Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To the Associate Dean,

I am writing this letter of appeal to kindly request to drop the course ENIN 140 (Media and Design Thinking ¿¿ Summer, 2018).

Shortly after enrolling in this course in July 2018, I began to face health issues that quickly became severe and so far, proven to be incurable. These extenuating circumstances were far beyond my control and unfortunately hindered my ability to continue with my studies at Queen¿¿s University.

At the time of enrolling in this course, I had moved abroad to England. I then began to face health concerns that grew worrisome. I missed the drop deadline due to seeking appropriate health care. At this point in time (July 2018 and into August 2018) I was completely on my own, in a foreign country with no help of friends or family. Therefore, facing chronic health issues on my own meant that all else in my life ¿¿ including remembering to drop this course ¿¿ were unfortunately placed on the back-burner.
I was faced with finding a new local doctor (which was a slow process), to finding specialized health care (which took another 2 months), which then was followed by three months of multiple and various testing prior to my final diagnosis. After facing 3 months of daily treatment, I am still attending regular hospital visits and undergoing frequent checkups with my oncology team, as well as meeting weekly with a psychologist to help me work through the emotional hindrance of my disease. From the moment I knew something was off with my health in July 2018, it's been an ongoing battle and I am not physically or mentally capable of studying, nor could I have completed the course ENIN 140 while enduring testing and more.

It has taken me 1 year to request this appeal as I have spent months in the hospital and specialized clinics, and did not realize that I had failed to drop this course until I received a personal e-mail from the University stating I owed upwards of 730 for the failed course and would be sent to collections otherwise. Which was very concerning to hear, as my illness has prevented me from working and I do no have any financial stability which would allow me to pay off this debt.

I do wish to clear up this matter of a failed grade on my unofficial transcript, requesting a late drop, as I would like to return to Queen¿¿s University (Online/Distance Studies) in time when I am back to full health and no longer have to revolve my time around hospital visits. For now, I have spoken with academic advisers and the woman in charge of collecting my tuition debts, and I know it is not possible to enroll in any more courses in the future until this matter is resolved.

Once I am cured of my illness, I would so eagerly like to return to my studies and complete my Psychology degree. My academic plans include taking on a very light course load, that way I can continue to manage my studies even if there are more unexpected side effects. I will also continue to meet with my Psychologist weekly to ensure my mind is clear and ready to return to studying successfully. Most importantly, I will only return to my studies once I know I am 100 cured, as to ensure this issue does not occur once again. I meet with my oncologist October 4th for more results following recent scans, and perhaps if she gives me the ¿¿all clear¿ I can return to my studies beginning the January 2019 term, after taking time for more self-care and financial stability. I know I will be successful with my studies once I return, as after facing serious health issues I am more determined now than ever to be successful in all aspects of life and to prove that health issues will not be a burden to me forever.

I will send in the required documentation from my healthcare team at ULCH Hospital and MacMillan Cancer Center, once the supporting letters are received from them.

Thank you greatly in advance for your time and consideration,

Brittnay Boomhower