Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean,

I am writing to formally request an academic appeal to late drop the following courses PSYC 271, SOCY 226, and SOCY 210 from the fall 2021 academic term. This request is being made due to extenuating health circumstances.

In addition to pre-existing health issues to which I have verified accommodations for, in October 2021 I experienced the sudden on set of kidney stones. At that time, I had made a request for further accommodations in addition to my pre-existing accommodations. This request was supported by a letter from my health care provider, NP Jaqueline Kirkland.

I experienced unpredictable and debilitating symptoms which resulted in numerous visits to KGH Emergent care, and I was prescribed Statex (Morphine Sulfate) for severe pain management. It was anticipated by my health care providers that the kidney stones would pass in time without further intervention. Due to the unpredictably and severity of pain associated with kidney stones and the inability to determine an exact date that the stones would resolve, accommodations were requested for a 2-week period. I received varying amounts of flexibility from my professors, some which supported and accommodated the request and others that gave limited time for recovery despite the medical note requesting 2 weeks consideration. During this time my symptoms were disabling, and the prescribed medication drastically reduced my mental capabilities to complete even the most basic academic tasks.

After several weeks with ongoing symptoms, I was sent for further ultrasounds and it was determined that in addition to several small stones I had 2 larger stones of 5mm and 9mm. I was referred to urologist Dr. Roney in Smiths Falls however at that time he was 2 weeks from retirement, and I was advised to seek a different urologist and had to begin the referral process again starting with NP Kirkland. For the month of November and December I continued to experience ongoing and increasing pain all while trying to keep up with work and assignments while in extreme pain and on powerful medication. Due to the impact of Covid on our healthcare system I experienced delays and challenges in seeking effective care. I was unable to see my health care provider in person and only received follow up care via telephone appointments. I ended up with a kidney infection due to delays and finally in late December was prescribed antibiotics to treat the infection, all while still dealing with the pain of the stones.

I continued to update my professors and advisor regularly on my ongoing and worsening health conditions looking for both support and direction. I provided all verification as requested and completed the required forms as requested. Despite my best efforts to manage my health crisis and course work my academic progress was drastically affected by my illness.

As of the date of writing this letter I continue to experience severe symptoms with unpredictable and disabling flare ups. Pain medication does little to ease my symptoms and results in side effects such as brain fog which impairs my ability to complete schoolwork to the best of my capabilities. I have finally been referred to a new urologist for Wednesday, January 19th, 2022. I do not know what the course of treatment may be until I receive further diagnosis.

In light of the events I have described above regarding my ongoing health care crisis which began in October 2021, I am asking that you consider my request with empathy and understanding.

Sincerely,
Emily Lucas
20210252