Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Faculty of Arts and Science,

Shortly after arriving in Kingston in September I visited the ER for abdominal pain, and was referred to a specialist. Prior to this visit, I had never experienced symptoms related to the (current) provisional diagnosis. Over the next few weeks I ended up in the ER two additional times, and decided mid-October to return home to Winnipeg as the pain (and time seeking help) was preventing me from attending classes and completing work.

After originally visiting the ER in September I believed issues had resolved and had plans to see a specialist in Kingston to be safe. I also saw a physician at student wellness services on recommendation of the ER for pain management. After experiencing the same issues the following month I was seen in the ER again where they treated some symptoms and told me to wait for a referral. Upon returning home, I saw my physician for referrals in Winnipeg and she filled out a VEC form; this is where the supporting documentation comes from. There was no provisional diagnosis at the time (other than the one listed, which was considered a symptom, not a final diagnosis). Unfortunately, testing to establish a diagnosis requires a procedure, which comes with a waitlist, preventing me from receiving and subsequently providing a final diagnosis to Queen's.

I then dropped CHEM 112 and PHYS 115 before the drop deadline, but made plans to continue BIOL 102 and MATH 121 from a distance, and was trying to catch up on the missed readings and videos. I then applied for an academic consideration to cover the term.

After visiting the ER most recently in Winnipeg with additional symptoms, the ER doctor decided it may be an alternate issue. I have since seen my physician who has referred me to a different specialist to confirm or deny the provisional diagnosis. Fortunately there is symptomatic treatment for this diagnosis while I wait for additional testing and procedures. The treatment should (hopefully) allow me to return to previous activities in the new year while I wait for further decisions.

I did not choose to get sick, and have done everything in my power to seek treatment, however the healthcare system is understandably overworked and is therefore slow. I have literally put my life on hold the last few months as the pain prevents me from getting out of bed somedays. I have also spent quite a bit of time attending appointments, filling out documentation, and waiting in ERs, which has taken away from the time I would have been able to use to complete work.

My original VEC form was completed by a doctor at Queen’s SWS for the time I missed during my original ER visit, and the second was completed by my physician to allow for distance completion of biology coursework. Neither accommodation fully covers the issue as each time I get sick, something ends up being worse, with the most recent occurrence preventing me from participating in most of my daily functions.

I had plans to continue courses from a distance, however, I have spent enough time being sick that I will not be able to complete the class work and exams and feel I would better benefit from taking the classes again once I’m no longer distracted by health issues.

I will remain in Winnipeg for the remainder of the 2024/25 academic year but am planning to return to Kingston for the 2025 fall term and will take the classes then. I am hoping new medication will lessen issues allowing me to resume studies, and I will talk to advising about potential courses for the 2025 winter term.

I would have dropped the classes before the deadline last week, but ended up in the ER instead with debilitating pain.

Please let me know if there are any further questions or concerns, or if I need to seek additional information; I would be happy to talk to my physician about alternative documentation.

Thanks for your time and consideration,
Erin Crockett