period during which the BIOL 300 lab components were scheduled. These documents outline the circumstances and timelines associated with my illness and recovery.


PSYC 370 – I have spoken with Dr. Monica Valsangkar-Smyth, who has been very supportive and is willing to allow me to write the final exam sometime during this semester, pending approval through this petition. So far in the course, I have achieved a grade of 39.51/50 in the completed components. The final exam accounts for the remaining 50% of the course grade.

BIOL 330 – I have spoken with Professor Atrizabal, who has also been supportive and has indicated that she would allow me to take the final exam sometime this term if the petition is approved. At the moment, the course page on onQ is closed, and I have reached out to her regarding reopening access so that I can confirm my exact standing in the course. However, to the best of my knowledge, the final exam is the only outstanding deliverable, and I performed well in the other course components completed during the semester.

BIOL 300 – I have spoken with Professor Martin. After several attempts to reach him, I was finally able to explain my situation and circumstances. Due to the structure of the course and the difficulty of administering the lab components during the winter semester, he indicated that he would not be able to accommodate their completion during this term. However, with permission from the Faculty of Arts and Science, he has indicated that he would allow me to complete the remaining lab components during the upcoming fall semester, with an “IN” (Incomplete) noted on my transcript until the work is completed. So far in the course, I have achieved a grade of 37/50, and the remaining lab components account for the other 50% of the course grade.

In closing, I would like to sincerely thank the Petitions Committee and the Associate Dean for taking the time to review my request and consider my circumstances. This past period has been particularly challenging due to my health condition, but I remain fully committed to completing my academic responsibilities and continuing my studies in good standing.

I am grateful for the support and understanding shown by my course instructors, and I hope to be granted the opportunity to complete the remaining requirements for these courses as outlined above. I have attached all relevant Academic Consideration documentation supporting the dates of my illness, the deferred examinations, and the missed lab components.

Thank you again for your time, consideration, and support.

Sincerely,
Shiv Parekh