Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear the Associate Dean of Studies, March 12th, 2016

My name is Nicole Mendonza and I am currently in my third year of studies, majoring in Biology and minoring in Life Sciences. I am appealing to drop BIOL206 and BIOL330 (online), both from the Winter 2016 term. This semester, I am enrolled in 3 in-person courses - BIOL202, BIOL334 and BIOL206 and 2 online courses - BIOL334 and ANAT270.

On January 19th, 2016, I had a bad fall down the large flight of stairs in the Queen's Centre, going from the 2nd floor to the main floor. After experiencing a number of concussion symptoms, I went to the doctor the following day and he noted that I had sustained a concussion and whiplash. He said to take at least a week off and rest my brain (and not to do much at all), and when my symptoms had been gone for 1-2 days, I could then start to return to my daily activities slowly.

My symptoms in the weeks following the incident were multiple severe headaches (3-4) per day, lethargy, drowsiness, mental fogginess, inability to focus, dizzy and unsteady, etc. In the weeks between January 19th and February 3rd, I tried to attend class twice, and both times I had to leave due to bad headaches. I was also excused from midterms during this period with my doctors note. On February 3rd, I was seen by Accessibility Services and was listed as a student with a disability; the advisor listed my accommodations as being unable to write any form of examination until March 1st, when I would be re-evaluated, extra time for assignments (to be negotiated with my professors) and noted that my condition may result in occasional absences from class. She also referred me to Dr. O'Connor, a concussion specialist with KOPI.

During February, I continued to attend my labs, as I couldn't miss them, but found it really hard to deal with headaches during these 3-hour periods and I continued to miss my lectures. On March 1st, I met again with Accessibility Services and Dr. O'Connor and it was determined that I was still not functional enough to fully resume my studies at this point. They have written me off until April 1st (date of re-evaluation) and have advised that I drop at least two courses to ensure that I am successful. Further, Dr. O'Connor has put me on Amitriptyline, to eventually reduce the frequency and severity of my headaches.

As we are entering week 10, and I have not been able to attend classes or do much productive work without being forced to stop by a headache since the beginning of week 3, I am very behind and I have consulted with the 3 professors for the courses that I am not appealing to drop (ANAT270, BIOL202 and BIOL334) to write deferred finals and make up assignments, midterms, etc. when I am given the go ahead.

The conditions that are currently affecting my academic performance are constant headaches that are brought on/enhanced by reading, looking at a screen, etc., lethargy and drowsiness, decreased ability to focus and slower processing speed.

For the courses that I'm staying in for the rest of the Winter 2016 semester, I have spoken with my professors and we have agreed on dates to write deferred midterms and finals, as earlier stated. For the two courses that I am appealing to drop, I am planning on taking them in my fourth year of studies (2016/2017). I am going to be seen again by Dr. O'Connor March 22nd, for a check-up and will continue to be seen by him until he takes me off the mediation (approx. 3 months from now). There is also an appointment scheduled with Accessibility Services for April 1st for re-evaluation and I will also continue to be seen by them until I am cleared for a full return to my academics. I am further registered with Notetaking Services and have been receiving notes for my classes that I have missed.

Thank you for your understanding and for your consideration of my appeal.

Regards,
Nicole Mendonza