Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To whom it may concern,

I am providing an academic appeal to extend the incomplete grade given for COMM 221 (Winter, 2021).

In the week of April 17th, 2021, I became unable to write the COMM 221 examination after extenuating circumstances beyond my control. The exam was set to be written on the 24th of April, and I had submitted a letter of short-term extenuating circumstances, in the hope that I would be able to complete the exam in the following week. After discussing with my health practitioners, it was determined that a short-term academic consideration for extenuating circumstances was not attainable, and I had resubmitted forms to have an extended deadline until the 22nd of May (new consideration period became from April 24th and May 22nd). When the professor had contacted me originally about the exam make-up date, I had communicated back that I had resubmitted the form to extend until the next month. As well, I had asked the professor if they could communicate an alternative arrangement or make-up exam but never heard back.

In the period of time between the 24th of April and the 22nd of May (including the originally proposed 26th of April make-up date), I was unable to complete any coursework at that time. I had ongoing meetings with my general practitioner as well as began regular sessions with a personal counselor. I was thankfully able to complete the work for my three other courses the week ahead of time, as my last assignment was due one week ahead of the COMM 221 examination, at which point my health circumstances began to deteriorate rapidly. After recovering from this period of consideration, I am hoping to be able to complete the examination as soon as possible this term.

I am looking to touch base with the professor and determine a new set examination date for this course so I am able to complete it. I had communicated to the professor that I wanted to schedule a make-up examination date, but with no response through the summer term. I was unaware that the incomplete grade would become a failing grade after the summer was up, and would like to earn the credit as I have already completed 60% of the work, with no follow up from the professor. After the April and May consideration period, I was able to achieve academic success after the period had ended with summer term courses and into the Fall 2021 session. I am dedicated to my studies, and maintaining a good academic standing with the university, and would be grateful for the opportunity to extend the IN grade and complete the exam for COMM 221. My continuing studies plan includes balancing full-time work for the University??s student government while maintaining academic success in two courses (with the intention to complete remaining courses and seminars next year) and maintaining regularly scheduled meetings with my general health practitioner and personal counselor to ensure that I continue to be well during my studies.

Thank you for your consideration,
Laura Devenny