Petition Letter
To: Associate Dean (Studies), Faculty of Arts and Science,
My name is Sydney Weinryb (20010985). I am a third-year science student enrolled in the Biology and Psychology Specialization. I am writing this letter in support of my appeal for Aegrotat (AG) consideration in the grading of my final mark in course 342 - Psychology of Social Influence, as I was not able to write the final exam on Wednesday, December 19th.
I have been in contact with the Wellness Centre, Faculty of Arts and Science, as well as my professor for this course, Professor Fabrigar, to outline my situation and obtain advice. As an option, my professor felt that it was feasible for me to make this AG appeal as I met the requirements and I am a solid student doing well in the course. This is my preferred option given that I am going on Academic Exchange to Aarhus University, Denmark in January and it would be a challenge for me to prepare for, and write, the scheduled make up exam on Friday, January 11th in Kingston. It was also suggested that I submit an online request for Academic Consideration for Extenuating Circumstances (that I submitted Wednesday, December 19th) in case a decision is not received in a timely manner or this appeal is unsuccessful, in which case I will have a back-up plan (exam re-write) to complete the course requirements.
I had a combination of events happen to me over the course of the last six days, namely, my computer was stolen from the Stauffer Library and, then, I became ill with a case of severe strep throat. Both of these sudden, unpredictable and uncontrollable circumstances adversely impacted my study time and my ability to write this exam.
Below is a timeline of events with a connection to their effect on my academic performance.
Wednesday, December 12th
My computer, containing all of my study notes and materials for my upcoming three exams (Brain and Behaviour 1 on Sunday 16th, Animal Physiology on Monday 17th and Psychology of Social Influence on Wednesday 19th), was stolen from the Stauffer Library. Unfortunately, my data was not backed up. I borrowed friends' computers to access OneNote and emails, and tried contacting classmates to get their notes. This ordeal caused tremendous stress for me, affected my focus and significantly cut down my study time. I was upset at the theft of my new computer and lost data, panicked given that I was about to write three exams in four days and pressured to compile study notes lost. My approach was to focus on one exam at a time.
Saturday, December 15th
I woke up with a sore neck, swollen lymph nodes, slight fever, headache and body-aches. As it was extremely difficult to concentrate and focus, I went to the pharmacy to obtain over-the-counter medication for symptom relief and went to the walk in clinics, but they were closed. I continued studying for Sunday's exam, but not optimally.
Sunday, December 16th
I woke up in the middle of the night with a severe sore throat and high fever, and was clearly unwell. I called my mother, in Toronto, and she drove out to try to help me. Despite being sick, I felt that I was well prepared for that day's exam and was committed to persevere and write it. Further, I knew that, if I didn't write this exam and continued to be unwell, I would likely have to also forfeit my upcoming exams on Monday and Wednesday. This was not a viable option. I had no time to re-write three exams in January, as I was leaving for Exchange. After writing the exam, I went to the emergency room at Hotel Dieu Hospital, where I presented with a 40 fever and was diagnosed with severe strep throat and prescribed the antibiotic Azithromycin, as well as Tylenol and Advil. After spending time at the hospital, I went home and right to bed, unable to study for any courses and hoping that I would feel better in the morning. At this point, I had notified my Animal Physiology and Psychology Professors of my computer theft and illness, and asked for flexible consideration, if needed, in calculating my final mark, as I still wanted to try my best and write my last two exams.
Monday, December 17th
I woke up feeling ill, with a throbbing head and earache. I could not talk or eat because of an excruciating sore throat and was feeling light headed. These symptoms adversely affected my energy level and ability for concentrated and optimal learning. However, I was committed to write my exam in animal physiology that evening, as I was somewhat prepared for this exam and wanted to push through it. I also knew that the make up exam for this course was January 14th, when I was going to be going on Exchange. I was looking at matters pragmatically. I wrote the exam and came home to bed.
Tuesday, December 18th
I had a sleepless night full of pain that was only somewhat relieved with massive doses of Tylenol and Advil. In the morning, I was no better despite the antibiotics. I think I had pushed myself to the limit on the preceding days, running on adrenaline and sheer determination, and my body just crashed. I had nothing left in the tank to study and write my final exam on Wednesday. I met with the Faculty of Science who recommended that I withdraw from the exam, but to first consult with Professor Fabrigar as to options. Then, I went home to Toronto.
Wednesday, December 19th
As a back-up plan to this appeal, I submitted a Request for Academic Consideration for Extenuating Circumstances with a view to writing the make up exam January 11th. I contacted my GP in Toronto to obtain a Verification of Personal Health Condition form and his advice was that it could take up to four weeks to fully recover from this acute bacterial infection. Should this be the case, it will impact my ability to adequately study for, and write, the exam to the best of my capability on January 11th. Also, as I will be away over the Christmas holiday until January 8th and, then, busy with preparations for my Exchange, my time to study and attend in Kingston to write a make up exam will be significantly limited.
I realize that this is short notice, especially given the holidays, but, if at all possible, I would appreciate your response by January 8th, as this would be the date that I would otherwise have to start to study and possibly re-write the make up exam on January 11th. I have notified my Professor of my requests. I am hopeful that this situation can be resolved satisfactorily and quickly, as I do not want to extend completion of this course into next September.
My name is Sydney Weinryb (20010985). I am a third-year science student enrolled in the Biology and Psychology Specialization. I am writing this letter in support of my appeal for Aegrotat (AG) consideration in the grading of my final mark in course 342 - Psychology of Social Influence, as I was not able to write the final exam on Wednesday, December 19th.
I have been in contact with the Wellness Centre, Faculty of Arts and Science, as well as my professor for this course, Professor Fabrigar, to outline my situation and obtain advice. As an option, my professor felt that it was feasible for me to make this AG appeal as I met the requirements and I am a solid student doing well in the course. This is my preferred option given that I am going on Academic Exchange to Aarhus University, Denmark in January and it would be a challenge for me to prepare for, and write, the scheduled make up exam on Friday, January 11th in Kingston. It was also suggested that I submit an online request for Academic Consideration for Extenuating Circumstances (that I submitted Wednesday, December 19th) in case a decision is not received in a timely manner or this appeal is unsuccessful, in which case I will have a back-up plan (exam re-write) to complete the course requirements.
I had a combination of events happen to me over the course of the last six days, namely, my computer was stolen from the Stauffer Library and, then, I became ill with a case of severe strep throat. Both of these sudden, unpredictable and uncontrollable circumstances adversely impacted my study time and my ability to write this exam.
Below is a timeline of events with a connection to their effect on my academic performance.
Wednesday, December 12th
My computer, containing all of my study notes and materials for my upcoming three exams (Brain and Behaviour 1 on Sunday 16th, Animal Physiology on Monday 17th and Psychology of Social Influence on Wednesday 19th), was stolen from the Stauffer Library. Unfortunately, my data was not backed up. I borrowed friends' computers to access OneNote and emails, and tried contacting classmates to get their notes. This ordeal caused tremendous stress for me, affected my focus and significantly cut down my study time. I was upset at the theft of my new computer and lost data, panicked given that I was about to write three exams in four days and pressured to compile study notes lost. My approach was to focus on one exam at a time.
Saturday, December 15th
I woke up with a sore neck, swollen lymph nodes, slight fever, headache and body-aches. As it was extremely difficult to concentrate and focus, I went to the pharmacy to obtain over-the-counter medication for symptom relief and went to the walk in clinics, but they were closed. I continued studying for Sunday's exam, but not optimally.
Sunday, December 16th
I woke up in the middle of the night with a severe sore throat and high fever, and was clearly unwell. I called my mother, in Toronto, and she drove out to try to help me. Despite being sick, I felt that I was well prepared for that day's exam and was committed to persevere and write it. Further, I knew that, if I didn't write this exam and continued to be unwell, I would likely have to also forfeit my upcoming exams on Monday and Wednesday. This was not a viable option. I had no time to re-write three exams in January, as I was leaving for Exchange. After writing the exam, I went to the emergency room at Hotel Dieu Hospital, where I presented with a 40 fever and was diagnosed with severe strep throat and prescribed the antibiotic Azithromycin, as well as Tylenol and Advil. After spending time at the hospital, I went home and right to bed, unable to study for any courses and hoping that I would feel better in the morning. At this point, I had notified my Animal Physiology and Psychology Professors of my computer theft and illness, and asked for flexible consideration, if needed, in calculating my final mark, as I still wanted to try my best and write my last two exams.
Monday, December 17th
I woke up feeling ill, with a throbbing head and earache. I could not talk or eat because of an excruciating sore throat and was feeling light headed. These symptoms adversely affected my energy level and ability for concentrated and optimal learning. However, I was committed to write my exam in animal physiology that evening, as I was somewhat prepared for this exam and wanted to push through it. I also knew that the make up exam for this course was January 14th, when I was going to be going on Exchange. I was looking at matters pragmatically. I wrote the exam and came home to bed.
Tuesday, December 18th
I had a sleepless night full of pain that was only somewhat relieved with massive doses of Tylenol and Advil. In the morning, I was no better despite the antibiotics. I think I had pushed myself to the limit on the preceding days, running on adrenaline and sheer determination, and my body just crashed. I had nothing left in the tank to study and write my final exam on Wednesday. I met with the Faculty of Science who recommended that I withdraw from the exam, but to first consult with Professor Fabrigar as to options. Then, I went home to Toronto.
Wednesday, December 19th
As a back-up plan to this appeal, I submitted a Request for Academic Consideration for Extenuating Circumstances with a view to writing the make up exam January 11th. I contacted my GP in Toronto to obtain a Verification of Personal Health Condition form and his advice was that it could take up to four weeks to fully recover from this acute bacterial infection. Should this be the case, it will impact my ability to adequately study for, and write, the exam to the best of my capability on January 11th. Also, as I will be away over the Christmas holiday until January 8th and, then, busy with preparations for my Exchange, my time to study and attend in Kingston to write a make up exam will be significantly limited.
I realize that this is short notice, especially given the holidays, but, if at all possible, I would appreciate your response by January 8th, as this would be the date that I would otherwise have to start to study and possibly re-write the make up exam on January 11th. I have notified my Professor of my requests. I am hopeful that this situation can be resolved satisfactorily and quickly, as I do not want to extend completion of this course into next September.