Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Iliana Klassen
350 Stewart St
Newmarket, ON, L3Y3M6

May 4, 2016

Johanne Bernard
Associate Dean (Studies)
Queen¿¿s University
Kingston ON
(613) 533-2470


Dear Dr. Johanne Bernard:

My name is Iliana Klassen and I am a Queen¿¿s Concurrent Education student going into third year. I am appealing to receive an AG for the fall 2015 and winter 2016 courses DRAM200A (3.0) and DRAM200B (3.0) taught by Professor Jenn Stephenson.

I was unable to complete the requirements of these courses due to a traumatic brain injury from a motor vehicle collision October 6, 2015 which resulted in concussive symptoms. This concussion was a significant physical and psychological event beyond my control that debilitated my academic performance as it made it impossible for me to complete the course. I was unable to concentrate on coursework, attend lectures, and engage in group learning. It was recommended by the traumatic brain injury specialist at Sunnybrook, Dr. Westreich to take a reduced course load due to my inability to concentrate, chronic fatigue, migraines, dizziness and nausea. My brain injury symptoms limited my ability to look at a computer screen for longer than 10 minutes at a time, and I was unable to walk farther than about 200 m. I continue to be unable to attend lectures due to light and noise sensitivity and ongoing concussive symptoms like headaches and problems speaking and problems processing information. I was unable to attend lectures for the winter term of 2016 as I medically was required to return to my parents home in Newmarket. I no longer had the ability or energy to complete simple tasks like shopping or cooking or even walking more than 200 m due to extreme fatigue and persistent dizziness.

I completed DRAM200A in Fall 2016 but due to the persistent symptoms, I was unable to complete DRAM200B. I was able to complete of 67.5 of the course work (Fall essay 25, Winter essay 25, the Fall term quizzes 7.5 and the Fall term exam 10), under the direction of Jenn Stephenson. I have provided documentation from Professor Jenn Stephenson supporting my appeal process.

I have provided supporting documentation of my illness from family physician Dr. Famy Yim Lee and Traumatic Brain Injury specialist Dr. N. Westreich.

I have sought treatment through osteopathy, physiotherapy, athletic therapy and psychotherapy in the hopes of being able to take a full course load in fall 2016. I am taking 6.0 units this summer 2016 in order to complete my degree requirements on schedule. I plan to continue seeking professional therapy in Kingston fall 2016 as I continue pursuing my concurrent education degree.

Thank you for your time and consideration,


Iliana Klassen
10147416
Queens Concurrent Education- Yr. 2