Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Marlee Satok
145 Collingwood Street
Kingston, Ontario K7L 3X6

September 28, 2014 j


Ms. Haley Everson
Academic Advisor and Appeals Coordinator
Queen¿¿s University, Faculty of Arts and Science
Dunning Hall, Main Floor
Kingston, Ontario

Dear Ms. Everson:
Thank you for all your help through this difficult time.
As you are aware, due to medical issues, I am requesting an appeal to my status in a few of my first year courses including Sociology, History and Politics.
I have had ongoing medical issues for the last few years and entered first year at Queen¿¿s University under medical supervision and on medications for my conditions. During first term, I contacted Disability Services to find supports at Queen¿¿s. I met with a counselor in Disability Services and made an appointment to meet with a physician in Student Medical Services. My appointment was booked for January 2014. No earlier appointment was available.
My condition worsened through the fall term, often making it difficult to get to classes, concentrate and complete my assignments. During the winter break, I was hospitalized while on holiday in Florida with my family. I stayed in hospital for three days and was advised by the American physicians that returning to school was appropriate and safe. I was advised to seek medical attention immediately on my return to Kingston to review and make adjustments to my medications. Despite my urgent request and the requests of my father, no medical appointment with the specialist in Student Health Services could be arranged. I did see the specialist eventually (at the original appointment time and date). Our brief appointment concluded with no changes to my medications and no follow-up arrangements.
Three days later I was admitted to Kingston General Hospital on an emergency (life threatening) basis. I spent three days in the emergency room as no beds were available on the admitting floor. My family came to support and stay with me, ultimately arranging a transfer to Toronto for admission to Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. A one week admission was followed by several weeks of convalescence at home until my return to Kingston after Reading Week. Notes were provided by my physicians to disability services at that time.
It was an incredibly challenging year but I did my best to continue my studies and be involved in student life at Queens. I made great friends and enjoyed the experience of being in Residence. By the end of the term, I was exhausted and mentally distressed by the weight of final exams and assignments. I contacted Disability Services and arrangements were made to delay my completion of some course work.
During the summer of 2014, I worked on the outstanding course assignments but found it difficult as course materials and directions from professors were challenging to obtain. I also found it very difficult as I had missed several classes during the school year and during that time my concentration and memory were affected by my medical condition. It made trying to catch up during the summer next to impossible.
As a student at Queens, I take pride in my studies and despite the difficulty in my first year, I did not want to fall behind. I decided to do an online summer course so I could start fresh. I completed this course and was pleased with the mark of A-.
Prior to the start of second year, I made an appointment to meet with Disability Services at Queen¿¿s University. My plan was to continue with my studies as well as being involved in extra-curricular activities and to create a new path of support services and medical care. The meeting was very emotional and challenging. For many reasons, I could not complete the meeting as we (my parents and I) felt we met many dead ends. My mother and I excused ourselves and my father continued the meeting.
Luckily, my father was referred to you and for the first time I felt that someone was listening and that there is hope.
I am presently enrolled in Religious Studies and am very much enjoying my courses. I have chosen to take only four courses this term and continue to be involved in several extracurricular activities on campus. I believe in giving back to my community and look forward to the next few years at Queens.
In summary, I am requesting Aegrotat status for my three outstanding first year courses. Due to the severity of my condition and its impact, I have been unable to complete these courses. I have done everything I can to find a path forward to be healthy and successful in the coming years. I have medical supports in place now in Kingston and supportive friends and family. My physicians agree with my return to University and I am excited to continue my studies with the support of Queen¿¿s University.
Thank you.
Marlee Satok