Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean (Studies):

I am appealing for Aegrotat standing in POLS 212 (Winter 2016), POLS 242 (Winter 2016), and HIST 303 (Fall 2015 - Winter 2016).

I am appealing these three courses, as I was unable to write the exams for POLS 212 and POLS 242, and unable to write my final research paper for HIST 303 due to an head injury that resulted in a severe concussion. The injury occurred around midnight on April 2 2016, just before the start of the exam period.

My immediate symptoms included brief loss of consciousness, followed by immediate painful headaches and painful swelling and bruising. Within the next few days my symptoms deteriorated and progressively worsened with near constant headaches, fatigue, difficulty with focus and concentration, impaired balance, ringing in my ears, head and eye pain from reading books and looking at screens and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. It became extremely difficult for me to even fill out forms at doctors' offices, much less study for two exams and research and write my final paper.

After consulting medical professionals, I decided to request an IN (incomplete) in POLS 212 and POLS 242 and asked for an extension for my paper in HIST 303. Over the past few months, with lots of rest, my symptoms have improved somewhat; however, I continue to have difficulty with concentrating for more than 20 to 30 minutes, with reading, writing and using the computer, and suffer from headaches often. Due to these serious aftereffects of my concussion, it would be extremely difficult for me to study, prepare and write several hour exams or do the reading and research necessary to write my history paper. These symptoms directly affect my ability to succeed in these three courses. I believe that I would not be able to compete these courses to the best of my ability in my current state, which would negatively affect my strong academic record.

Immediately after my head injury, I consulted medical professionals several hours after the accident (April 3, 2016 at Kingston General Hospital), with Dr. Suzanne Billing at HCDS on campus on April 6, 2016) and with my family doctor, Dr. Susan Somerville on a regular basis. I plan to continue to see my family doctor on a regular basis in the upcoming months and to find a healthcare professional in Kingston with whom I can meet for the upcoming fall semester.

Furthermore, should the appeal be granted, I will continue to rest and take-it easy during the next two months, to allow my brain and body to heal from this injury. As part of my preparation to return to school for the Fall 2016 term, I will very gradually increase reading, writing, computer use, physical activity and the maintenance of a well-balanced lifestyle in accordance with my progress and doctor's recommendations. If some of my symptoms continue to persist, I will consider taking a lighter course load in the fall to ensure my academic success.

I hope you will consider my appeal for Aegrotat standing and I look forward to fully recovering and continued academic success at Queen's University.

Sincerely,

Eva Pandy 10135193
278 Goldenwood Rd
Toronto, ON M2M 4A6