Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dr. Johanne Bénard, Associate Dean (Studies),

I am writing this appeal in request to not be required to take an academic year off. Due to extenuating medical circumstances, I struggle during exam times causing my grades to be lower than acceptable, and not reflective of my capabilities.

I am registered with Accessibility Services for complications regarding my recovery from multiple head injuries. I struggle during midterm and final exam times, not because I am unprepared but due to the development of headaches and mental blocks from the intense studying. The amount of information and duration of studying triggers the headaches and resulting mental block. It is taking time and assistance from an occupational therapist (Lisa Delaney) and concussion specialist (Dr. Mike O¿¿Connor at KOPI) to understand the permanent changes resulting from my injuries, alter my habits, and essentially relearn how to learn and study.

Courses for which the majority of the grade is based on midterm and exam marks (i.e. the grade breakdown for the majority of my courses was 40 midterm, 50 final), are the cause of my GPA being unacceptable. The marks I obtained in these types of courses do not reflect my capability academically. For example, I completed 2 online courses in winter 2017 and despite still experiencing headaches during final exams, was able to obtain a C- and B+ because the final grade consisted of written assignments and quizzes as well as midterm and exam marks. I would like to continue to work towards academic improvement during year 3 this coming September and believe that I will be able to develop my learning strategies for a more successful year if allowed to continue my studies.

I have slowly come to realize and accept the impact of my injuries. During first year I did not pursue support through Accessibility Services hoping that I could overcome the academic road blocks on my own. Although I passed all courses, not seeking support proved to be a mistake resulting in low marks in several of them due to headaches/mental blocks during mid terms/exams. Looking ahead, it is a concern that these low marks will inhibit my abilities to further my academics (i.e. acceptance to nursing program or eventually graduate programs). Given my circumstances, I am therefore also appealing that these grade be changed to credit standing, and move forward, rather than retake courses that I have already completed to bring the marks up.

Files including documentation of my condition from Dr. O¿¿Connor can be found at Queen¿¿s Student Accessibility Services (this letter can be used as proof of my permission to access these files). Supporting documentation will follow from Dr. O¿¿Connor.

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Baylee Hennigar
10184483