Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to petition regarding my academic performance in MUSC 171 during the winter,2025 term.
During this course, an unusual academic event occurred due to the teaching assistant strike. As a result, a scheduled test was waived and the grading structure of the course was altered. The weight that would normally have been distributed across multiple assessments was instead shifted heavily onto the final paper, which was due during the exam period. Consequently, a large portion of the course grade depended on a single assignment submitted at the end of the term.
Prior to the final paper, I had been performing well in the course and had received strong marks on the online quizzes. These quizzes were the only assessments for which I received feedback during the term. Because of the strike and the resulting disruption, I did not receive feedback on other course work and therefore had limited insight into my academic standing in the course before the final paper.
At the same time, I was experiencing significant anxiety during the exam period. As a first-year student navigating my first set of university final exams, the stress and anxiety I experienced significantly affected my ability to perform at my usual academic level. These symptoms were particularly pronounced during the time when the final paper was due. I have since consulted a medical professional regarding this anxiety and have documentation to support this circumstance.
The combination of the altered grading structure, limited feedback during the term, and the anxiety I was experiencing during the exam period significantly affected my performance on the final paper, which ultimately determined the majority of my final grade.
Since this time, I have taken steps to address these challenges, including consulting with a medical professional and developing strategies to better manage academic stress moving forward.
For these reasons, I respectfully request that my petition be considered.

Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Darcy Cole
20489271