Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dr. Johanne Bénard
Associate Dean (Studies)
Faculty of Arts and Science


Dear Dean Bénard:

I am formally submitting an Academic Appeal to the Faculty of Arts and Science for your consideration. I am requesting and appeal for aegrotat standing in two classes (BCHM218 and CHEM282) as a result of extenuating circumstances that proved debilitating to my academic performance.

On March 31, 2015 my girlfriend Carley Allison passed away after battling an extremely rare form of cancer (clear cell sarcoma) for two years. Despite incredible bravery and courage Carley's battle with cancer became increasingly more difficult over the last two years as the treatment proved unsuccessful and the cancer spread throughout her body. My relationship with Carley required me to travel back and forth to Toronto throughout my academic year.

The passing of Carley on March 31, 2015 had an immense impact on my mental and emotional state. Given the proximity of Carley's passing to examination period, I was simply unable to dedicate myself to academics during this period of grieving. As a student that is dedicated to my academic pursuits, I contacted my instructors to notify them of my situation. With the advice and support of my instructors and the Faculty of Arts and Science, I was advised to appeal for aegrotat standing for the two aforementioned courses.

I excelled proficiently in these courses throughout the term and I believe that I continually demonstrated a thorough understanding of the course material. My instructors have supported my appeal for aegrotat standing and understand the immense impact that Carley's passing has on my ability to perform examinations.

It is important to explain that I am only applying for aegrotat standing for two courses because I proactively worked out alternate arrangements with the instructors of my other courses. In one course (SPAN 205), the marking scheme was reweighted by my instructor and, in another case, the course (MICRO 221) did not meet the requirements for aegrotat standing.

Please find the obituary of Carley's passing attached to this application. Thank you for your consideration and I ask that you do not hesitate to contact me should you need further clarification from me.


Respectfully submitted,

Ioannis (John) Servinis
10094397