What is a petition
A petition is a request for exception to standard faculty or University rules and regulations, such as asking for a term promotion when your term average is below 60.
Petitions are fully explained through Policy 70 - Student Petitions and Grievances.
What is the difference between a Petition and a Grievance
A petition is for asking for a change in outcome, a grievance is for when you feel you have been treated unfairly, whether by faculty or staff.
If you feel you have been treated unfairly, visit the petitions and grievances page and reach out to your academic advisor to discuss next steps.
What can be petitioned
The most common use of a petition is for a failed term standing. In rare circumstances you can petition an individual course(s) after a term if there is evidence that a single course was impacted.
Other things that can be petitioned include adding or dropping a course(s) after the deadline.
You cannot petition for a grade revision. Talk to an advisor about that, or if there is something else you want to petition.
For co-op related issues, talk to your co-op advisor.
What can be asked for
For a failed term you can ask for promotion or a No Penalty (see below) standing. Promotions are rarely granted, if you ask for promotion but it is not granted, the committee will also consider you for a No Penalty decision.
Talk to an advisor if you are wanting to ask for something else.
What is a No Penalty decision
The full standing name is Must Repeat Term – No Penalty. It can replace a Failed - Must Repeat Term, or Failed – Required to Withdraw standing.
The term must be repeated, but it is not considered an attempt at the academic level. If it was your first attempt at the level the repeat term will have the same promotion rules, minimum 60 average and no more than 2 fails. Normally, repeat terms do not allow any failed courses.
Also, course grades below 70 are changed to CR (Credit) and grades below 50 and changed to NCR (No Credit), and are not included in your average.
What are petitions based on
A petition for a failed term is based on extenuating circumstances that impacted you during the term. These could be health or family related issues. When filling out the petition form you will describe the circumstances, and then upload supporting documentation, which is required.If talking about the health of someone else, you cannot submit their medical information, just documentation describing the impact it has had on you.
How and when are petitions decided
A committee meets monthly to review petitions. Each petition is presented, discussed, and then voted on by the members. Students cannot attend the meeting.
Petitions submitted are usually reviewed the following month, with some exceptions. E.g. a petition submitted in May will usually be reviewed in June.
Can a petition decision be appealed
No, there is no appealing a petition decision. However, if you have new information you can submit another petition.
Where to go with questions about petitions
Talk to an advisor if you are have any questions about submitting a petition.
If you have questions about your 1A or 1B petition result, contact Sarah Meunier, Director of First-Year Engineering.
Where to submit a petition
Petitions are submitted through the Policy 70 form.
Contact
To meet with a first-year engineering academic advisor, please drop in to E2-1772 or phone 519-888-4567, ext 44761. You can also book an appointment online.
Email: First Year Engineering Office