Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: April 25, 2016


Dear Associate Dean of Studies,

I am writing to request that you extend the deferral granted to me by my PSYC 333 -- Human Sexuality course professor, for the final exam, fall, 2015 term. I have had ongoing difficulties related to memory, attention and depression in recent months, and I was granted an extension after providing my professor with medical documentation. My problems have also been compounded by a stressful court issue between my children's father and I over his significant arrears. There has been considerable financial and emotional stress caused by his actions that have impacted my children and I, but I am hoping that they will be resolved when we attend court May 11th, 2016.

When I first began having serious problems in mid-fall, I corresponded with my professor consistently and was able to complete most of the course work with the use of an ADHD medication that my doctor prescribed. However, this was only a short-term measure, as I was hardly able to eat and sleep due to the stimulant side-effects. I was finally able to get a new family doctor a couple of weeks ago after being on a waiting list for several months, and she has just begun to look into the cause and treatment options.

I have recently been for an MRI scan and blood work. I also have an appointment to see a counselor at Queen¿¿s in May, as all of these problems have made me feel quite upset and depressed. I am registered with the disability services office and my disability counselor, David Youssef, advised me to request a deferral extension so that I can receive proper treatment from my new doctor. My professor said that she will support my request for an extension to my deferral as well.

I found this course very interesting and wish to be able to complete it. When I began having difficulties, I communicated with my professor regularly. I was quite detailed about my issues, including symptom descriptions and the steps I took to deal with it, including medication names and side effects. I also told her about the significant problems I had with making contact with my doctor, the main reason that I had to seek out a new family doctor.

I have included a doctor¿¿s note with this appeal. If there is anything else you require, please let me know and I will be happy to provide it to you.

Thank you very much.

Sincerely,

Laurel Rafter
(4830469)