Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I am writing to request a Credit Received (CR) grade for two courses I took during the Fall 2025 term:
POLS 211 and POLS 261.

This petition is based on extenuating circumstances beyond my control that significantly affected my
academic performance and personal well-being during the term.

On October 31st, 2025, I sustained a serious back injury during a Queen’s varsity wrestling
Practice following an awkward landing from a takedown. That same evening, I began experiencing
severe nerve-related symptoms, including pain and sharp tingling sensations in my feet, which
prevented me from sleeping. I woke up repeatedly throughout the night due to pain and discomfort.
This pattern of disrupted sleep persisted for several weeks.

Unfortunately, it took some time for the extent of my injury to be properly recognized. I initially sought
assessment through Queen’s therapy services shortly after the injury. Based on the initial evaluation,
it was suggested that I had a bulging disc (a spinal disc protruding outward and irritating nearby
nerves in my lumbar spine). I was instructed to stop wrestling for a minimum of 8 weeks.

I began light physiotherapy treatments, massage therapy, and was advised to take over-the-counter muscle
relaxants. Despite these interventions, my condition did not improve; instead, over the following
weeks, my symptoms intensified. I experienced increasing pain, weakness, limited mobility, and
ongoing difficulty sleeping. During that time, I became anxious and quite upset.

Due to the worsening nature of my symptoms, I consulted a physician (Dr. Ian Thomson) on November 11–12,
2025. He prescribed a stronger muscle relaxant and referred for an urgent MRI which I was able to
obtain on November 20, 2025, by traveling to Gananoque.

The MRI results later confirmed the following findings:

- L4–L5: slight bilateral foramina narrowing; minor broad-based posterolateral disc bulge
(a disc bulge that narrows the nerve passageways on both sides of the spine, contributing to nerve
compression and pain)

- L5–S1: early minor disc osteophyte complex; mild disc desiccation; patent central canal and
foramina; slight bilateral foramina narrowing greater on the left
(early degenerative disc changes with reduced cushioning and narrowing near nerve exits, causing pain and stiffness).

- Bilateral L5 pars interarticularis defects without associated spondylolisthesis
(fractures on both sides of the L5 vertebra, involving stress fractures of the spinal bone that compromise stability,
though without vertebral slippage)

These injuries had a significant impact on my daily functioning. Physically, I was very limited in my
ability to move, attend classes, and complete basic tasks such as groceries, laundry, and household
responsibilities. Persistent pain and discomfort led to inconsistent sleep patterns, which negatively
affected my energy levels, concentration, and ability to study.

As winter conditions worsened, including snow and icy walkways, traveling to campus became increasingly difficult and unsafe. In addition to the physical challenges, I experienced notable mental and emotional strain. The abrupt
end of my wrestling season, and my inability to train or attend team activities contributed to feelings of
discouragement and isolation. I also felt overwhelmed by frequent medical appointments and the
academic consequences of missing classes and tutorials.

These circumstances directly affected my academic performance. In POLS 261, I was unable to
attend many tutorials due to pain and mobility limitations, resulting in a poor attendance grade.
Missing tutorials also meant missing essential guidance and instructions provided by the teaching
assistant. Although I communicated my situation to my TA, I was advised only to request short-term
academic accommodation for one or two absences, which did not address the ongoing and medically
documented nature of my condition.

Similarly, POLS 211 relied heavily on in-person seminars and participation, where attendance and
engagement were graded, and important course information was often communicated/supplemented
verbally rather than posted online. My inability to attend several seminars and tutorials resulted in lost
participation marks and gaps in my understanding of course expectations and content.

By the time final exams arrived, I felt I had fallen significantly behind in both courses. Despite making
efforts to catch up by seeking help from classmates and reaching out to teaching assistants,
I remained at a disadvantage due to missed instructional time, ongoing pain, disrupted sleep, and
emotional stress. I did my best under the circumstances. While I did manage to pass the courses with
a grade of C+, I am certain I was unable to perform to the best of my academic abilities.

In summary, during the Fall 2025 term I sustained a significant injury participating in varsity sports. I
fractured one of my lumbar vertebrae and suffered from a bulging disc. The injury turned out to be
much more severe than initially thought, which led to some delay in diagnosis and treatment. I chose to
persevere and opted to stay the course rather than go back home to Ottawa. In hindsight, it’s clear
that the physical and psychological sequelae of the fractures directly and significantly interfered with
my ability to attend classes, participate in required academic activities, concentrate, study and perform
at my usual academic level in all my classes, but particularly in POLS 211 and POLS 261.

Given all the above, I respectfully submit that a CR designation is appropriate in the circumstances
and would properly account for the extraordinary challenges I faced during this term.
Supporting medical documentation has been provided to confirm both the timing and severity of these
circumstances. Thank you for taking the time to consider my petition.

Sincerely,
Philippe de Courville Nicol Baril
20476230