Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To whom it may concern,

I am writing to ask to withdraw from my Fall 2016 course registration due to extenuating circumstances. I do not want an Incomplete grade to be reflected on my transcript and negatively affect my academic standing. I am currently on the Dean's List, have worked diligently throughout my undergraduate to achieve that standing and wish to maintain it.

I am a Bachelor of Fine Arts student, currently in the 4th year of my program. I registered in the Fall 2016 semester, anticipating graduation this coming June 2017. On October 25th, after multiple visits over several weeks to the clinic on campus, clinic downtown on Princess, E.R. at Hotel Dieu, and finally E.R. at Kingston General Hospital, I was diagnosed with a sizeable brain tumour and surgery was immediately scheduled for October 31 in Kingston. I was forced to immediately suspend my studies and studio work. I had corresponded with my advisor and professor, Sylvat Aziz, who reassured me to address my health as my number one priority. She advised me not to withdraw from fall registration, but that she would assign me an Incomplete grade, allowing me until the end of the winter to complete my work. At the time, that seemed doable and so I remained registered for the fall.

Now, I am doubtful I can return to school in January. Immediately following my surgery in Kingston and in the immediate weeks that followed, I was healing and recuperating very well. Then on November 25th, I suffered a seizure, was rushed to hospital, and medicated with an anti seizure drug. The subsequent weeks following that initial seizure have been filled with medical appointments. I am experiencing side effects from the anti seizure meds and have started chemotherapy treatment to attack the remaining tumour in my head.

I feel that I need to focus on my health right now and am doubtful that I can complete the Fall project during the winter term, of which very little was even started before my diagnosis, making an aegrotat grade improbable. The project consists of 3 large scale (5' x 6') oil paintings, a physically, as well as mentally, challenging project. Unless another option can be proposed, I feel my only option is to drop my Fall 2016 classes. I am planning to return next fall to complete my work and my degree. As you may imagine, this is upsetting and stressful, as I was anticipating to graduate with my class this Spring.

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest opportunity.

Serina Timperio
10104766