Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I had a concussion during the winter semester and was unable to do much work as a result. I got an incomplete in the course with plans to finish it in the summer during the deferred exam period. When I went to take the exam, I experienced concussion symptoms and felt very sick which made me unable to complete the exam. Due to this the professor was no longer able to get me an exam during the period and I was advised by student wellness to not try and retake it very quick either. It was recommended to me by the department to then pursue a late drop in the course rather than to appeal to extend the incomplete into the fall semester which would be needed to take the exam, and retake the course in the winter.
I initially got the concussion towards the end of January, and it caused me to not be able to do online work since I was not able to look at screens. This inability lasted the entire winter semester with me only being able to use a screen or my computer for short times, which made it impossible to do exams. I also experienced blurry vision and was not able to accurately read words on the screen as a result, and had difficulty retaining any information I was able to read. I also could not watch lecture videos as it aggravated my concussion symptoms, as well as the audio itself which also aggravated my symptoms. I talked to doctors at student wellness about this and they confirmed that I had a concussion. I was referred to an occupational therapist in order to get better as well as to help me figure out how to proceed with my courses. She then arranged for me to get an incomplete in this course during the winter semester which we did rather than a drop then as the decision was both made before the deadline and it was a required course that I would not be able to take in the summer. I had not wanted to drop the course as I wanted to be able to complete my fourth year normally and I was given another option then. At that point we were all hopeful that I would be well enough to study and take the exam in the summer. I was also referred to a concussion doctor in Kingston who I talked to and who told me specific exercises to get better. I then was able to find a chiropractor near me that specialized in treating concussions and their symptoms after doing the exercises and recommended treatments by myself. I also talked to QSAS and revised my accommodations a bit in order to hopefully help me do coursework when I was able to.
With me not being able to do my online work, I got incompletes in a couple courses including BCHM 316. This course had a long and intense exam in comparison to the other courses I took as well, which worsened my symptoms. When it came time to take the deferred exam during the scheduled time period at the end of August, I was able to learn most of the material and take shorter and less intense exams. However, when I went to take the exam, after about an hour I felt very sick and could not continue. I still experience minor concussion symptoms that affect my ability to do work but hope that with classes being in person it will be easier in the fall, as I will have much less work online. Since then, I have talked to student wellness again, have had a follow up appointment with the chiropractor to help with any concussion symptoms that may remain, and have made an appointment with my occupational therapist. I am also revising my accommodations for the year to ensure that I can do my work, and am in contact with student wellness.