When Things don’t go as Planned: Petitions Explained
Sometimes life doesn’t go as planned. Students may encounter unforeseen or uncontrollable circumstances that severely interfere with fulfilling academic obligations.
Through the petition process, students may seek resolutions for academic consequences that may have resulted from extenuating circumstances; however, students are expected to make every effort to complete examinations and course work. Petitions that arise from carelessness or a failure to prioritize academic responsibilities may not be granted.
There are three types of petitions:
- Petition of final examination (submitted online through the Engineering Portal)
- Petition for special consideration (submitted online through the Engineering Portal)
- Petition of course work, such as tests, quizzes, assignments, labs. These paper forms are available at the Office of the Registrar and should be submitted to your course coordinator or instructor
If you are submitting a petition for a final examination or for special consideration, you must submit original, official supporting documentation to the Office of the Registrar to support your case. Official documentation is a formal Faculty requirement. This assists the Faculty in making a decision regarding your petition or appeal. Your official supporting documentation must outline your situation (e.g. illness) and the dates you were affected. Strong documentation typically equals a stronger petition or appeal case. If you are absent due to flu-like symptoms, record your absences on ROSI daily and record the confirmation number. This record may substitute medical documentation.
Students are encouraged to seek clarification on the rules or regulations in the Academic Calendar or from their undergraduate departmental counsellor. A counsellor can refer students to special services to help with academic, personal or financial difficulties. First Year students should contact the First Year counsellor. Consultations with the First Year counsellor or undergraduate departmental counsellors are confidential. Students are encouraged to contact their counsellor at the first sign of a problem that could impact their studies.
Before exams start, read the Faculty’s rules and regulations regarding petitions (pdf). Information on petitions is also available. The last day that you are permitted to submit a petition is seven days after your last exam.
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