Petition Letter
Dear Associate Dean (Academic),
I am appealing my final grade in CHEM 222 (Winter 2025) to receive Credit Standing (C.R. Grade) instead.
This course was significantly affected by the PSAC 901 strike, which began in March 2025 and led to serious disruptions across campus. Specifically in CHEM 222, this included changes to the syllabus, resulting in a 60% weighted final exam, cancellation of tutorials and assignments, and no TA support, which is vital in the relative success of students. While the university tried to maintain consistency, these disruptions affected my ability to learn and perform the way I should’ve. Despite my efforts, I received a D in this course. Understanding that it was unfair, the instructor conducted a vote among the class to decide whether to adopt a pass/fail grading scheme. Many of the students voted against this option. However, I found that the disruptions and the restructured course format were extremely detrimental to my ability to succeed beyond the grade I did. I wholeheartedly believe that a pass/fail grading scheme should have been in place.
Additionally, CHEM 222 was initially part of the General Biology degree requirements; however, due to the modular degree plans introduced at the end of the Winter semester, this course is no longer a requirement. Had I been aware of this change before, I would not have enrolled in CHEM 222. Given these extenuating circumstances beyond my control, I am concerned about the impact this grade has on my GPA and the impact it has on my ability to change my academic plan from a major in Geology to a major in Biology and minor in Global Development. With this in mind, I am writing this petition to appeal my grade, considering the disruptions caused and my continuous efforts to improve it.
I was on top of this issue right as it began, with the emails attached, I reached out to be proactive as knew the change in syllabus and lack of TA support could negatively affect my performance. I was stressed as the format of the course was hard enough without these circumstances coming into play, despite this I can assure you I still tried my absolute hardest to succeed, as I know this process is tedious and not easy to go through.
I am only appealing this course, in lieu of all 5 of my courses, because this is the one that had those extreme alterations to the syllabus, and personally, was vital to have TA support in. The content was not relayed to me in the usual way it was intended, and in turn had a negative effect, which was beyond my control. If you look at my grades from Winter semester 2025, you can see that it was the courses with a lack of needed TA support that I didn't succeed in. This shows it was not my lack of trying.
I toyed with the idea of dropping this course out of concern for the final marks, however, I was told by the Associate Dean to adjust and do the best I could. I was confident enough in my abilities to overcome this obstacle and pass the course, which I did. However, from matters outside of my control, the grade does not reflect my abilities, and with the fact that I completed all the course components and received a passing grade, I believe what is fair is receiving a credit standing grade, and so my GPA is not hindered by it.
In concluding thoughts, I am humbly petitioning for this appeal as this is an ongoing concern I've had, shown through numerous emails and meetings with advisors, out of concern for my success in my academic future. I am a dedicated, involved student with hopes for a very bright future here and after, meaning post-graduate studies and more. I respect the way things are managed, and from reviewing this process thoroughly, I believe this is a circumstance where an appeal should be granted. I'd be happy to continue this discussion and provide any supporting documents, as this is very important to me.
I appreciate your time and consideration, truly.
Thank you,
Mabel Johnson
I am appealing my final grade in CHEM 222 (Winter 2025) to receive Credit Standing (C.R. Grade) instead.
This course was significantly affected by the PSAC 901 strike, which began in March 2025 and led to serious disruptions across campus. Specifically in CHEM 222, this included changes to the syllabus, resulting in a 60% weighted final exam, cancellation of tutorials and assignments, and no TA support, which is vital in the relative success of students. While the university tried to maintain consistency, these disruptions affected my ability to learn and perform the way I should’ve. Despite my efforts, I received a D in this course. Understanding that it was unfair, the instructor conducted a vote among the class to decide whether to adopt a pass/fail grading scheme. Many of the students voted against this option. However, I found that the disruptions and the restructured course format were extremely detrimental to my ability to succeed beyond the grade I did. I wholeheartedly believe that a pass/fail grading scheme should have been in place.
Additionally, CHEM 222 was initially part of the General Biology degree requirements; however, due to the modular degree plans introduced at the end of the Winter semester, this course is no longer a requirement. Had I been aware of this change before, I would not have enrolled in CHEM 222. Given these extenuating circumstances beyond my control, I am concerned about the impact this grade has on my GPA and the impact it has on my ability to change my academic plan from a major in Geology to a major in Biology and minor in Global Development. With this in mind, I am writing this petition to appeal my grade, considering the disruptions caused and my continuous efforts to improve it.
I was on top of this issue right as it began, with the emails attached, I reached out to be proactive as knew the change in syllabus and lack of TA support could negatively affect my performance. I was stressed as the format of the course was hard enough without these circumstances coming into play, despite this I can assure you I still tried my absolute hardest to succeed, as I know this process is tedious and not easy to go through.
I am only appealing this course, in lieu of all 5 of my courses, because this is the one that had those extreme alterations to the syllabus, and personally, was vital to have TA support in. The content was not relayed to me in the usual way it was intended, and in turn had a negative effect, which was beyond my control. If you look at my grades from Winter semester 2025, you can see that it was the courses with a lack of needed TA support that I didn't succeed in. This shows it was not my lack of trying.
I toyed with the idea of dropping this course out of concern for the final marks, however, I was told by the Associate Dean to adjust and do the best I could. I was confident enough in my abilities to overcome this obstacle and pass the course, which I did. However, from matters outside of my control, the grade does not reflect my abilities, and with the fact that I completed all the course components and received a passing grade, I believe what is fair is receiving a credit standing grade, and so my GPA is not hindered by it.
In concluding thoughts, I am humbly petitioning for this appeal as this is an ongoing concern I've had, shown through numerous emails and meetings with advisors, out of concern for my success in my academic future. I am a dedicated, involved student with hopes for a very bright future here and after, meaning post-graduate studies and more. I respect the way things are managed, and from reviewing this process thoroughly, I believe this is a circumstance where an appeal should be granted. I'd be happy to continue this discussion and provide any supporting documents, as this is very important to me.
I appreciate your time and consideration, truly.
Thank you,
Mabel Johnson