Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: The reason I request this appeal is due to the various extenuating circumstances beyond my control that prevented me from completing the final exam for BCHM 316. My academic record should show my stellar grades and exceptional cumulative GPA of 3.91. I was unable to write the final exam due to me starting a medication for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prophylaxis which gave me severe side effects and left me essentially bedridden. I was in touch with Dr. Anna Klein who then encouraged me to rest and not work through my symptoms. The exam was rescheduled to Eid, a main and very religious holiday for Muslims, which then prevented me from writing the final exam. I expressed my sincerest apologies to the course coordinators, all of whom were very accommodating and understanding. I was once again very ill for the most recent scheduled exam, and am currently still taking antibiotics for this illness. I was considering writing the exam despite my illness, but the academic advisor at student services advised me to email my professor and not write the exam. I have done extremely well in this course so far, and I believe that the level of content I have an understanding of would have gained me a similar high mark on the final exam. I am applying to medical school in the next couple of weeks, and having a pass/fail grade on my application makes it difficult for me to have a competitive application to medical school. As such, I believe aegrotat standing will be the most fair and reasonable decision in this process. I am also open to writing the final exam at a later date, if aegrotat standing is not possible. Please contact me or Dr. Glenville Jones with any questions.

Thanks in advance,
Sarmud Mahmood