Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Last term, I had several health issues that resulted in low grades, and one failure. I am writing to request a retroactive withdrawal from Gender Studies 125 (Fall, 2023) due to extenuating circumstances. Since my GP was involved in making several specialist referrals, I have obtained a Physician’s Note validating that my medical issues were severe enough to hinder my ability to drop the course in a timely manner. Even though all my grades were affected, I have been able to raise my full term grades since December. This is a result of a few things, improved health and less worry, increased engagement, better organization, and by accessing support services available to me.

The extenuating circumstances beyond my control are related to acute and chronic illness. First, I was sick most of the term starting with COVID, which resulted in a Persistent Migraine Aura (PMA—visual obstruction that is in the process of being resolved) and bronchitis lasting weeks. My immunity was low all term, I lost 15lbs, was anemic and consequently sick most of the term with one virus after another. Second, I was overwhelmed adjusting to university life and underestimated how my health issues were affecting my performance. Excessive fatigue made it difficult for me to focus, get organized, and manage workload throughout the term. Third, I had trouble seeking guidance and didn’t understand what my options were so I just persevered thinking I could manage. I see now that was a mistake.

The process of diagnosis involved a series of appointments and tests with specialists from September to December, this was both worrisome and stressful time for me. I don’t mind telling you the severity was a risk of a retinal tear or stroke causing the PMA. On Dec 29th my MRI was clear of a stroke so I am currently being treated for the PMA.

Below is a chronology of my appointments and the contact details of specialists:

MEDICAL APPOINTMENT HISTORY
AUG 26-30, 2023 covid illness resulted in Persistent Migraine Aura (PMA)
AUG 31, 2023 appt w/GP Dr. Valerie Ha discussed symptoms
SEP 28, 2023 10:45am appt w/GP Dr. Valerie Ha advised seeing eye doctor
OCT 11, 2023 10:30am appt w/Optometrist Dr. Peter Milonas exam and referral to Neuro-Opthalmologist Dr. Jonathan Micieli
OCT 13, 2023 1:45pm appt GP Dr. Valeri Ha chest Xray, diagnosed w/bronchitis and obtained referral to Neurologist, Dr. Taresa Luba Stefurak (migraine specialist)
OCT 20 called neurologist—told needs to see a Neuro-Ophthalmologist urgently to do visual field testing
NOV 3, 2023 1pm appt with Neuro-Opthalmologist Dr. Jonathan Micieli
DEC 15, 2023 1:30pm appt w/Neurologist - Dr. Taresa Luba Stefurak requested MRI, interim treatment plan prescribed
DEC 29, 2023 MRI completed (no stroke, sinus issues identified)
JAN 8, 2024 appt 10:45am appt w/OBGN Dr. Paul Davies to discuss medical condition and options
FEB 14, 2023 appt 12:45pm appt w/Neurologist-Dr. Taresa Luba Stefurak followup on MRI and migraine aura treatment


ACADEMIC PLAN
I reached out to my professors and tutorial assistants to identify weaknesses and gain insights on how to raise my grades. I’ve sought counsel from academic advisors to ensure I’m on the right path, and established support with regular tutoring and peer mentoring. All of these strategies combined with improved health and focus have resulted in significantly raised grades this term. Next year I will retake Psychology to raise my grade. I feel much stronger and confident that I am on the right track.

In closing, I am very keen to perform within my normal abilities, as evidenced by my high school grades, and would be grateful for the opportunity to do so without having to carry this failure forward. I am happy to discuss or provide further documentation as needed. I also have an off campus physicians note that I can't attach onto this platform but if it's needed could you let me know as soon as possible? Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Izzy Griffis