Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Formal Petition for Credit Standing – Winter 2026 Term

Dear Associate Dean of Arts and Science,

I am writing to petition for my final grades in PSYC 353 (Atypical Development), PSYC 370 (Brain and Behaviour II) and PSYC 354 (Language) to be converted to Credit Standing for the Winter 2026 semester. Accompanying this petition, please find the formal medical documentation (dated February 17, 2026) from Dr. Gabrielle Oullete and Dr. Michael Prudhomme at Ottawa Monfort Hospital, as well as my surgical referral to plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Hendry.

This request follows an unforeseen medical incident that has severely compromised my academic performance. On February 16th, 2026, I suffered a severe physical injury to my dominant hand involving a log splitter. This incident resulted in crushed bone and tissue requiring immediate medical intervention and the use of a cast and heavy bandaging for most of the term. Following the removal of the cast, I experienced severely limited mobility and pain that persisted through final assessments and exams. Following the incident, I also struggled with my mental health as daily tasks became difficult, and I was unable to continue work at my part time job and suffered both emotional and financial stress.

This injury created significant barriers to my academic success during the term. Because the injury affected my dominant hand, I was unable to complete written assessments and take comprehensive notes at my typical pace. Despite connecting with the Academic Accommodations office the accommodations, I received were not sufficient to alleviate the challenges I experienced. Specifically, the lack of a scribe for notetaking and examinations limited my abilities to accurately capture and relay course content. Additionally, the recovery process required frequent hospital appointments and intensive physiotherapy to restore function and mobility which resulted in unavoidable absences. Due to limited specialist appointment availability, I was unable to schedule outside of lecture hours. As a result, I was required to make up for missed lectures which significantly reduced the time available to complete coursework.

I understand the weight of this request, particularly when contrasted with my academic record prior to this incident. My performance during the affected term was a direct consequence of these unforeseen circumstances, both physical and psychological, and does not accurately reflect my capabilities or commitment. As of the end of April I have been cleared to return to work and have regained most of my mobility and function therefore I do not foresee this injury affecting upcoming academic terms. I respectfully request a consideration for a change to Credit Standing to ensure my transcript remains an accurate representation of my abilities as I apply for undergraduate thesis and graduate school in Fall 2026.

Thank you for your time and consideration of merits of this petition.

Sincerely,
Adalia Vellenga