Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean,

I am respectfully submitting this petition to request permission to complete the final examinations for the courses listed in this petition after the official May deferred examination period, at an alternative in-person time arranged with my instructors if approved. I am asking for additional time because medical circumstances outside of my control directly affected my ability to write the April final exams, and unfortunately I had prior medical arrangements which now affect my ability to return to Kingston for the May deferred exam period.

In April, I was ill with a viral infection involving a high fever and persistent cough. Because of my symptoms, I did not feel medically well enough to attend and complete the rest of my final exams after toughing through my first one. I obtained medical documentation and submitted the appropriate short-term academic consideration request at the time. I also contacted my instructors as soon as I could to explain the situation and ask what the proper next steps would be.

The additional difficulty is that I am currently undergoing ongoing medical assessment in British Columbia for two soft-tissue masses on my right forearm. The ultrasound report from December 2025 did not identify them as typical superficial lipomas and recommended further investigation with an MSK MRI for better characterization. I also have an MRI requisition in British Columbia for this follow-up. Because this medical workup is already established there, and because the timing of imaging, follow-up, and any next steps depends on medical availability and results, it is not something I can simply move around without risking a significant delay in care.

I am aware that my final exams must be written in person, and the standard deferred exam period is in May. However, I do not expect that I can reliably return to Kingston for that deferred exam period while also attending the necessary medical appointments and follow-up in British Columbia. My concern is not only the travel itself, but the fact that the medical testing is location-dependent, ongoing, and largely outside of my control. Returning to Ontario on short notice could interfere with a medical process that has already been delayed and is needed to determine the proper next steps.

I have tried to handle this responsibly and communicate early. I contacted my instructors for guidance. Professor Adams advised that the final exam has to be completed in person, but that long-term academic consideration on medical grounds could be an appropriate path if approved, with the course temporarily marked incomplete and the exam written later, potentially closer to August. Professor Hasan also advised that final and deferred exams are arranged through the Exam Office and that any private or alternate exam date would need to be addressed through the appropriate undergraduate/academic process. I then contacted the School of Computing advising office and the Academic Consideration team, and I was advised that the proper process for deferring a final exam a second time is a Petition to the Associate Dean.

I respectfully request that this petition be approved so that I can complete the affected final exams at a later approved in-person date, once my medical situation and travel availability allow it, rather than being required to attend the May deferred exam period. I understand that I must still meet all essential course requirements and learning outcomes, and I am fully prepared to do so.

Thank you very much for considering my petition. I appreciate the time and care involved in reviewing my situation, and I am willing to provide any additional documentation or clarification required.

Sincerely,
Martin Allerdissen
Student ID: 20402479