Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean,

My name is Chioma Olisemeka and I am a 4th year student at Queen¿¿s University. I am appealing to the Faculty¿¿s decision that I receive a credit standing in Econ 322 and Rels 234, as well as have Econ 442 dropped past the deadline.

Two years ago, I stated experiencing episodes from a rare genetic disorder, and I was diagnosed with a disease called Acute Intermittent Porphyria. Due to these attacks, mainly caused by stress in my case, it has made keeping up with school very hard to manage. At times I am admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at Kingston General Hospital for 5-7 days at a time, and up to twice in a semester. Due to the extent of my illness I have found that my academic career has suffered greatly.

As for Econ 322, being ill quite often took a toll on my course work, making it difficult to catch up from missed lectures, seeing as this was quite a difficult course I found myself struggling with it from the onset. Due to the fact that I already found the course challenging, coupled with one of the worst episodes I have experienced, trying to keep my stress levels low as well as recover was something I found rather difficult to do. Although I struggled, I persevered knowing that one of the most important classes I had that semester was might be affected.

As for Econ 422 and Rels 234 which were taken in Winter 2015, I was admitted at Kingston General Hospital twice in that semester; once at the beginning and the second time shortly before final exams began. Being ill at the beginning of the semester affected my academic success in both courses, as I missed out on understanding some core concepts explained during lectures. Due to the factors expressed above, I had a hard time ensuring I had a full recovery from the illness as well as begin my preparations for final exams. Although I received an extension on an assignment in Rels 234, falling ill before a two part exam greatly affected me.

In Econ 422, I struggled from the onset as this class was rather difficult and being ill added to the stress of it all. I was unable to adequately finish an assignment that were meant to be worked on in groups but handed in separately because I was sick in the hospital. Seeing as this was a 4th year Econ class, it was very fast paced which affected my academic success in the long run. Being admitted for a second time shortly before exams was one of the main reasons as to why I believe I received such a low grade.

Future Plans: For my final year at Queen¿¿s I am registered in three courses in the fall semester and two courses in the winter semester as well as a Seminar course. With three classes per semester, I believe that the lighter course load will help to eliminate some of the stress I encountered while taking a fuller course load. Since high stress levels is one of the triggers of my disorder I have found that I am less stressed out and have more time and effort to put into each class. I also have been in communication with fellow students to make arrangements to receive their notes in the event that I am admitted at the hospital during the semester.

Thank you for reading my appeal, and I hope to get a positive response from you.

Sincerely,
Chioma Olisemeka.