Petition Letter
Emma Shawyer
20350882
Department of Biology
08/22/2025
Dear Dean Tannock and Dean Stephenson,
I am writing to formally petition for a credit standing in PHGY 216 and for the removal of the grade from my transcript.
I took PHGY 216 during the Winter 2025 semester and worked diligently throughout the term. However, due to anticipated circumstances beyond my control, I believe that the final grade I received does not accurately represent my understanding of the material or the effort that I put into the course.
On March 27th 2025, I learned that my grandfather, who had been battling Parkinson’s disease for the past 6 years, was deteriorating rapidly. I immediately traveled from Kingston to London, ON, by train to be with my family and to support my single Mom and Nannie during this time. Sadly, my grandfather passed away on March 31st. Between March 27th and April 11th, I was traveling frequently between Kingston and London, balancing the demands of grieving, providing support for my family, making funeral arrangements, and preparing for and completing my final exams.
These circumstances significantly impacted my ability to perform at my true academic potential during the most critical period of the semester. This was especially true for PHGY 216, as the majority of my studying was completed while traveling via train or at my Nannie’s house. While I did my best to complete my coursework and exams, the situation prevented me from demonstrating the level of achievement of which I am capable.
Also to be noted is that during this time the Teaching Assistants were on strike, which altered the composition of the grading of the assignments in this course. Because of this, I was aware that I could apply for a PASS/FAIL. However, when I addressed this matter with an academic advisor in March, I was advised against proceeding. I regret not following through with the PASS/FAIL option.
For these reasons, I respectfully request that I be granted a credit standing for PHGY 216 and that the grade be removed from my transcript. I believe this outcome would more fairly reflect my commitment to my studies while acknowledging the personal challenges I faced during the semester.
I kindly ask that this matter be addressed in a timely manner, as the accuracy of my transcript is important as it affects my GPA and ultimately my success in admission to the MTP (Master’s of Physiotherapy) program, which is my desired career path.
Thank you for considering my petition. I have provided a copy of my grandfather’s death certificate and train passes, and am willing to provide additional documentation or participate in a personal interview if required.
20350882
Department of Biology
08/22/2025
Dear Dean Tannock and Dean Stephenson,
I am writing to formally petition for a credit standing in PHGY 216 and for the removal of the grade from my transcript.
I took PHGY 216 during the Winter 2025 semester and worked diligently throughout the term. However, due to anticipated circumstances beyond my control, I believe that the final grade I received does not accurately represent my understanding of the material or the effort that I put into the course.
On March 27th 2025, I learned that my grandfather, who had been battling Parkinson’s disease for the past 6 years, was deteriorating rapidly. I immediately traveled from Kingston to London, ON, by train to be with my family and to support my single Mom and Nannie during this time. Sadly, my grandfather passed away on March 31st. Between March 27th and April 11th, I was traveling frequently between Kingston and London, balancing the demands of grieving, providing support for my family, making funeral arrangements, and preparing for and completing my final exams.
These circumstances significantly impacted my ability to perform at my true academic potential during the most critical period of the semester. This was especially true for PHGY 216, as the majority of my studying was completed while traveling via train or at my Nannie’s house. While I did my best to complete my coursework and exams, the situation prevented me from demonstrating the level of achievement of which I am capable.
Also to be noted is that during this time the Teaching Assistants were on strike, which altered the composition of the grading of the assignments in this course. Because of this, I was aware that I could apply for a PASS/FAIL. However, when I addressed this matter with an academic advisor in March, I was advised against proceeding. I regret not following through with the PASS/FAIL option.
For these reasons, I respectfully request that I be granted a credit standing for PHGY 216 and that the grade be removed from my transcript. I believe this outcome would more fairly reflect my commitment to my studies while acknowledging the personal challenges I faced during the semester.
I kindly ask that this matter be addressed in a timely manner, as the accuracy of my transcript is important as it affects my GPA and ultimately my success in admission to the MTP (Master’s of Physiotherapy) program, which is my desired career path.
Thank you for considering my petition. I have provided a copy of my grandfather’s death certificate and train passes, and am willing to provide additional documentation or participate in a personal interview if required.