Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean

My name is Omid Motameni, I am appealing to drop PSYC 271 (Late withdrawal, Fall 2019). I am also appealing for aegrotat Standing in BIOL 205 (Fall 2019).

In the beginning of December, I was dealing with a concussion that had impaired my ability to study during the exam period. I would get migraines when spending too much time on a screen and did not feel good. Thus, my exams were deferred to January. Over the break my symptoms fluctuated but I continued to attempt to study. At the beginning when I came back to Queen¿¿s my symptoms had improved. I had even gone back to the doctor that had signed my first official document that helped defer my exam (I have attached this document in the appeal) and informed him that I felt okay. However, by the time classes were in full swing and I began studying more rigorously for my finals my symptoms had gotten worse. I would have headaches after every lecture I attended. The only time I feel okay is when I am not pushing too hard to think about something. I was also extremely fragile, if I were to receive any bump that shook my head even slightly, I would have constant headaches for days. I went to student wellness to get an academic considerations form to further defer my exams. However, I truly do not know how long these symptoms will persist for due to my long history with concussions from sports related injuries in the past. The symptoms are still persisting even as I am typing this out.

To help manage this issue I am registering with QSAS this coming Friday so that I can have an occupational therapist further support me in recovery and allow me to successfully continue studying down the line. I also have booked an appointment to see the doctor at Qsports that I had first seen about this issue to update him on the situation as well. I will discuss with him the best course of action for further taking care of my continuing symptoms and how to build up strength, so I do not re-aggravate my symptoms with every bump I receive. I am also planning on dropping a couple of my courses this semester to lighten the load. This, on top of the extenuating circumstance form that allows me extra time on assignments and exams will allow me to better manage my symptoms and allow a full recovery.

The reason I am applying for Aegrotat Standing in BIOL 205 is because I was informed I had to have completed the subject by this Friday to be able to continue in a different course this semester. An academic advisor helped me through this process and got in contact with my BIOL 205 professor. He informed the advisor that I had met the learning outcomes for the course and that he would support an appeal for Aegrotat Standing. For PSYC 271, it was recommended I apply for late withdrawal because I was not passing the course without the final exam mark. Furthermore, the PSYC 271 professor had warned that anyone who misses the deferred final exam due to extenuating circumstance would have to apply for a late withdrawal.

Regards,
Omid