Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Toms Black
68 Lower Union St.
Kingston, ON
K7L 2N1

April 10, 2015

Dr. Johanne Bénard
Associate Dean (Studies), Faculty of Arts and Science
Queen¿¿s University
94 University Ave.
Kingston, ON
K7L 3N6

Dr. Bénard,

I am appealing to waive the 21-day appeal deadline for the grading of GEOL107 (Fall, 2013).

I was unaware and unfamiliar with this appeal process until winter term of this year, as I have been struggling with chronic Lyme disease and devoting my energy to my treatment. I have been sick for several years now, wrestling with symptoms since September of 2011.

Lack of energy, decreased ability to concentrate on reading, and anxiety were my principal concerns during the latter half of high school; they made it increasingly difficult to fulfill my academic and extracurricular obligations as I neared graduation. My symptoms escalated significantly in September of 2013 as I started my first year at Queen¿¿s. My energy and mood were extremely low throughout the term and I fell asleep in most classes that I attended. As time passed it became increasingly difficult to get out of bed and even make it to class. I was experiencing constant brain fog and found it difficult to concentrate on assignments and read large chunks of text. My anxiety worsened until it became a near-paranoia. Going out into public spaces or lecture halls was frightening; it felt like people around me were analyzing every move I made.

I went nearly a week in November without leaving my room. At this point, I made the decision to drop my classes since I could not give them the attention that they needed. I was able to drop all of my full-year courses without academic penalty, but could not drop GEOL107 without consequence. I met with Dr. Mike Condra at HCDS and discussed the possibility that I might be able to drop the course without penalty on medical grounds, but after seeing several professionals, I had no clear-cut diagnosis to justify doing so.

I went home at the end of November, but could not get any substantial studying done to help me salvage my grade. I was able to complete the course, scoring a few percentage points above the minimum exam mark of 40.
It wasn¿¿t until December of 2014 that I was diagnosed with Lyme. I¿¿ve been taking several antibiotics ever since and feel significantly better. Unfortunately I did not start making consistent headway in my health until February, so I was unable to complete a single course this year.

Typical with Lyme, my symptoms receded somewhat in the winter term of 2014, allowing me to complete five courses, albeit with significant difficulty. Knowing that I was able to attain a GPA of 3.8 for the term while struggling day-to-day (attending the minority of my classes) gives me indication of my academic ability when healthy and motivated.

Now I am feeling good most days. I am finally able to give my academic situation the necessary attention and begin this appeal process. I am confident that I will be able to return to my studies soon, learn effectively, and perform well.

I plan to return to my studies this fall and pursue a B.A. (Honours) in Philosophy with a minor in Physics.


Sincerely,

Toms Black