Petition Letter
To:
Associate Dean of Studies
Faculty of Arts and Science
Queen's University
Dear Madam, Sir,
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Eleane Hamburger, and I am a third-year student in the Department of Biology, Queen's University (student number: 20019986). By means of this letter, I am appealing for Aegrotat Standing in BIOL 339 Animal Physiology (Fall, 2018). I have achieved a passing grade for 64 of the course thus far.
On October 31st, 2018, I had an accident and suffered a concussion. Following the accident, I was medically assessed and on a SCAT test, was found to have 22 symptoms, 13 of which were qualified as severe. These symptoms have interfered with my ability to work for my courses or attend lectures. Screen time, in order to keep my symptoms at bay, has been cut down to almost none. Unfortunately, all my coursework is based on studying off a computer screen, and all lectures involve screens that cause me to suffer headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and nausea. I cannot retain new information, have extreme difficulty concentrating, and am afraid this negatively affects my abilities to prepare for, and write exams. In short, I am unable to keep up with my classes and am not at the level of excellence that I was prior to the accident. Otherwise, I am an eager and committed student, and hoping to attend medical school following receiving a Queen's Bachelor of Science degree.
Meanwhile, I consulted with Drs. Butler and Timpson (General Practitioners, Student Wellness Services), Mrs. Fatima Couto (Manager, Student Wellness Services), Mrs. Kerri Andrews (Academic Advisor), and Mrs. Natasha DeGroot (Occupational Therapist). In addition, an appointment was scheduled with Dr. Giaconne, a neurologist with specific expertise in concussion symptoms and treatment. All are helping and supporting me in deciding how to best protect my health - in order to prevent suffering lasting negative effects - while at the same time protect my academic achievements. In short, I was advised to go home, and rest (see attachments).
In order to facilitate my recovery, and in accordance with advice received, I have
-completed my BIOL 300 Ecology course (Dr. Martin)
-requested, and given permission to delay my CHEM 281 Organic Chemistry exam to the spring of 2019 (Dr. Carran)
-requested, and given permission to delay my BIOL 330 Cell Biology exam to the spring of 2019 (Dr. Bendena and Dr. Young)
-canceled my ENGL 100A English literature course, and plan to take this course during the 2019 summer holiday (Prof. Pierce)
The only outstanding exam for this semester is BIOL 339 Animal Physiology (Fall, 2018). Professor Moyes has confirmed through email that he supports my request for Aegrotat Standing regarding this exam.
Should this appeal be granted, I will go home to rest, in order to recover properly and without causing more harm to myself in accordance with this injury. Hopefully, I will be able to resume my studies and coursework fully during the upcoming Winter Semester.
Going forward, I will continue to be in touch with both the Academic Advisor and Occupational Therapist, in order to make sure my studies are not altered, and hopefully be able to continue with my degree in Biology at Queen's University to the best of my abilities.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
Sincerely,
Eleane Hamburger
20019986
3rd Year Biology
Queen's University
Associate Dean of Studies
Faculty of Arts and Science
Queen's University
Dear Madam, Sir,
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Eleane Hamburger, and I am a third-year student in the Department of Biology, Queen's University (student number: 20019986). By means of this letter, I am appealing for Aegrotat Standing in BIOL 339 Animal Physiology (Fall, 2018). I have achieved a passing grade for 64 of the course thus far.
On October 31st, 2018, I had an accident and suffered a concussion. Following the accident, I was medically assessed and on a SCAT test, was found to have 22 symptoms, 13 of which were qualified as severe. These symptoms have interfered with my ability to work for my courses or attend lectures. Screen time, in order to keep my symptoms at bay, has been cut down to almost none. Unfortunately, all my coursework is based on studying off a computer screen, and all lectures involve screens that cause me to suffer headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and nausea. I cannot retain new information, have extreme difficulty concentrating, and am afraid this negatively affects my abilities to prepare for, and write exams. In short, I am unable to keep up with my classes and am not at the level of excellence that I was prior to the accident. Otherwise, I am an eager and committed student, and hoping to attend medical school following receiving a Queen's Bachelor of Science degree.
Meanwhile, I consulted with Drs. Butler and Timpson (General Practitioners, Student Wellness Services), Mrs. Fatima Couto (Manager, Student Wellness Services), Mrs. Kerri Andrews (Academic Advisor), and Mrs. Natasha DeGroot (Occupational Therapist). In addition, an appointment was scheduled with Dr. Giaconne, a neurologist with specific expertise in concussion symptoms and treatment. All are helping and supporting me in deciding how to best protect my health - in order to prevent suffering lasting negative effects - while at the same time protect my academic achievements. In short, I was advised to go home, and rest (see attachments).
In order to facilitate my recovery, and in accordance with advice received, I have
-completed my BIOL 300 Ecology course (Dr. Martin)
-requested, and given permission to delay my CHEM 281 Organic Chemistry exam to the spring of 2019 (Dr. Carran)
-requested, and given permission to delay my BIOL 330 Cell Biology exam to the spring of 2019 (Dr. Bendena and Dr. Young)
-canceled my ENGL 100A English literature course, and plan to take this course during the 2019 summer holiday (Prof. Pierce)
The only outstanding exam for this semester is BIOL 339 Animal Physiology (Fall, 2018). Professor Moyes has confirmed through email that he supports my request for Aegrotat Standing regarding this exam.
Should this appeal be granted, I will go home to rest, in order to recover properly and without causing more harm to myself in accordance with this injury. Hopefully, I will be able to resume my studies and coursework fully during the upcoming Winter Semester.
Going forward, I will continue to be in touch with both the Academic Advisor and Occupational Therapist, in order to make sure my studies are not altered, and hopefully be able to continue with my degree in Biology at Queen's University to the best of my abilities.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
Sincerely,
Eleane Hamburger
20019986
3rd Year Biology
Queen's University