Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Matthew Duncan Pesce
20347037
21mdp16@queensu.ca
Thursday, May 15, 2025

My name is Matthew Duncan Pesce, and I just finished my third year as a Kinesiology student. I am writing to discuss my final grade for PHGY 350 and to request that it be designated as a credit (CR) and be excluded from my GPA calculation.

This petition is based on extenuating circumstances that significantly impaired my academic performance during the final portion of the semester, circumstances that were beyond my control and had a direct effect on my ability to prepare for and complete the final exam.

The first major disruption occurred on March 10, 2025, when Queen’s University Teaching Assistants' strike began. The strike created substantial uncertainty around course expectations, grading timelines, and the availability of academic support. This instability affected my confidence and preparation in the final weeks of the course, specifically as feedback on previous work was delayed or unavailable. I was also unable to receive the usual academic guidance/feedback.

More significantly, in the first week of the exams, I experienced a family emergency that had an immediate and lasting effect on my ability to prepare for the final assessments. My grandfather passed away on April 7, 2025, just four days before the scheduled final exam. I made the necessary decision to return home to Stoney Creek to be with family, both to grieve and to support one another during a difficult time. This resulted in a loss of critical preparation time for the exam and left me emotionally overwhelmed during the final assessment period.

Additionally, I had two final exams within two hours of each other, which compounded the stress and reduced the time and focus I could dedicate to either exam. Combined with the emotional impact of the bereavement and the academic disruption caused by the TA strike, I was unable to perform to my usual academic standard.

These overlapping factors—a labour disruption, bereavement, and exam scheduling—created an exceptional situation in which my academic performance was not representative of my abilities or efforts throughout the term.

Before these events, I had engaged consistently in the course and was on track to complete the term successfully.

I sought guidance from my academic advisor regarding my options and was encouraged to submit this petition. I am prepared to provide supporting documentation, including verification of the bereavement and my exam schedule, should the committee require it.

Given the significant and unforeseeable nature of these challenges, I respectfully ask for a Credit (CR) designation for PHGY 350. I believe this decision would honor the efforts I’ve put into the course while acknowledging the unique difficulties I faced in the final weeks.

Thank you very much for considering my request. I truly appreciate your understanding during this challenging time.

Sincerely,

Matthew Duncan Pesce
20347037