Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to appeal a number of classes from the Fall 2021 semester. I am looking to drop POLS 384, POLS 310, POLS 388 and POLS 211. I am appealing to drop these courses due to several unforeseen and extenuating circumstances I was faced with throughout the course of the semester.

In mid-November, I sustained a mild traumatic brain injury, which had severe negative repercussions on my academics. My symptoms made it very difficult to complete everyday tasks, as well as assessments in my courses. During this time, I had multiple writing assignments due in my courses that I was faced with, and although I received a form for ongoing accommodations, it was very difficult for me to complete my work. I became overwhelmed with the amount of work that continued to pile on while my symptoms (which limited my ability to complete said work) continued to worsen.

In December, during my exam period, I contracted COVID-19. Coupled with the concussion, I was feeling very ill. I dealt with pounding headaches, vomiting and nausea on a daily basis. While dealing with these major health issues, it was nearly impossible for me to make progress on my final assignments or study for my final assessments. During my isolation period, I was notified of the passing of a close family member. This significantly impacted me, as I was unable to be close to my family in those trying times and was forced to grieve alone in my student home. Due to public health guidelines, I was also forced to miss the funeral and lost my chance to say goodbye to someone that played such a large role in my life. My mental health suffered greatly as a result and I struggled to maintain a positive outlook on life. I found it difficult, both physically and mentally, to even leave my bed. Overall, I was struggling with both my physical and mental health greatly.

When I first sustained the mild traumatic brain injury, I went to the hospital. I had a consultation with a healthcare professional who advised me to rest and work moderately. After a few weeks of doing so, not only did my condition not improve, my symptoms worsened. I once again visited the hospital, where I was told to continue what I was doing and was referred to a Sports Medicine doctor that specializes in concussions. In the past (early 2019), I sustained a concussion and the symptoms took nearly 4 months to fully resolve. On December 16th, 2021, I spoke with the specialist, and again was told to continue to rest and I will be followed up with regularly. The steps I have taken to deal with this extenuating circumstance have varied. I have consulted with multiple healthcare professionals, and continue to do so, as well as followed what I have been told to do. Because this is not my first concussion, I have also taken steps that I know have helped me in the past. I have continued to work moderately, refrained from physical activity that might worsen my symptoms, abstained from alcohol, refrained from loud spaces/noises, refrained from bright lights, decreased my screen time, and focused on a healthy diet (drinking enough water, ensuring I have enough protein, etc.).

I take my studies at Queen??s University seriously, and although I was faced with many obstacles last term, I am determined to achieve academic success going forward. Although my concussion is ongoing at the moment, my symptoms are gradually becoming less severe, and aside from a lingering headache, I am beginning to feel like myself again. I have even had a chance to properly mourn the loss of a loved one and spend time with my family to improve my mental health. This term, I plan on taking a lighter course load. I spoke with an academic advisor and decided that in order to support my academic goals, I will refrain from taking a full course load this semester. I have also decided to continue my studies for a 5th year at Queen??s. To ensure my brain injury heals, I will continue to speak with my doctor regularly and follow any orders given. I believe the steps that I have started to take, and plan to take going forward, will allow me to improve my academics. I understand how important my academics are and I appreciate the opportunity I have been given to study at Queen??s. I request that the circumstances I have listed above be accounted for when considering my appeal regarding my Fall 2021 semester.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope to hear from you soon.

Kind Regards,
Jaadyn Lewis (she/her)
Student No. 20183128
Ph. (226)-503-0824