To: Stadio School of Law, Ms. Leana Diedericks, Dr Bridget Manyaga, Ms. Tharina Viljoen & Mr Jacques Naude

We, the undersigned students enrolled in LOC262 (Law of Contract), respectfully submit this petition to raise concerns about the structure and administration of the June 2025 examination.

While it is acknowledged that the module did not explicitly guarantee an exam scope, we note with concern the significant disparity in preparatory guidance provided to LOC262 students compared to students enrolled in the LCN module, which also covers Law of Contract content. It is our understanding that LCN students received a detailed and directive exam scope in advance of their examination, whereas LOC262 students did not benefit from similar academic support.

This discrepancy raises the following issues for consideration:

1. Academic Consistency and Equality of Treatment: The provision of materially different levels of preparatory support across modules with overlapping content calls into question the principle of equal academic treatment and may undermine consistency in assessment standards.
2. Clarity of Expectation: A central tenet of fair assessment is that students are provided with clear and transparent guidance as to what will be evaluated. In the absence of such clarity, the reasonable expectations of students are compromised.
3. Alignment with Teaching and Materials: Based on collective feedback from the LOC262 cohort, a significant portion of the examination content appeared to fall outside the areas of emphasis conveyed in lectures, tutorials, and prescribed materials. This misalignment creates ambiguity regarding what constitutes appropriate preparation and may adversely affect academic outcomes despite diligent study efforts.

We submit this petition not to seek preferential treatment, but to request that the principles of academic support, procedural fairness, and consistency be reviewed in the context of the LOC262 examination. Specifically, we respectfully request that the Faculty consider:

• A review of the content and scope alignment of the LOC262 exam with the prescribed curriculum;
• An inquiry into the rationale for divergent approaches to exam preparation support between LOC262 and LCN;
• The potential for academic mitigation or adjustment in grading to reflect the circumstances described.

This petition is submitted in good faith, with the intention of upholding academic standards and ensuring a fair and equitable learning environment for all students.

Signed in the interest of procedural fairness and the academic integrity of the institution.

Kind Regards,
Matthew Dylan Pienaar - 26508664

Contact Details: matthewdylanpienaar@gmail.com & 076 800 3040

On behalf of the LOC262 cohort – June 2025