Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To the Associate Dean of the Arts and Science Faculty,

I am writing this letter for two reasons. Firstly, I am appealing to drop ARTH 308 (Fall, 2017, Professor Cunningham) and ARTH 306 (Winter, 2018, Professor Romba). Secondly, I am appealing to extend an incomplete for ARTH 436 (Fall, 2017, Professor Romba).

On October 23rd 2017, I was diagnosed as having a pancreatic tumour. Following this diagnosis, I had a number of consultations with specialists and surgeons. I was advised that the tumour needed to be removed and I was scheduled for a Whipple Operation on November 17, 2017. The Whipple is a complicated procedure that involves the removal of parts of the stomach, pancreas, intestines, and full removal of the gall bladder and bile duct. As a result of this operation, I was hospitalized for two weeks. I was released from the hospital in early December and was advised that my initial immediate recovery would be very restricted for 6 ¿¿ 8 weeks. My surgery was quite lengthy and due to its complicated nature, I was advised that a full recovery would take anywhere from 6 ¿¿ 12 months. Due to the timing of these events, I missed the fall semester from the 23rd of October onward. I have had (and will continue to have) follow up appointments to monitor my progress with specialists as well as with my surgeon in Toronto over the coming months. I am still having some side effects from my surgery that cause me to feel ill and quite fatigued. These make it nearly impossible for me to stand and walk around without becoming sick, which restricted me greatly in the winter semester from attending my courses or completing my work. However, I have been advised that these lingering effects should continue to improve with time. Along with the physical side effects from the surgery, I had a very difficult time dealing with anxiety and my emotions after enduring the stress of the tumour and surgery.

Due to these circumstances, I was unable to complete the several courses which I listed above. For these reasons, I hope to be granted permission to drop ARTH 308 and ARTH 306 from my transcript, because they do not reflect my true capabilities as a student.

In the case of ARTH 436, I have spoken with Professor Romba and we agreed that pursuing the option of an extension of an incomplete would be the best choice, since I had completed such a large amount of the course work prior to my diagnosis. For this course, I have one small quiz and my final essay left to complete. I would be able to complete this work in the coming summer months.

My academics are very important to me. Many members of my family have studied at Queen¿¿s, and I was so excited to transfer last summer from another university. After my undergraduate degree, I plan to pursue Masters studies in Art History (also at Queen¿¿s). To qualify for this, my grades will be very important.

I appreciate all of the accommodations that I have received to date. It has made such a difference for me because my goal is to be enrolled full time this September. For the time being, I have met with the chair of the Art History Department Professor Hoeniger, all of my professors, and with Caroline Teske. I dropped all courses but one this semester, because I was still struggling with my health. I have qualified for Academic Accommodations due to my ongoing circumstances, and will be meeting with an advisor to discuss specifics of this regarding the upcoming school year. This could mean taking a lighter course load, depending on my physical and emotional wellbeing when that time comes. I also plan to take one summer course in the July-Aug term. Furthermore, if my appeal is granted, I plan to finish my coursework for ARTH 436.


Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Maggie Turner