Petition Letter
Dear Associate Dean of Academics,
I am writing to request a credit standing for the courses CHEM112 and BIOL103 taken in the Winter 2025 term last year. Due to the extenuating circumstances caused by the sudden passing of my grandfather, I was unable to manage my grief alongside exam preparation. I was told the night before my chemistry exam, which severely impacted my mental state during that time. As a result, my performance on the exam was negatively affected. He had been recovering well from his illness before his passing, and the abruptness of his passing caused me to be unable to process my emotions. My family and I had plans to visit him shortly after my exams, before his passing. My grief alongside my anxiety disorder left me disoriented during the exams as well. These circumstances affected me from April 9th to April 14th, 2026.
I was also not aware of exam deferrals or any other options available for my mental health. My exam results severely impacted the grades I had in the courses initially and are not representative of my understanding of the course content. Although I am currently a student from the engineering department, I was informed that since these courses were prior to my transfer and that I was in the life science program while taking these courses, the credit standing request must be submitted to the Arts and Science faculty.
My grades in all courses had dropped significantly; however, my marks in General Chemistry (CHEM112) and Fundamentals of Biology (BIOL103) were most affected. General Chemistry was a full year course which carried more weight towards GPA and my academic standing during the term. Although I ended CHEM112 with a C+, my grades prior was a B+ in the first term and along with my preparation for the final exam, the grade I received is far from expected. Since then, I have been working with QSAS support and healthcare professionals to take recover. Alongside this letter, I have attached my grandfather’s death certificate below. Please consider my request for a credit standing in the courses BIOL103 and CHEM112. Thank you for your time and understanding.
Sincerely,
Prishita Narayanasamy
20482486
I am writing to request a credit standing for the courses CHEM112 and BIOL103 taken in the Winter 2025 term last year. Due to the extenuating circumstances caused by the sudden passing of my grandfather, I was unable to manage my grief alongside exam preparation. I was told the night before my chemistry exam, which severely impacted my mental state during that time. As a result, my performance on the exam was negatively affected. He had been recovering well from his illness before his passing, and the abruptness of his passing caused me to be unable to process my emotions. My family and I had plans to visit him shortly after my exams, before his passing. My grief alongside my anxiety disorder left me disoriented during the exams as well. These circumstances affected me from April 9th to April 14th, 2026.
I was also not aware of exam deferrals or any other options available for my mental health. My exam results severely impacted the grades I had in the courses initially and are not representative of my understanding of the course content. Although I am currently a student from the engineering department, I was informed that since these courses were prior to my transfer and that I was in the life science program while taking these courses, the credit standing request must be submitted to the Arts and Science faculty.
My grades in all courses had dropped significantly; however, my marks in General Chemistry (CHEM112) and Fundamentals of Biology (BIOL103) were most affected. General Chemistry was a full year course which carried more weight towards GPA and my academic standing during the term. Although I ended CHEM112 with a C+, my grades prior was a B+ in the first term and along with my preparation for the final exam, the grade I received is far from expected. Since then, I have been working with QSAS support and healthcare professionals to take recover. Alongside this letter, I have attached my grandfather’s death certificate below. Please consider my request for a credit standing in the courses BIOL103 and CHEM112. Thank you for your time and understanding.
Sincerely,
Prishita Narayanasamy
20482486