Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: August 11, 2016

Dear Associate Dean (Studies),

I respectfully request to appeal dropping CHEM 112 and BIOL 103 for the reason of illness.

In May of 2014 I was diagnosed with severe seed, nut, and legume allergies (documentation attached). As this had been an undiagnosed condition for so many years, my allergies have now progressed to the point where I am required to carry an epi pen. My allergies are so severe I am required now to be on an extremely restrictive diet since seeds (sesame, mustard, sunflower), nuts (peanut, tree nut) and legumes (soy) are in so many food products. It has been extremely challenging to follow a diet with these restrictions. As a result of being on such a restricted diet I was advised by a nutritionist to take vitamin supplements. In my first term at Queen's, I experienced several allergic reactions which resulted in my falling behind in my studies. After several months of progressively feeling worse, I realized that several of the supplements I was taking contained allergens.

Unfortunately in January 2016, the city of Kingston commenced infrastructure work along Princess Street directly below the apartment I was renting. This work included generators running 24 hour a day, 7 days a week and included intermittent water shut offs. Because I'm required to be on such a restricted diet I must cook all meals for myself, which was prohibitively challenging when there was no water to cook with. Additionally the generators affected my sleep which in turn negatively affected my ability to study. The combined stress of dealing with allergic reactions, interrupted sleep, constant noise, and trying to keep up with my studies resulted in chronic pain, constant migraine headaches, ear infections, digestive upset, and weight loss.

During this time I made every effort to keep up with my studies despite these extenuating circumstances. I worked with a peer tutor and the Bounce Back Program, gave up all extracurricular activities (volunteering at Bikes and Boards) and even socializing with friends to the point where all of my time was spent studying and cooking. Finally in early March of 2016, I felt I could not continue and after consulting with an academic advisor I went back home to Toronto to seek medical attention. I completed my assignments from Toronto and studied for my exams to the best of my ability, however I was completely exhausted and in so much pain that I felt I had no choice but to defer my exams for CHEM 112 and BIOL 103 to September. My general practitioner took blood and stool tests and the test results required a referral to a G.I specialist. The earliest appointment available for a consult was May 26, 2016. The G.I doctor scheduled a colonoscopy and endoscopy. The results of these tests were not available until June 30, 2016. After receiving a prescription from the G.I doctor my symptoms have subsided considerably. The G.I doctor has recommended further restrictions to my diet over the month of August and took further tests, the results of which have not yet been returned. I will be reporting back to him on September 7, 2016 to discuss the results of these tests. He also recommended consulting with my allergist. The earliest available appointment with my allergist is September 21, 2016.

Due to long wait lists for specialists I did not feel as though I could appeal until I had more information on my condition. As I won't have the results of all the tests taken until September (my G.I doctor is away for the month of August) I am attaching a letter from my GP which indicates that I was getting further testing done. Given the fact that it has taken the better part of the summer to recover I feel the best option is to retake these courses rather than write the exam and receive a low mark in these courses.

I'm happy to report that I'm feeling considerably better and have enrolled in CHEM 112 and BIOL 103 as I feel I am prepared to complete this course at an academic level that I know I'm capable of. To ensure success in my studies in the coming year I have enrolled in a reduced course load of 4 courses per semester and plan to take a summer course next summer.

I'm happy to send any further medical documentation as it becomes available should it be required. I trust that the information I have provided here is sufficient however please don't hesitate to contact me if you need anything further.

Many thanks in advanced and best regards.

Evan Aucoin