Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Wednesday, April 26th, 2017
Associate Dean of Studies
Student Services, First Floor Dunning Hall


Dear Dr. Bénard,

I am applying for aegrotat standing in the following courses of study: ECON 110, CISC 121, MATH 126, CISC 102 (I understand that I may have to write the exam at a later date for the latter course, as there may not be enough evidence of knowledge).

I have been suffering with severe and debilitating neurological/physical symptoms since August 2016. I¿¿ve been examined by different medical professionals over the last 8 months but have yet to get a concrete diagnosis. Last May, I was rushed to hospital by ambulance with a suspected aneurysm, but that was ruled out, and since last August, I have suffered with chronic headaches (I¿¿ve had a permanent headache since), blurred vision, periods of vertigo, exhaustion and memory loss. There is some belief that I may be suffering from post-concussion syndrome. In addition, because of these long-term symptoms, I have developed severe anxiety. I¿¿ve never experienced any of these medical problems in my life, so this has been a very difficult time for me. My life has been turned upside down. I was also rushed to Kingston General Hospital from my dorm room in Gordon House in November.

The medical professionals that have examined me consist of neurologists, primarily Dr. Agbi of the Neurological Unit at the Ottawa Civic Hospital, and I have had several MRIs (which will be ongoing every 4-6 months), a chiropractor for possible neck injury, an osteopath, an ophthalmologist/optometrist, a massage therapist, and most recently, an acupuncturist. I am now under the care of a new family physician (in Ottawa) that is taking over our former doctor¿¿s practice. As you can imagine, this is all time consuming and stressful to try to fit into a schedule while you¿¿re ill. The ¿¿Verification of Illness¿ certificate that was submitted to the Faculty office and my professors indicates that I am ¿¿completely incapacitated as regards functioning at an academic level.¿ Upon examination, the doctor that saw me thought I was suffering from a concussion.

I have a requisition for other medical tests at Ottawa hospitals. I¿¿m hoping that a diagnosis will come soon, so that I may start treatments that actually improve my condition and that I may be able to resume my full-time studies in September.

Because I have not been able to look at computer/phone screens, I was not able to study for final exams in the aforementioned courses. In fact, I moved back to my parents¿¿ home 4 weeks ago, as per doctor¿¿s orders.

Sincerely,
Cameron Slupeiks