Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean (Studies),

My name is Rachel Otchere-Gyan and I am requesting an appeal from the faculties decision to fail me in biology 102.

I had a seizure due to over exhaustion and sleep deprivation two days before my biology 102 exam on December 15. It was very hard for me to focus and I felt very isolated and found it hard to rest out of fear of getting another one again. My body and mind were both very exhausted during the next 2 days which made it very hard to focus. Nevertheless, I tried to complete the exam because of what I now realize was a misguided determination to finish what I started. During the exam, I was over exhausted and dealing with the effects that come after a seizure of this degree, which includes mind fog, trouble concentrating and forgetfulness. As a result, I wasn't focused on the exam since I was stressed about the seizure and I couldn't prioritize those critical study moments.
The seizure happened very early in the morning of the 13 of December in my room and my brother was contacted to help take me to the hospital. My exam was on the 15th of December. I went to the KGH the morning of the seizure and was told to see my family doctor during the break.
I was put on medication to prevent seizures called Levetiracetam until my appointment with a neurologist in Toronto in April this year. I have attached the report from the KGH as well as the email from my family doctor confirming the neurologist appointment. I¿¿ve had similar seizures in the past as a result of sleep deprivation. It¿¿s been a while since the last one so I was hoping it wouldn¿¿t occur again after 5 years. Now that am aware I will take the proper precautions to try and prevent it from happening again. I was also advised by my parents and doctor to go home on weekends and sleep when I feel over exhausted.

I am on medication and am making an effort to practice healthy sleep habits to prevent this from occurring again. I would just hate to know my program plan had been compromised because my health affected my performance on the final exam. My performance on this exam was not an accurate depiction of my abilities and my mental and physical health at the time truly affected my performance. I¿¿m asking you to please consider this when making your decision.

Thank you and Best Regards,

Rachel Otchere-Gyan