Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Sir/Madam,

Hello. My name is Samantha Mazza, and I am writing to appeal my second year courses for Aegrotat status. During the first two weeks of April, I experienced over 10 seizures, severely affecting my memory and cognitive abilities. After much investigation, I am also able to confirm that the seizures started in March, and were happening approximately 3-5 times daily. While I was never diagnosed with epilepsy at the time, I returned home and pursued emergency medical treatment at North York General Hospital in Toronto.

I would first like to extend my thanks to Queen¿¿s University and their staff for their understanding and guidance through this new and challenging experience for me. It has been difficult, but having the support from family, friends and the staff at Queens U brings me much positivity, confidence and happiness. While the loss and dysfunction of my memory is still prevalent, my ideas and speech have become much easier to control and balance, and I continue to feel more and more like myself every day.

After numerous visits to the hospital, and appointments with my neurologist, I have been diagnosed with a seizure disorder, specifically Complex Partial Seizures with a secondary to Generalized Seizures. It is more familiarly known as Epilepsy, though I¿¿ve been informed that that term is no longer really used. I have been prescribed medication, which I will be taking indefinitely, and have monthly appointments set up with my neurologist for additional tests to assure the medication is working, and is the right one for my condition. My neurologist advises me that the main priority is the stop the seizures and we can only hope that my memory will return and be able to function normally once again.

With this emergency arriving at such an impractical time, and the circumstances that followed, it did not leave me with many options. As I have lost memory dating back to November 2013, and am expected to work for tuition money during the summer, relearning each of my courses and writing the exams before my third year seems almost impossible. Also remembering I would need to be doing this without the support of lectures, tutorials, professors, teacher advisors and classmates.
After much thought, and discussion with my parents, and many staff at Queen's, we have concluded that the most practical option for my second year academics is to appeal for aegrotat status. I feel this would be most ideal solution for my courses considering the conditions of money, time, and most importantly, my recovery.

I have already reached out to all five of my professors, and have received support for this appeal from three; Professor Lister (POLS250B), Professor Molson (STAT263), and Dr. Treitz (GPHY101). I have yet to receive a response/approval from Professor Csergo (POLS244) as well as Professor Hanes (GEOL106). I have been in frequent contact with your Academic Counselling Services Manager, Joyce Hunter, who has been absolutely astounding at advising and assisting me through this emotionally straining time. She has reassured me that the Appeals Coordinator can always contact any instructors who have not replied to me.

I am hoping you can understand and agree with this notion, and extend your approval for this appeal. If you believe that this option is unfitting or have any concerns, other suggestions and recommendations are welcomed.

Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Samantha Mazza (10059452)