Petition Letter
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January 14, 2016
Dr. Johanne Bénard
Associate Dean, Faculty Arts and Science
Faculty of Arts and Science
Queens University
Kingston, Ontario
Dear Dr. Bénard
Request:
This appeal is to drop ANAT215 after the academic deadline, and to expunge the final grade due to extenuating circumstances, beyond my control. The Associate Deans office advised that the 21 day time limit would not apply.
What were the extenuating circumstances beyond the students control
When I transferred to Queens University last September, I expected to stay in residence, instead I found a room in a house near campus for September 1st. Unexpectedly, renovations continued until the second week of October; the landlord had rented 6 rooms in a 5 room house. One third of my room was partitioned off, including the closet; the internet was only available the first week of October. It was not the best start.
Early in October I contracted a severe virus that lasted over two weeks. The University Clinic doctor recommended a few days in bed, limited food, and hourly fluids. Severe diarrhea had left me dehydrated and caused a fissure. My health improved briefly but within a few days I was sick again. Waiting at the clinic left me drained, and exposed me to more germs; rather than return I rested at home. I was ill for the remainder of the term. It was difficult to focus in classes and labs; I had a variety of viral symptoms: vomiting, severe diarrhea; dehydration; persistent low-grade fever; headaches; eye and sinus pain; sore throat; acute earaches; back pain; sore bones; and dizziness.
I expected to recover and redouble my academic efforts. I am a strong student and did very well in First Year Life Science at U of T. While some days I felt better, I was perpetually exhausted, listless, and unable to focus. I slept fourteen hours nightly and napped during the day. I realized that I could not recover academically in my depleted energy state. I dropped one course, hoping that concentrating on the remaining three would allow me to maintain my usual standards.
At least five times between mid-October and term end, I returned home to Ottawa to rest and regain my health. At home, I hesitated to visit my family doctor regarding virus symptoms. I also knew that medical tests would take time, and I urgently needed time to prepare for my exams. I still believed that I would recover my health enough to do an intensive review, though I might not achieve my usual grades.
My mistake was in assuming I would get better. I never fully recovered. I still sleep 14 hours nightly, and brief outings exhaust me. Over the holidays I rested at home and only saw friends for three hours on New Years. On January 2nd I awoke with pink eye.
Recognizing that my health was still poor, my parents questioned my return to school. I had not considered taking time away from school, but I realized it made sense. I did not have enough energy to start a term, let alone recover incomplete courses, and the learning experience was no longer enjoyable. I decided to take measures to improve my health so that I could return to school engaged and ready to succeed.
My first appointment with my family doctor was on January 7th. My doctor calls my condition a compromised immune system and I am undergoing a series of medical tests. I dropped all my courses after speaking with an academic advisor. The only course on my 2015-2016 academic record is Anatomy 215. I failed, despite earning 91 on the first test, well above the course average.
You cannot control circumstances that you do not recognize or understand. In October and November there was no way for me to know I would not recover my health. In hindsight, I realize that all first term I was caught in a cycle of health issues beyond my control.
Future Plan:
First, I plan to work with my family doctor and do whatever it takes to recover my health, improve my immune system, and prevent future illnesses. Second, on my return to university, I will secure a healthy living environment, conducive to both studying and adequate sleep. I have tentative living arrangements with students who have a long term lease. Third, I will enrol in intermural sports and join WISE in order to socialize with people of similar interests and routines. Fourth and finally, I will consider seriously whether to continue my current course of studies or transferring to something different.
Thank-you for reviewing my circumstances. I hope you can grant my request.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Blythe Beynon
January 14, 2016
Dr. Johanne Bénard
Associate Dean, Faculty Arts and Science
Faculty of Arts and Science
Queens University
Kingston, Ontario
Dear Dr. Bénard
Request:
This appeal is to drop ANAT215 after the academic deadline, and to expunge the final grade due to extenuating circumstances, beyond my control. The Associate Deans office advised that the 21 day time limit would not apply.
What were the extenuating circumstances beyond the students control
When I transferred to Queens University last September, I expected to stay in residence, instead I found a room in a house near campus for September 1st. Unexpectedly, renovations continued until the second week of October; the landlord had rented 6 rooms in a 5 room house. One third of my room was partitioned off, including the closet; the internet was only available the first week of October. It was not the best start.
Early in October I contracted a severe virus that lasted over two weeks. The University Clinic doctor recommended a few days in bed, limited food, and hourly fluids. Severe diarrhea had left me dehydrated and caused a fissure. My health improved briefly but within a few days I was sick again. Waiting at the clinic left me drained, and exposed me to more germs; rather than return I rested at home. I was ill for the remainder of the term. It was difficult to focus in classes and labs; I had a variety of viral symptoms: vomiting, severe diarrhea; dehydration; persistent low-grade fever; headaches; eye and sinus pain; sore throat; acute earaches; back pain; sore bones; and dizziness.
I expected to recover and redouble my academic efforts. I am a strong student and did very well in First Year Life Science at U of T. While some days I felt better, I was perpetually exhausted, listless, and unable to focus. I slept fourteen hours nightly and napped during the day. I realized that I could not recover academically in my depleted energy state. I dropped one course, hoping that concentrating on the remaining three would allow me to maintain my usual standards.
At least five times between mid-October and term end, I returned home to Ottawa to rest and regain my health. At home, I hesitated to visit my family doctor regarding virus symptoms. I also knew that medical tests would take time, and I urgently needed time to prepare for my exams. I still believed that I would recover my health enough to do an intensive review, though I might not achieve my usual grades.
My mistake was in assuming I would get better. I never fully recovered. I still sleep 14 hours nightly, and brief outings exhaust me. Over the holidays I rested at home and only saw friends for three hours on New Years. On January 2nd I awoke with pink eye.
Recognizing that my health was still poor, my parents questioned my return to school. I had not considered taking time away from school, but I realized it made sense. I did not have enough energy to start a term, let alone recover incomplete courses, and the learning experience was no longer enjoyable. I decided to take measures to improve my health so that I could return to school engaged and ready to succeed.
My first appointment with my family doctor was on January 7th. My doctor calls my condition a compromised immune system and I am undergoing a series of medical tests. I dropped all my courses after speaking with an academic advisor. The only course on my 2015-2016 academic record is Anatomy 215. I failed, despite earning 91 on the first test, well above the course average.
You cannot control circumstances that you do not recognize or understand. In October and November there was no way for me to know I would not recover my health. In hindsight, I realize that all first term I was caught in a cycle of health issues beyond my control.
Future Plan:
First, I plan to work with my family doctor and do whatever it takes to recover my health, improve my immune system, and prevent future illnesses. Second, on my return to university, I will secure a healthy living environment, conducive to both studying and adequate sleep. I have tentative living arrangements with students who have a long term lease. Third, I will enrol in intermural sports and join WISE in order to socialize with people of similar interests and routines. Fourth and finally, I will consider seriously whether to continue my current course of studies or transferring to something different.
Thank-you for reviewing my circumstances. I hope you can grant my request.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Blythe Beynon