Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Members of the Petitions Committee,

I am writing to formally request a Credit (CR) standing for SPAN 112 during the 2025 Winter semester, taught by Professor Daniela Maldonado Castaneda. This request is based on extenuating personal circumstances beyond my control that significantly affected my academic performance and participation during the term. During the semester, my grandmother passed away. This loss required me to travel repeatedly between Kingston and Whitby to support my family and attend related obligations. Not only that, but I was also helping her prior by supporting her in the hospital and helping to care for her needs. These circumstances occurred throughout the term rather than during a single isolated period, which disrupted my routine, limiting my ability to attend classes, as well as affecting my overall engagement with the course material. The emotional impact of this loss, combined with the ongoing travel made it difficult to maintain the level of focus and participation needed to perform well.

In addition to this, the labour strike during the Winter 2025 term made it more difficult throughout the term. The disruptions to campus and the protest activity at times made accessing classes difficult, and the uncertainty surrounding instructions created more stress. On some occasions, I was unable to reach class due to the blockades, which further affected my attendance and participation in SPAN 112.

Despite these challenges, I made efforts to continue engaging with the course to the best of my abilities. However, the combined emotional strain, travel demands, and academic disruption ultimately had a direct and negative impact on my performance in the course.

I respectfully request consideration for a Credit (CR) standing in SPAN 112 in recognition of these extenuating circumstances and their documented impact on my academic work during the term. Thank you for taking the time to review my petition and for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Jordan Bouckley