Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter:
Dear Members of the Petitions Committee,
I am writing to formally request academic consideration and the deferral of my examination due to significant medical circumstances beyond my control that have severely affected my ability to complete my academic responsibilities during the examination period.
Beginning in April 2026, I experienced serious and unexpected health issues that resulted in multiple hospital visits and ongoing medical complications. On April 12–13, 15, and 18, I was hospitalized due to severe fatigue, feeling unwell, and unexplained bruising. Following medical assessment, I was diagnosed with thrombocytopenia of unknown cause. As outlined in the attached medical documentation from my physician, Dr. Amanda West, I continue to experience extreme fatigue, constant nausea, concentration difficulties, and physical weakness.
These symptoms have had a direct and substantial impact on my academic performance and my ability to prepare for and write my examinations. The fatigue has been severe enough that I require multiple naps throughout the day and have been unable to maintain focus or concentration for extended periods of time. My cognitive functioning and ability to study effectively have been significantly impaired, making it extremely difficult to retain information or perform at my usual academic standard. In addition, the persistent nausea and overall exhaustion have made it challenging to complete daily tasks and maintain normal routines.
The timing of these medical complications coincided directly with my examination period, which further intensified their impact on my academics. Despite my efforts to continue studying and keep up with my coursework, my condition progressively worsened and ultimately prevented me from being in an appropriate physical or mental state to complete my examination fairly and successfully.
My examination is currently scheduled for this upcoming week. Given my ongoing symptoms and my physician’s recommendation that I not write examinations at this time, I am respectfully requesting that the examination be deferred. I am hopeful that, with continued medical treatment and improvement in my health over the coming months, I will be able to adequately recover and write the examination prior to September 2026, when I am medically able to perform at my normal academic capacity.
Throughout this period, I sought medical attention and followed the recommendations provided by healthcare professionals. I attended hospital visits, completed follow-up testing, and remained in communication with my physician regarding my condition and recovery. My doctor has explicitly stated that, due to the fatigue and concentration issues associated with my condition, she does not believe I am currently capable of writing my examinations and has recommended that they be deferred until my health improves.
I take my academic responsibilities very seriously and would not submit this petition unless these circumstances had genuinely prevented me from performing to the best of my abilities. I respectfully request consideration for deferred examinations and any associated academic accommodations deemed appropriate by the Committee.
Thank you very much for your time, understanding, and consideration of my petition.
Sincerely,
Venetia Flesias