Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: May 3, 2018

Lauren Day
10156120
6850 Summer Heights Drive
Mississauga, ON
lauren.day@queensu.ca

Associate Dean, (Studies)
Queen's University
94 University Avenue
Queen¿¿s University
Kingston, ON
f2deans@queensu.ca


Dear Associate Dean (Studies),

I am appealing my grade for ENGL 310 (Fall/Winter, 2017/2018) and requesting Aegrotat standing.
I have been experiencing a physical illness that is beyond my control since January 18, 2018. My symptoms have decreased in severity since that date, but remain persistent. These symptoms include, but are not limited to, migraines, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems. As such, I found it incredibly difficult to maintain the pace of this course. I was unable to focus long enough to complete the assigned readings and often found it difficult to retain information after the fact. This course included numerous readings that were often in sophisticated language or varying dialects, creating further challenges to understanding and remembering the course material to the best of my ability. The greatest challenge of my symptoms presented itself in the form of reading lengthy texts, thus I struggled the most with this course. In my other Winter 2018 courses, I prioritized which courses were most essential moving forward in the completion of my degree. Most of these courses had options for shorter texts or alternative forms of learning. Although I showed substantial decline from my previous academic standing in all courses, ENGL 310 was the course that was most significantly affected. As a student that is accustomed to achieving higher grades, the anxiety surrounding my poor academic performance took a significant toll on my mental health. I found that I was reluctant to go to class in fear of failing or appearing incompetent.
As my symptoms worsened, I contacted my family physician to provide documentation for a request for academic consideration. During this time I took a few days off from school in an attempt to lessen both my physical and mental symptoms. I was referred to two specialists, a neurologist and an ENT doctor, for further evaluation. My appointments with these specialists have been set within the next three months. I was also sent for brain imaging on March 28, 2018, from which I received a confirmation of no abnormalities on April 6, 2018. Additionally, I began to see an athletic therapist specializing in concussion management on a regular basis and began attending massage therapy.
I was unable to complete my Second Term Paper for ENGL 310, weighted at 25, due to my inability to read, comprehend, and analyze the material successfully. Prior to the due date of this assessment, I approached Professor Wehlau to discuss the possibility of an extension. A mutually agreed upon decision was made in which I would submit my assignment when I was physically and mentally able to do so; unfortunately, my symptoms have persisted up until this point rendering me unable to complete this task.
Moving forward, I will be continuing with regular visits to an athletic therapist and registered massage therapist. I will be attending appointments with the prescribed specialists in hopes of determining the source of these symptoms. Additionally, I have taken time off work and extra-curricular activities to accommodate my increased need for rest. Should these symptoms persist into the following academic year, I will contact Queen¿¿s Student Accessibility Services to discuss the possibility of academic accommodations. I will remain communicative with the Faculty of Education regarding my health status and reassess my academic course load as needed.
Thank you in advance for your attention into this matter. I look forward to hearing back from you.

Kind Regards,

Lauren Day
10156120