Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean,

I am writing to formally petition for a Credit standing in PSYC 251 (Winter 2024), due to my academic performance on the final exam worth 40% being affected due to extenuating medical circumstances that were beyond my control. The condition, which I was diagnosed with during the period of my final examinations, is Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS). This neurological condition causes intense headaches that are medically termed as “thunderclap” headaches. These headaches are incapacitating and can last from several minutes to hours, leaving me with a heightened sensitivity to light and cognitive disturbances.

The timing of this condition’s onset was particularly challenging, as I had a flare up the week I had the PSYC 251 final examin. The frequency and severity of these headaches fluctuated during the week, but they were exacerbated during the exam due to Examity’s online proctoring format which requires students to be fully attentive to their screens for a long period of time. This exacerbation made it difficult for me to read, interpret, and respond to questions effectively, and it also interfered with my ability to process information at my usual capacity.

Upon the onset of symptoms, I followed my health protocol on managing my symptoms, including strategies to mitigate headache frequency and photophobia, but there was little that could be done to completely alleviate these symptoms during the exam period. My healthcare provider can confirm that this condition has a disruptive impact on daily functioning and cognition, especially under conditions requiring visual and mental strain. I attempted to create an environment that would be less aggravating for my symptoms. However, given the nature of the Examity platform, which requires prolonged screen time, the strategies were of limited help. I found myself increasingly fatigued, mentally distracted by pain, and unable to perform to my full capacity. Despite my best efforts, I was unable to control the symptoms sufficiently, particularly during the final exam.

Due to the timing and impact of my medical flare up, my performance on the final exam was not a true representation of my knowledge and abilities. The unpredictable nature of RCVS headaches, combined with the photophobia, made it challenging to prepare effectively and perform to the standards I set for myself. This condition is beyond my control, and I believe it had a direct and significant effect on my academic performance during the final exam period.

I have been heavily disappointed in my performance and recently I was made aware that there is an opportunity to petition for a credit standing, hence I respectfully request an opportunity for this academic consideration. I am willing to provide medical documentation confirming my diagnosis.

Thank you very much for considering my request. I appreciate the opportunity to outline these extenuating circumstances and provide context regarding the challenges I faced.

Sincerely,
Kimiko Taniishi