Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Appeal Letter: Dear Board of Studies

Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude towards the members of the Board and the opportunity of appealing the decision on my academic petition. Also, I am sincerely grateful for the time and consideration that the Associate Dean took into acknowledging my extenuating circumstances during the academic year of 2023 to 2024. However, I do believe that there are reasonable grounds to reconsider based on additional context and evidence that I would like to share regarding the impacts of my condition.

To begin, the Credit Standing request for ECON 112 was denied due to the absence of documentation to confirm the impacts of my condition during the final exam. I would like to clarify that I didn't address the diagnosis of my condition to my professor prior to the exam period, or during the term, as I already had academic support as a student registered with QSAS. I proactively leaned on these accommodations during the fall term in successfully submitting work, and therefore didn't think it was necessary to discuss my condition at this time. The professor for ECON 112 did confirm to the Associate Dean that I performed well throughout the term on other course components, as this demonstrates my capabilities academically. I would like to emphasize that my poor performance on the exam is not a reflection of being ill prepared or lack of competence, but instead the impact my condition had as it progressively worsened. Initially, I intended to complete my exam in early December, but it was unfortunately deferred due to having the incorrect calculator. Once the deferred exam approached, my condition had progressively worsened, as I was unable to predict the severity of the symptoms I was experiencing. At this time, I was not aware of whether it would be possible to request a further extension, or if there were additional accommodations available. Unfortunately, I didn’t seek out advice or counsel from my professor as I was trying to navigate these extenuating circumstances through the support, I had through QSAS. I regretfully admit that I was completely ignorant to the realities of rheumatoid arthritis and did not yet understand the unpredictable complexities of inflammation, immobility in my joints and the chronic pain.

In addition, the denial to drop PHIL 157 and WRIT 125 past the academic deadline, was evaluated on the terms that I was aware of the academic impacts from my extenuating circumstances, prior to the drop deadline. I would like to preface that I was unable to foresee the implications of the prescribed medication for my condition, which was a Methotrexate injection. Initially, this medication was helpful in minimizing inflammation, and increasing mobility in my joints during the beginning of February. Though I had minor and bearable side effects from the Methotrexate, this soon exasperated soon after the drop deadline. I began to experience debilitating fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, and loss of appetite. The medication also began to be less effective or successful in managing the chronic pain of my rheumatoid arthritis. At this time, I was physically ill, and this took a significant toll on my ability to type, concentrate on work, and perform daily tasks. During the winter term I attempted to utilize QSAS accommodations for extensions, but due to the state of my health I was unable to continue my academics. The uncertainties of my treatment plan being made is difficult to assess whether it was feasible to continue my academics in 2024.


I take full accountability for my lack of judgment in assessing the date of my final exam, and the overall continuation of my academic studies during the time frame of my diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Nonetheless, I was unable to foresee the unpredictability and worsening of my condition, as well as the severe side effects of the medication. The state of my health made it extremely difficult to fully evaluate the appropriate course of action prior to the final exam and the course drop deadline, especially given my eagerness to pursue my studies. I understand that it is our responsibility as students to manage any chronic mental or physical health conditions through our access to the Student Accessibility Services at Queen’s University. However, the unpredictability of this new diagnosis and the complexities of it, was not able to be managed at these times only through the support of QSAS accommodations. If the Board of Studies can kindly reconsider the decision made, as these extenuating circumstances were a result of facing the reality and new barriers of rheumatoid arthritis. Thank you once again for your time and consideration. If there is additional documentation or clarification needed, I can provide the following from my rheumatologist.


Kindest regards,

Selena Jagdeo (20222739)