Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I am writing to request Credit Standing for PHYS 115: Introduction to Physics I and MATH 121A/B: Differential and Integral Calculus due to significant medical circumstances that impacted my academic performance throughout the academic year.

Since December 2024, I have been dealing with ongoing medical issues involving specialist appointments, diagnostic testing, procedures, surgery, and continued follow-up care. Throughout this process, the uncertainty surrounding my health, combined with the physical and mental toll of ongoing medical treatment, significantly affected my ability to fully engage academically during my first year of university.
These circumstances were documented through multiple academic considerations and physician documentation submitted throughout both semesters. Although my major surgery during the school year and the recovery period had the greatest impact academically, the effects of my medical circumstances extended throughout the year and remain ongoing. In the weeks surrounding my surgery, I was required to complete multiple heavily weighted midterms and assessments in both PHYS 115 and MATH 121A/B immediately before and shortly after my procedure, followed by final examinations approximately two months later while still managing recovery, continued medical follow-up, and the mental strain associated with these circumstances.

The impact of these circumstances was especially significant in PHYS 115 and MATH 121A/B because of the cumulative and practice-intensive nature of these courses. These were the most quantitatively demanding courses in my schedule and required consistent problem-solving practice, concentration, and long periods of focused studying in order to keep up with the material. Throughout the year, I made significant efforts to remain proactive academically, including working with a tutor for MATH 121A/B and dedicating substantial time toward practice and review. However, balancing the workload required for these courses while simultaneously managing ongoing medical treatment, recovery, follow-up appointments, and the mental strain associated with these circumstances became increasingly difficult both physically and mentally.

I chose to remain enrolled in these courses because, prior to these circumstances, I had consistently performed strongly in mathematics and science courses throughout high school, including earning grades above 90% in these subjects and being on the honour roll throughout high school. I believed I would be able to recover academically with enough effort and support. I have always been confident in my abilities in quantitative subjects, which contributed to my decision to continue attempting these courses rather than withdraw. However, despite my efforts, the cumulative impact of ongoing medical challenges, recovery, and mental strain ultimately affected my ability to perform at my usual academic standard.

Over time, I recognized the importance of prioritizing both my physical and mental well-being in order to regain stability academically and personally. I am now in a much better position moving forward and plan to use this summer to continue focusing on my recovery and preparing myself academically for next year. I fully intend to retake these courses with the appropriate foundation and support necessary for success.

I respectfully ask that my circumstances be considered in support of granting Credit Standing for PHYS 115 and MATH 121A/B. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.