Petition Letter
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to formally submit this petition regarding the circumstances surrounding my deferred examination during the Winter 2026 term.
Throughout the deferred exam period, I experienced significant extenuating circumstances beyond my control that directly impacted my academic performance and ability to complete my examination under normal conditions. These circumstances involved a serious travel conflict related to an important family wedding abroad, combined with severe stress and anxiety that developed as the situation progressed.
When I originally made my travel arrangements, the deferred examination dates listed on the university website appeared to be May 15–19. Based on this information, I believed my scheduled travel would not interfere with any deferred examinations. However, I later learned that the official deferred exam period extended until May 22, which created a direct conflict between my deferred exam and my international flight departing from Toronto on May 21.
Originally, my flight was scheduled to leave earlier in the day, but after explaining the circumstances to the airline, they were able to move my flight free of charge to a later departure time of 3:00 PM on May 21. Despite this accommodation, it still became clear that if I write my deferred exam in Kingston that morning, I would not realistically be able to return to Toronto in time to make my flight. Since the exam is scheduled to end around 12:00 PM, the drive back to Toronto, combined with airport arrival requirements and traffic uncertainty, make the situation extremely stressful and overwhelming.
During this deferred exam period, I began experiencing extreme stress and anxiety related to the uncertainty and conflict surrounding my examination and travel situation. The stress became severe enough that it also caused physical symptoms, including chest pain, migraines, difficulty sleeping, nausea, and an inability to properly focus or concentrate academically. These symptoms are significantly affecting both my exam preparation and my ability to perform to my normal academic standard during this time.
The stress was further intensified because this deferred exam is worth 54% of my final grade. My academic performance is extremely important to me because I hope to pursue medical school in the future, where grades and overall academic standing are highly significant. Knowing how heavily weighted this examination was added immense pressure to an already overwhelming situation and greatly increased my anxiety surrounding the possibility of not being able to perform at my normal academic level.
The stress and anxiety persisted throughout the deferred exam period as I attempted to find a solution while also balancing my academic responsibilities. I reached out proactively to my professor and the Exams Office to explain the situation and inquire about possible accommodations, including the possibility of a proctored examination from Toronto. Although I completely understand and respect the confidentiality policies surrounding deferred examinations, the uncertainty and inability to resolve the situation continued to negatively impact my mental and physical well-being.
I also recognize that university policies and deferred examination procedures are in place for important reasons, and I sincerely attempted to manage this situation responsibly and proactively. However, the combination of the unexpected scheduling conflict, travel complications, and the resulting psychological and physical effects created circumstances beyond my control that directly affected my academic functioning and performance.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration of my petition. I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding this situation and the impact they have on my academic performance.
Sincerely,
Christina Pachiadakis
I am writing to formally submit this petition regarding the circumstances surrounding my deferred examination during the Winter 2026 term.
Throughout the deferred exam period, I experienced significant extenuating circumstances beyond my control that directly impacted my academic performance and ability to complete my examination under normal conditions. These circumstances involved a serious travel conflict related to an important family wedding abroad, combined with severe stress and anxiety that developed as the situation progressed.
When I originally made my travel arrangements, the deferred examination dates listed on the university website appeared to be May 15–19. Based on this information, I believed my scheduled travel would not interfere with any deferred examinations. However, I later learned that the official deferred exam period extended until May 22, which created a direct conflict between my deferred exam and my international flight departing from Toronto on May 21.
Originally, my flight was scheduled to leave earlier in the day, but after explaining the circumstances to the airline, they were able to move my flight free of charge to a later departure time of 3:00 PM on May 21. Despite this accommodation, it still became clear that if I write my deferred exam in Kingston that morning, I would not realistically be able to return to Toronto in time to make my flight. Since the exam is scheduled to end around 12:00 PM, the drive back to Toronto, combined with airport arrival requirements and traffic uncertainty, make the situation extremely stressful and overwhelming.
During this deferred exam period, I began experiencing extreme stress and anxiety related to the uncertainty and conflict surrounding my examination and travel situation. The stress became severe enough that it also caused physical symptoms, including chest pain, migraines, difficulty sleeping, nausea, and an inability to properly focus or concentrate academically. These symptoms are significantly affecting both my exam preparation and my ability to perform to my normal academic standard during this time.
The stress was further intensified because this deferred exam is worth 54% of my final grade. My academic performance is extremely important to me because I hope to pursue medical school in the future, where grades and overall academic standing are highly significant. Knowing how heavily weighted this examination was added immense pressure to an already overwhelming situation and greatly increased my anxiety surrounding the possibility of not being able to perform at my normal academic level.
The stress and anxiety persisted throughout the deferred exam period as I attempted to find a solution while also balancing my academic responsibilities. I reached out proactively to my professor and the Exams Office to explain the situation and inquire about possible accommodations, including the possibility of a proctored examination from Toronto. Although I completely understand and respect the confidentiality policies surrounding deferred examinations, the uncertainty and inability to resolve the situation continued to negatively impact my mental and physical well-being.
I also recognize that university policies and deferred examination procedures are in place for important reasons, and I sincerely attempted to manage this situation responsibly and proactively. However, the combination of the unexpected scheduling conflict, travel complications, and the resulting psychological and physical effects created circumstances beyond my control that directly affected my academic functioning and performance.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration of my petition. I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding this situation and the impact they have on my academic performance.
Sincerely,
Christina Pachiadakis