Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean (Studies)

My name is Elisa Haney.
I am submitting this letter to waive the 21 day appeal deadline.

Fall 2013, I was enrolled in my first year of the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) program, at the Bader International Study Centre. At the end of first term, while still in England at the castle, I got very sick. I was not able to return for the second term. I was diagnosed with Bilateral Vestibular Loss. The vestibular system includes the parts of the inner ear and brain that help control balance and eye movements. Damage to my vestibular system caused extreme vertigo and constant dizziness, which still affects me to this day.

When I got sick at the castle it felt like everything shifted, and everything became foggy. I was so dizzy and disorientated that I struggled to fend for myself. Daily functions like going into the cafeteria, attempting to get to class, or going to the pharmacy and doctor in town caused extreme fatigue. I remember sitting in class and not being able to follow what the teacher was saying, I could not concentrate, and I had changes in my ability to read and write. All of sudden school, something that had always been relatively easy for me, became extremely difficult. Over a one week period I continued to try to complete, and submitted, academic work. My symptoms became so extreme that I could not take care of myself. I could not finish the end of my courses. I tried my best to advocate for myself at the time. Being abroad while experiencing such severe cognitive changes was terrifying.

The next two years that followed leaving the castle were a complete tailspin. I spent months waiting to see specialists who held different opinions, and went through various types of physiotherapy. It has not been until recently that I have started to get the answers that I have needed. A couple of months ago I finally got in to see a specialist at Toronto General Hospital. There it was confirmed that I have vestibular loss but that I had also had a concussion. Although I now have more clarity then I ever have, this is still an ongoing process that I am navigating. My health has not just affected my ability to attend University it has extremely impacted every aspect of my life. I still feel sick everyday, and am dealing with post concussion/ vestibular symptoms. This is why I have not yet returned to University, and why it will still be a while until I do. However I have been pursuing everything I can to get better and am still in the above doctor¿¿s care.

I have struggled to settle all of details of that year, which is why you are receiving this appeal so late. I have been so foggy and have had such a difficult time focusing, that completing the appeal process has been extremely challenging. These circumstances prevented me from appealing within the deadline, and their ongoing affect has prevented me from taking action until now. Moving forward, I hope this will not permanently affect my academic record. Waiving the 21 day appeal deadline would mean a lot to me.

I miss being at Queen¿¿s very much. In the future I still want to earn an undergraduate degree and I hope that when I do it will be at a place as great as Queen¿¿s.

Thank you,
Elisa Haney