Petition to the University of British Columbia (UBC) Administration

Request for Fair Reassessment in Professor Keqin Liu’s Courses

We, the students of the University of British Columbia enrolled in Professor Keqin Liu’s classes during the current semester, respectfully submit this petition to express our concerns regarding the fairness, transparency, and alignment of the final examinations administered in these courses. Our goal is not to dispute academic rigor, but to ensure that assessments accurately reflect the curriculum, uphold UBC’s academic standards, and provide students with a fair opportunity to demonstrate their learning.

During this semester, many students encountered significant difficulties on the final examinations administered by Professor Liu. A substantial portion of the exam content appeared inconsistent with the material covered in lectures, tutorials, assignments, and the prescribed curriculum. As a result, students were evaluated on topics that were not taught or discussed in a meaningful or accessible way.

This misalignment has led to unusually low averages and widespread concern that students’ final grades do not reflect their effort, preparedness, or actual understanding of the course content. For many students—especially those in their first year or in programs with competitive academic requirements—this discrepancy has serious academic and professional implications.

Verification and Evidence

Professor Liu has long been recognized as a challenging instructor, a perception reflected in online student feedback platforms such as Rate My Professors. One of his commonly cited strengths is his provision of practice exams that help students prepare for his difficult assessments. However, students this semester did not receive comparable practice materials, leaving many without appropriate preparation for the specific style, structure, or breadth of topics covered on the final exam.

Additionally, student testimonials and discussions across cohort groups reveal consistent patterns of confusion, surprise, and academic harm associated with this semester’s examination content. The unusually low grade distribution further suggests that the exam did not accurately measure students’ mastery of the course material.

Context of Past Issues & Respect for Professor Liu

It is important to clarify that this petition is not an attack on Professor Liu’s character. On the contrary, many of us are aware that he has faced bullying, rudeness, and unfair treatment from students in past years. Such behavior is unacceptable and does not reflect UBC’s standards of respect or academic professionalism.

However, the recurring frustration expressed across multiple cohorts—and now evidenced again this semester—suggests ongoing structural issues in the delivery and assessment of the course. A pattern of student dissatisfaction, particularly regarding exams that do not reflect class instruction, indicates that the problem extends beyond isolated complaints or unfair backlash. Acknowledging the challenges Professor Liu has faced does not invalidate the legitimate concerns presented by students this term; rather, it highlights the long-standing need for administrative oversight and structural improvement.

Proposed Solution

Given that Professor Liu is retiring after this semester, we recognize that dismissal or disciplinary action is neither appropriate nor relevant. Instead, we respectfully request that UBC provide students with a fair opportunity to retake the final exam(s) for this course under conditions that better reflect the material taught throughout the term.

A reassessment—whether through a standardized makeup exam, an adjusted evaluation method, or an administratively supervised alternative—would allow students to demonstrate their true understanding of the curriculum, uphold academic integrity, and prevent long-term harm to student transcripts due to circumstances beyond their control.

We urge the UBC administration to take prompt action to address this academic discrepancy. By granting students a fair reassessment opportunity, UBC will protect the validity of its educational standards, uphold fairness for its students, and demonstrate its commitment to equitable, high-quality instruction.

If you believe in the right to fair, transparent, and curriculum-aligned evaluation at UBC, please sign this petition. Your support is essential for ensuring that current and future cohorts are not disadvantaged by misaligned assessments and that UBC continues to uphold its reputation for academic excellence.