Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Academic Petition Committee,

I am writing to request an extension of my deferred final examination for MATH 281, as I will be beginning a scheduled course of treatment for a chronic gastrointestinal condition in Sri Lanka from May to August 2026, where my practitioner and family reside. The treatment is expected to take approximately 2 to 3 months, with additional recovery time.

I have been managing this condition (SIBO/SIFO) since my late teenage years, with symptoms worsening significantly in early 2025. I experience both physical and cognitive symptoms that affect my daily functioning and academic responsibilities. These include severe bloating and abdominal pain after eating, as well as difficulty walking after meals due to a heavy, weighted sensation in my abdomen. Eating often results in prolonged pain, which has made it difficult to maintain adequate nutrition, leading me to rely on vitamin supplementation after noticing signs such as hair loss. I also experience significant fatigue that affects my daily functioning. Despite adequate rest, my energy levels declined to the point that I was no longer able to continue my customer service job, which I had held since my first year at Queen’s.

In addition, I experience prolonged brain fog after meals, entering a clouded mental state that significantly impairs my listening, reading, and focus. My thinking slows, and I often struggle to form thoughts or follow explanations in real time. These symptoms typically begin after eating and often persist for several hours, during which I am unable to effectively process lectures or engage with course material. I frequently find myself rereading the same material without understanding or retaining it. Often, I am unable to process written text at all and find myself staring at words without comprehension. Tasks that previously required minimal effort, such as reading and engaging with material now take considerably longer, which has affected my ability to keep up with coursework.

I underwent two rounds of naturopathic treatment between June and December 2025, but experienced adverse reactions to one medication and no improvement from the other. I was then advised to consult a specialist regarding antibiotic therapy. Due to long wait times for gastroenterology care in Ontario and the severity of my symptoms, my family arranged for me to see a gastroenterologist in Sri Lanka, under whose care I completed additional investigations, including blood work, a colonoscopy, and an endoscopy. Following the 2 rounds of treatment and procedures in early January 2026, I required a period of recovery due to significant fatigue. As a result, it was not feasible to begin further treatment during the winter academic term. It was therefore planned that I would begin treatment immediately after the term ends in May, as the earliest appropriate time.

I have observed my symptoms worsened with more flare ups this term. Due to a painful flare up, I was unable to make it to my final exam and was granted a deferral due to disability related symptoms(QSAS).

I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but I am unable to postpone this treatment further. My symptoms have become increasingly severe, and I am concerned about my health and the risk of further deterioration if treatment is delayed. I am scheduled to fly to Sri Lanka from May 8 to August 22, 2026, to undergo treatment with the support of my practitioner and family.

As a result, I will be unable to attend the scheduled deferred exam period from May 19–22. I remain fully committed to completing the requirements of MATH 281 and respectfully request approval to complete the deferred final examination after I return to Canada following my treatment.

Thank you for your consideration.

Saira Cader