Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 10554
Submitted: May 23, 2023 at 12:14:09 PM
First Name: NEHA
Last Name: HAIDER
Pronoun: SHE
Preferred Name: NEHA
Student Number: 20153067
Email: 18nh20@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BA
Plan: SOCIO
Level of Study: 3
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Waive the requirement to withdraw for one year
Level 1 Status
Status: DeniedLevel 2
Appeal Type: Level 2
ID: 167
Submitted: June 15, 2023 at 11:14:33 PM
Relevant Petition: 10554
Appeal Grounds Details: Appeal Against decision dated 05.06.2023 by the Dean
Facts:
1. For context to the scenario, it is essential to provide a brief outline of the facts at hand.
2. I was informed by the faculty on 23-05-2023 that I would be required to withdraw from my academics for a period of one year and that this was due to my academic performance. (A copy of the decision is attached herewith as Annex A)
3. Consequently, I filed a petition letter challenging the decision and got a decision dated 05.06.2023 denying my petition on the grounds that;
I. My petition did not demonstrate that my extenuating circumstances are being managed in a way that would allow me to be successful in future classes;
II. That the decision of the faculty is justified in that I have demonstrated a lack of awareness of how to manage my academics as I registered in 15.0 units in the summer term.
4. Therefore, I am filing this appeal under The Academic Regulations for the Faculty of Arts and Science.
Grounds:
a) That The Academic Regulations for the Faculty of Arts and Science 3.3.1.8 lists out the requirements a request to waive a requirement to withdraw for one year, the relevant wording of which is copied here for ease of reference:
“..petition requesting that a requirement to withdraw be waived must clearly demonstrate how significantly extenuating circumstances, beyond the student’s control, affected their academic performance. In cases where the extenuating circumstances have been temporary, the student should indicate and document how the circumstances have been overcome and why the student is confident that they will not continue to be a factor in academic performance. In cases where the extenuating circumstances are ongoing rather than temporary, the student should also indicate and document how these personal challenges will be managed if the requirement to withdraw is waived. A medical certificate or other official documentation that demonstrates the impact of the extenuating circumstances must be provided with the petition…”
Facts:
1. For context to the scenario, it is essential to provide a brief outline of the facts at hand.
2. I was informed by the faculty on 23-05-2023 that I would be required to withdraw from my academics for a period of one year and that this was due to my academic performance. (A copy of the decision is attached herewith as Annex A)
3. Consequently, I filed a petition letter challenging the decision and got a decision dated 05.06.2023 denying my petition on the grounds that;
I. My petition did not demonstrate that my extenuating circumstances are being managed in a way that would allow me to be successful in future classes;
II. That the decision of the faculty is justified in that I have demonstrated a lack of awareness of how to manage my academics as I registered in 15.0 units in the summer term.
4. Therefore, I am filing this appeal under The Academic Regulations for the Faculty of Arts and Science.
Grounds:
a) That The Academic Regulations for the Faculty of Arts and Science 3.3.1.8 lists out the requirements a request to waive a requirement to withdraw for one year, the relevant wording of which is copied here for ease of reference:
“..petition requesting that a requirement to withdraw be waived must clearly demonstrate how significantly extenuating circumstances, beyond the student’s control, affected their academic performance. In cases where the extenuating circumstances have been temporary, the student should indicate and document how the circumstances have been overcome and why the student is confident that they will not continue to be a factor in academic performance. In cases where the extenuating circumstances are ongoing rather than temporary, the student should also indicate and document how these personal challenges will be managed if the requirement to withdraw is waived. A medical certificate or other official documentation that demonstrates the impact of the extenuating circumstances must be provided with the petition…”
Appeal Letter
Appeal Letter:
1. For context to the scenario, it is essential to provide a brief outline of the facts at hand.
2. I was informed by the faculty on 23-05-2023 that I would be required to withdraw from my academics for a period of one year and that this was due to my academic performance. (A copy of the decision is attached herewith as Annex A)
3. Consequently, I filed a petition letter challenging the decision and got a decision dated 05.06.2023 denying my petition on the grounds that;
I. My petition did not demonstrate that my extenuating circumstances are being managed in a way that would allow me to be successful in future classes;
II. That the decision of the faculty is justified in that I have demonstrated a lack of awareness of how to manage my academics as I registered in 15.0 units in the summer term.
4. Therefore, I am filing this appeal under The Academic Regulations for the Faculty of Arts and Science.
- Extenuating circumstances
• That I got into a severe accident around the time of the end of 2020, which not only left me in a state of severe anxiety and distress, but it also affected my brain to the extent that it left me unable to focus on anything at all, after contusions to the brain.
(A medical diagnosis after the accident is attached herewith at as Annex B)
• Furthermore, it is essential to point out here that I have received not only a private diagnosis but also a medical diagnosis from the Queen’s Student Accessibility Services where they evaluated my mental health condition after asking my doctor and also provided documentation of my diagnosis. The relevant parts of the diagnosis are as follows;
- Diagnosis: Post-concussion syndrome
Depression/ Anxiety
- Level of severity: Severe
- Physical restrictions: Serious to severe in all categories but Nausea
- Thinking restrictions: Serious to severe in all categories
- Socio- Emotional: Serious to severe in all but one category
- Academic impacts: Serious to severe in all categories
- Comments: “needs more time to complete her tasks, difficulty concentrating”
(The medical diagnosis is attached herewith as Annex C)
b) I have not only explained the set of circumstances which describe what happened, but I have also presented medical evidence which is verified and attested by the University’s own student accessibility service. These circumstances indisputably fulfill the requirements set out in the rule mentioned above as; they are significantly extenuating circumstances; out of my control and affected my academic performance.
c) Furthermore, I have not only presented proof of my extenuating circumstances, but I have also shown an ability to progress and manage these problems in a way that would allow me to be successful in future classes.
d) The decision dated 05.06.2023 is based on the fact of my regression in courses after my injury, I had to complete 30 credits for my sociology program and it took me a while but I have officially completed 15 after pushing forward. My doctor said this is only something that takes time, whereas the decision fails to account for the fact that the duration of this term represented the time where I was at my most vulnerable, I was struggling to focus not only on academics but also spheres of my social and private life, it was truly the most challenging time of my life to date. However, the disputed decision takes into account my performance solely for the time where I was at my worst and has failed to account for my term from January 2023 to May 2023, in which I took up the minimum requirement for 3 courses and passed each and every single one of them, a fact which can be attested by my grades, and submitted all my work. Furthermore, it is essential to mention that my ability to manage my courses is being adjudicated on the fact that I took on 5 courses for the current term and it is being represented as me being unable to manage my courses whereas I would argue that it only represents my progress and willingness to improve by keeping in mind a challenge which will motivate me to do even better.
e) I believe it is unequitable and unjust to single out my academic performance for the summer term without considering the genuine academic progress I have made over the past few months, after the mental work I have put into myself to find the motivation to complete my courses and pass, when that was a struggle of mine I did overcome.
f) I believe I have presented sufficient evidence to demonstrate that I had significant extenuating circumstances which were out of my control, and they genuinely affected my academic performance. Not only that but by improving my grades I have shown a real ability to tackle my severe anxiety by really pushing myself to work really hard. It is significant to mention here that this last year represents the most challenging time of my life not only academically but in all aspects of my life, however, I have made genuine efforts to overcome my problems, be it personal, social, or academic and if I am given a chance to continue my year, I will be motivated to work even harder. A withdrawal from the university would not only set me back academically but would also lay waste to continuous hard-work I have put in to improve myself over the past year and if given the chance I only see myself improving from here.
g) This appeal sufficiently covers the reasons refusal listed out in the decision dated 05.06.2023 and therefore it is my request that I be granted a waiver for the requirement to withdraw for one year in line with guidelines provided in The Academic Regulations for the Faculty of Arts and Science 3.3.1.8.
1. For context to the scenario, it is essential to provide a brief outline of the facts at hand.
2. I was informed by the faculty on 23-05-2023 that I would be required to withdraw from my academics for a period of one year and that this was due to my academic performance. (A copy of the decision is attached herewith as Annex A)
3. Consequently, I filed a petition letter challenging the decision and got a decision dated 05.06.2023 denying my petition on the grounds that;
I. My petition did not demonstrate that my extenuating circumstances are being managed in a way that would allow me to be successful in future classes;
II. That the decision of the faculty is justified in that I have demonstrated a lack of awareness of how to manage my academics as I registered in 15.0 units in the summer term.
4. Therefore, I am filing this appeal under The Academic Regulations for the Faculty of Arts and Science.
- Extenuating circumstances
• That I got into a severe accident around the time of the end of 2020, which not only left me in a state of severe anxiety and distress, but it also affected my brain to the extent that it left me unable to focus on anything at all, after contusions to the brain.
(A medical diagnosis after the accident is attached herewith at as Annex B)
• Furthermore, it is essential to point out here that I have received not only a private diagnosis but also a medical diagnosis from the Queen’s Student Accessibility Services where they evaluated my mental health condition after asking my doctor and also provided documentation of my diagnosis. The relevant parts of the diagnosis are as follows;
- Diagnosis: Post-concussion syndrome
Depression/ Anxiety
- Level of severity: Severe
- Physical restrictions: Serious to severe in all categories but Nausea
- Thinking restrictions: Serious to severe in all categories
- Socio- Emotional: Serious to severe in all but one category
- Academic impacts: Serious to severe in all categories
- Comments: “needs more time to complete her tasks, difficulty concentrating”
(The medical diagnosis is attached herewith as Annex C)
b) I have not only explained the set of circumstances which describe what happened, but I have also presented medical evidence which is verified and attested by the University’s own student accessibility service. These circumstances indisputably fulfill the requirements set out in the rule mentioned above as; they are significantly extenuating circumstances; out of my control and affected my academic performance.
c) Furthermore, I have not only presented proof of my extenuating circumstances, but I have also shown an ability to progress and manage these problems in a way that would allow me to be successful in future classes.
d) The decision dated 05.06.2023 is based on the fact of my regression in courses after my injury, I had to complete 30 credits for my sociology program and it took me a while but I have officially completed 15 after pushing forward. My doctor said this is only something that takes time, whereas the decision fails to account for the fact that the duration of this term represented the time where I was at my most vulnerable, I was struggling to focus not only on academics but also spheres of my social and private life, it was truly the most challenging time of my life to date. However, the disputed decision takes into account my performance solely for the time where I was at my worst and has failed to account for my term from January 2023 to May 2023, in which I took up the minimum requirement for 3 courses and passed each and every single one of them, a fact which can be attested by my grades, and submitted all my work. Furthermore, it is essential to mention that my ability to manage my courses is being adjudicated on the fact that I took on 5 courses for the current term and it is being represented as me being unable to manage my courses whereas I would argue that it only represents my progress and willingness to improve by keeping in mind a challenge which will motivate me to do even better.
e) I believe it is unequitable and unjust to single out my academic performance for the summer term without considering the genuine academic progress I have made over the past few months, after the mental work I have put into myself to find the motivation to complete my courses and pass, when that was a struggle of mine I did overcome.
f) I believe I have presented sufficient evidence to demonstrate that I had significant extenuating circumstances which were out of my control, and they genuinely affected my academic performance. Not only that but by improving my grades I have shown a real ability to tackle my severe anxiety by really pushing myself to work really hard. It is significant to mention here that this last year represents the most challenging time of my life not only academically but in all aspects of my life, however, I have made genuine efforts to overcome my problems, be it personal, social, or academic and if I am given a chance to continue my year, I will be motivated to work even harder. A withdrawal from the university would not only set me back academically but would also lay waste to continuous hard-work I have put in to improve myself over the past year and if given the chance I only see myself improving from here.
g) This appeal sufficiently covers the reasons refusal listed out in the decision dated 05.06.2023 and therefore it is my request that I be granted a waiver for the requirement to withdraw for one year in line with guidelines provided in The Academic Regulations for the Faculty of Arts and Science 3.3.1.8.
Documentation
Decision Letters
Level 2
Appeal Type: Level 2
ID: 168
Submitted: June 15, 2023 at 11:14:40 PM
Relevant Petition: 10554
Appeal Grounds Details: Appeal Against decision dated 05.06.2023 by the Dean
Facts:
1. For context to the scenario, it is essential to provide a brief outline of the facts at hand.
2. I was informed by the faculty on 23-05-2023 that I would be required to withdraw from my academics for a period of one year and that this was due to my academic performance. (A copy of the decision is attached herewith as Annex A)
3. Consequently, I filed a petition letter challenging the decision and got a decision dated 05.06.2023 denying my petition on the grounds that;
I. My petition did not demonstrate that my extenuating circumstances are being managed in a way that would allow me to be successful in future classes;
II. That the decision of the faculty is justified in that I have demonstrated a lack of awareness of how to manage my academics as I registered in 15.0 units in the summer term.
4. Therefore, I am filing this appeal under The Academic Regulations for the Faculty of Arts and Science.
Grounds:
a) That The Academic Regulations for the Faculty of Arts and Science 3.3.1.8 lists out the requirements a request to waive a requirement to withdraw for one year, the relevant wording of which is copied here for ease of reference:
“..petition requesting that a requirement to withdraw be waived must clearly demonstrate how significantly extenuating circumstances, beyond the student’s control, affected their academic performance. In cases where the extenuating circumstances have been temporary, the student should indicate and document how the circumstances have been overcome and why the student is confident that they will not continue to be a factor in academic performance. In cases where the extenuating circumstances are ongoing rather than temporary, the student should also indicate and document how these personal challenges will be managed if the requirement to withdraw is waived. A medical certificate or other official documentation that demonstrates the impact of the extenuating circumstances must be provided with the petition…”
Facts:
1. For context to the scenario, it is essential to provide a brief outline of the facts at hand.
2. I was informed by the faculty on 23-05-2023 that I would be required to withdraw from my academics for a period of one year and that this was due to my academic performance. (A copy of the decision is attached herewith as Annex A)
3. Consequently, I filed a petition letter challenging the decision and got a decision dated 05.06.2023 denying my petition on the grounds that;
I. My petition did not demonstrate that my extenuating circumstances are being managed in a way that would allow me to be successful in future classes;
II. That the decision of the faculty is justified in that I have demonstrated a lack of awareness of how to manage my academics as I registered in 15.0 units in the summer term.
4. Therefore, I am filing this appeal under The Academic Regulations for the Faculty of Arts and Science.
Grounds:
a) That The Academic Regulations for the Faculty of Arts and Science 3.3.1.8 lists out the requirements a request to waive a requirement to withdraw for one year, the relevant wording of which is copied here for ease of reference:
“..petition requesting that a requirement to withdraw be waived must clearly demonstrate how significantly extenuating circumstances, beyond the student’s control, affected their academic performance. In cases where the extenuating circumstances have been temporary, the student should indicate and document how the circumstances have been overcome and why the student is confident that they will not continue to be a factor in academic performance. In cases where the extenuating circumstances are ongoing rather than temporary, the student should also indicate and document how these personal challenges will be managed if the requirement to withdraw is waived. A medical certificate or other official documentation that demonstrates the impact of the extenuating circumstances must be provided with the petition…”
Appeal Letter
Appeal Letter:
1. For context to the scenario, it is essential to provide a brief outline of the facts at hand.
2. I was informed by the faculty on 23-05-2023 that I would be required to withdraw from my academics for a period of one year and that this was due to my academic performance. (A copy of the decision is attached herewith as Annex A)
3. Consequently, I filed a petition letter challenging the decision and got a decision dated 05.06.2023 denying my petition on the grounds that;
I. My petition did not demonstrate that my extenuating circumstances are being managed in a way that would allow me to be successful in future classes;
II. That the decision of the faculty is justified in that I have demonstrated a lack of awareness of how to manage my academics as I registered in 15.0 units in the summer term.
4. Therefore, I am filing this appeal under The Academic Regulations for the Faculty of Arts and Science.
- Extenuating circumstances
• That I got into a severe accident around the time of the end of 2020, which not only left me in a state of severe anxiety and distress, but it also affected my brain to the extent that it left me unable to focus on anything at all, after contusions to the brain.
(A medical diagnosis after the accident is attached herewith at as Annex B)
• Furthermore, it is essential to point out here that I have received not only a private diagnosis but also a medical diagnosis from the Queen’s Student Accessibility Services where they evaluated my mental health condition after asking my doctor and also provided documentation of my diagnosis. The relevant parts of the diagnosis are as follows;
- Diagnosis: Post-concussion syndrome
Depression/ Anxiety
- Level of severity: Severe
- Physical restrictions: Serious to severe in all categories but Nausea
- Thinking restrictions: Serious to severe in all categories
- Socio- Emotional: Serious to severe in all but one category
- Academic impacts: Serious to severe in all categories
- Comments: “needs more time to complete her tasks, difficulty concentrating”
(The medical diagnosis is attached herewith as Annex C)
b) I have not only explained the set of circumstances which describe what happened, but I have also presented medical evidence which is verified and attested by the University’s own student accessibility service. These circumstances indisputably fulfill the requirements set out in the rule mentioned above as; they are significantly extenuating circumstances; out of my control and affected my academic performance.
c) Furthermore, I have not only presented proof of my extenuating circumstances, but I have also shown an ability to progress and manage these problems in a way that would allow me to be successful in future classes.
d) The decision dated 05.06.2023 is based on the fact of my regression in courses after my injury, I had to complete 30 credits for my sociology program and it took me a while but I have officially completed 15 after pushing forward. My doctor said this is only something that takes time, whereas the decision fails to account for the fact that the duration of this term represented the time where I was at my most vulnerable, I was struggling to focus not only on academics but also spheres of my social and private life, it was truly the most challenging time of my life to date. However, the disputed decision takes into account my performance solely for the time where I was at my worst and has failed to account for my term from January 2023 to May 2023, in which I took up the minimum requirement for 3 courses and passed each and every single one of them, a fact which can be attested by my grades, and submitted all my work. Furthermore, it is essential to mention that my ability to manage my courses is being adjudicated on the fact that I took on 5 courses for the current term and it is being represented as me being unable to manage my courses whereas I would argue that it only represents my progress and willingness to improve by keeping in mind a challenge which will motivate me to do even better.
e) I believe it is unequitable and unjust to single out my academic performance for the summer term without considering the genuine academic progress I have made over the past few months, after the mental work I have put into myself to find the motivation to complete my courses and pass, when that was a struggle of mine I did overcome.
f) I believe I have presented sufficient evidence to demonstrate that I had significant extenuating circumstances which were out of my control, and they genuinely affected my academic performance. Not only that but by improving my grades I have shown a real ability to tackle my severe anxiety by really pushing myself to work really hard. It is significant to mention here that this last year represents the most challenging time of my life not only academically but in all aspects of my life, however, I have made genuine efforts to overcome my problems, be it personal, social, or academic and if I am given a chance to continue my year, I will be motivated to work even harder. A withdrawal from the university would not only set me back academically but would also lay waste to continuous hard-work I have put in to improve myself over the past year and if given the chance I only see myself improving from here.
g) This appeal sufficiently covers the reasons refusal listed out in the decision dated 05.06.2023 and therefore it is my request that I be granted a waiver for the requirement to withdraw for one year in line with guidelines provided in The Academic Regulations for the Faculty of Arts and Science 3.3.1.8.
1. For context to the scenario, it is essential to provide a brief outline of the facts at hand.
2. I was informed by the faculty on 23-05-2023 that I would be required to withdraw from my academics for a period of one year and that this was due to my academic performance. (A copy of the decision is attached herewith as Annex A)
3. Consequently, I filed a petition letter challenging the decision and got a decision dated 05.06.2023 denying my petition on the grounds that;
I. My petition did not demonstrate that my extenuating circumstances are being managed in a way that would allow me to be successful in future classes;
II. That the decision of the faculty is justified in that I have demonstrated a lack of awareness of how to manage my academics as I registered in 15.0 units in the summer term.
4. Therefore, I am filing this appeal under The Academic Regulations for the Faculty of Arts and Science.
- Extenuating circumstances
• That I got into a severe accident around the time of the end of 2020, which not only left me in a state of severe anxiety and distress, but it also affected my brain to the extent that it left me unable to focus on anything at all, after contusions to the brain.
(A medical diagnosis after the accident is attached herewith at as Annex B)
• Furthermore, it is essential to point out here that I have received not only a private diagnosis but also a medical diagnosis from the Queen’s Student Accessibility Services where they evaluated my mental health condition after asking my doctor and also provided documentation of my diagnosis. The relevant parts of the diagnosis are as follows;
- Diagnosis: Post-concussion syndrome
Depression/ Anxiety
- Level of severity: Severe
- Physical restrictions: Serious to severe in all categories but Nausea
- Thinking restrictions: Serious to severe in all categories
- Socio- Emotional: Serious to severe in all but one category
- Academic impacts: Serious to severe in all categories
- Comments: “needs more time to complete her tasks, difficulty concentrating”
(The medical diagnosis is attached herewith as Annex C)
b) I have not only explained the set of circumstances which describe what happened, but I have also presented medical evidence which is verified and attested by the University’s own student accessibility service. These circumstances indisputably fulfill the requirements set out in the rule mentioned above as; they are significantly extenuating circumstances; out of my control and affected my academic performance.
c) Furthermore, I have not only presented proof of my extenuating circumstances, but I have also shown an ability to progress and manage these problems in a way that would allow me to be successful in future classes.
d) The decision dated 05.06.2023 is based on the fact of my regression in courses after my injury, I had to complete 30 credits for my sociology program and it took me a while but I have officially completed 15 after pushing forward. My doctor said this is only something that takes time, whereas the decision fails to account for the fact that the duration of this term represented the time where I was at my most vulnerable, I was struggling to focus not only on academics but also spheres of my social and private life, it was truly the most challenging time of my life to date. However, the disputed decision takes into account my performance solely for the time where I was at my worst and has failed to account for my term from January 2023 to May 2023, in which I took up the minimum requirement for 3 courses and passed each and every single one of them, a fact which can be attested by my grades, and submitted all my work. Furthermore, it is essential to mention that my ability to manage my courses is being adjudicated on the fact that I took on 5 courses for the current term and it is being represented as me being unable to manage my courses whereas I would argue that it only represents my progress and willingness to improve by keeping in mind a challenge which will motivate me to do even better.
e) I believe it is unequitable and unjust to single out my academic performance for the summer term without considering the genuine academic progress I have made over the past few months, after the mental work I have put into myself to find the motivation to complete my courses and pass, when that was a struggle of mine I did overcome.
f) I believe I have presented sufficient evidence to demonstrate that I had significant extenuating circumstances which were out of my control, and they genuinely affected my academic performance. Not only that but by improving my grades I have shown a real ability to tackle my severe anxiety by really pushing myself to work really hard. It is significant to mention here that this last year represents the most challenging time of my life not only academically but in all aspects of my life, however, I have made genuine efforts to overcome my problems, be it personal, social, or academic and if I am given a chance to continue my year, I will be motivated to work even harder. A withdrawal from the university would not only set me back academically but would also lay waste to continuous hard-work I have put in to improve myself over the past year and if given the chance I only see myself improving from here.
g) This appeal sufficiently covers the reasons refusal listed out in the decision dated 05.06.2023 and therefore it is my request that I be granted a waiver for the requirement to withdraw for one year in line with guidelines provided in The Academic Regulations for the Faculty of Arts and Science 3.3.1.8.
Documentation
Decision Letters
Level 2
Appeal Type: Level 2
ID: 169
Submitted: June 15, 2023 at 11:14:45 PM
Relevant Petition: 10554
Appeal Grounds Details: Appeal Against decision dated 05.06.2023 by the Dean
Facts:
1. For context to the scenario, it is essential to provide a brief outline of the facts at hand.
2. I was informed by the faculty on 23-05-2023 that I would be required to withdraw from my academics for a period of one year and that this was due to my academic performance. (A copy of the decision is attached herewith as Annex A)
3. Consequently, I filed a petition letter challenging the decision and got a decision dated 05.06.2023 denying my petition on the grounds that;
I. My petition did not demonstrate that my extenuating circumstances are being managed in a way that would allow me to be successful in future classes;
II. That the decision of the faculty is justified in that I have demonstrated a lack of awareness of how to manage my academics as I registered in 15.0 units in the summer term.
4. Therefore, I am filing this appeal under The Academic Regulations for the Faculty of Arts and Science.
Grounds:
a) That The Academic Regulations for the Faculty of Arts and Science 3.3.1.8 lists out the requirements a request to waive a requirement to withdraw for one year, the relevant wording of which is copied here for ease of reference:
“..petition requesting that a requirement to withdraw be waived must clearly demonstrate how significantly extenuating circumstances, beyond the student’s control, affected their academic performance. In cases where the extenuating circumstances have been temporary, the student should indicate and document how the circumstances have been overcome and why the student is confident that they will not continue to be a factor in academic performance. In cases where the extenuating circumstances are ongoing rather than temporary, the student should also indicate and document how these personal challenges will be managed if the requirement to withdraw is waived. A medical certificate or other official documentation that demonstrates the impact of the extenuating circumstances must be provided with the petition…”
Facts:
1. For context to the scenario, it is essential to provide a brief outline of the facts at hand.
2. I was informed by the faculty on 23-05-2023 that I would be required to withdraw from my academics for a period of one year and that this was due to my academic performance. (A copy of the decision is attached herewith as Annex A)
3. Consequently, I filed a petition letter challenging the decision and got a decision dated 05.06.2023 denying my petition on the grounds that;
I. My petition did not demonstrate that my extenuating circumstances are being managed in a way that would allow me to be successful in future classes;
II. That the decision of the faculty is justified in that I have demonstrated a lack of awareness of how to manage my academics as I registered in 15.0 units in the summer term.
4. Therefore, I am filing this appeal under The Academic Regulations for the Faculty of Arts and Science.
Grounds:
a) That The Academic Regulations for the Faculty of Arts and Science 3.3.1.8 lists out the requirements a request to waive a requirement to withdraw for one year, the relevant wording of which is copied here for ease of reference:
“..petition requesting that a requirement to withdraw be waived must clearly demonstrate how significantly extenuating circumstances, beyond the student’s control, affected their academic performance. In cases where the extenuating circumstances have been temporary, the student should indicate and document how the circumstances have been overcome and why the student is confident that they will not continue to be a factor in academic performance. In cases where the extenuating circumstances are ongoing rather than temporary, the student should also indicate and document how these personal challenges will be managed if the requirement to withdraw is waived. A medical certificate or other official documentation that demonstrates the impact of the extenuating circumstances must be provided with the petition…”
Appeal Letter
Appeal Letter:
1. For context to the scenario, it is essential to provide a brief outline of the facts at hand.
2. I was informed by the faculty on 23-05-2023 that I would be required to withdraw from my academics for a period of one year and that this was due to my academic performance. (A copy of the decision is attached herewith as Annex A)
3. Consequently, I filed a petition letter challenging the decision and got a decision dated 05.06.2023 denying my petition on the grounds that;
I. My petition did not demonstrate that my extenuating circumstances are being managed in a way that would allow me to be successful in future classes;
II. That the decision of the faculty is justified in that I have demonstrated a lack of awareness of how to manage my academics as I registered in 15.0 units in the summer term.
4. Therefore, I am filing this appeal under The Academic Regulations for the Faculty of Arts and Science.
- Extenuating circumstances
• That I got into a severe accident around the time of the end of 2020, which not only left me in a state of severe anxiety and distress, but it also affected my brain to the extent that it left me unable to focus on anything at all, after contusions to the brain.
(A medical diagnosis after the accident is attached herewith at as Annex B)
• Furthermore, it is essential to point out here that I have received not only a private diagnosis but also a medical diagnosis from the Queen’s Student Accessibility Services where they evaluated my mental health condition after asking my doctor and also provided documentation of my diagnosis. The relevant parts of the diagnosis are as follows;
- Diagnosis: Post-concussion syndrome
Depression/ Anxiety
- Level of severity: Severe
- Physical restrictions: Serious to severe in all categories but Nausea
- Thinking restrictions: Serious to severe in all categories
- Socio- Emotional: Serious to severe in all but one category
- Academic impacts: Serious to severe in all categories
- Comments: “needs more time to complete her tasks, difficulty concentrating”
(The medical diagnosis is attached herewith as Annex C)
b) I have not only explained the set of circumstances which describe what happened, but I have also presented medical evidence which is verified and attested by the University’s own student accessibility service. These circumstances indisputably fulfill the requirements set out in the rule mentioned above as; they are significantly extenuating circumstances; out of my control and affected my academic performance.
c) Furthermore, I have not only presented proof of my extenuating circumstances, but I have also shown an ability to progress and manage these problems in a way that would allow me to be successful in future classes.
d) The decision dated 05.06.2023 is based on the fact of my regression in courses after my injury, I had to complete 30 credits for my sociology program and it took me a while but I have officially completed 15 after pushing forward. My doctor said this is only something that takes time, whereas the decision fails to account for the fact that the duration of this term represented the time where I was at my most vulnerable, I was struggling to focus not only on academics but also spheres of my social and private life, it was truly the most challenging time of my life to date. However, the disputed decision takes into account my performance solely for the time where I was at my worst and has failed to account for my term from January 2023 to May 2023, in which I took up the minimum requirement for 3 courses and passed each and every single one of them, a fact which can be attested by my grades, and submitted all my work. Furthermore, it is essential to mention that my ability to manage my courses is being adjudicated on the fact that I took on 5 courses for the current term and it is being represented as me being unable to manage my courses whereas I would argue that it only represents my progress and willingness to improve by keeping in mind a challenge which will motivate me to do even better.
e) I believe it is unequitable and unjust to single out my academic performance for the summer term without considering the genuine academic progress I have made over the past few months, after the mental work I have put into myself to find the motivation to complete my courses and pass, when that was a struggle of mine I did overcome.
f) I believe I have presented sufficient evidence to demonstrate that I had significant extenuating circumstances which were out of my control, and they genuinely affected my academic performance. Not only that but by improving my grades I have shown a real ability to tackle my severe anxiety by really pushing myself to work really hard. It is significant to mention here that this last year represents the most challenging time of my life not only academically but in all aspects of my life, however, I have made genuine efforts to overcome my problems, be it personal, social, or academic and if I am given a chance to continue my year, I will be motivated to work even harder. A withdrawal from the university would not only set me back academically but would also lay waste to continuous hard-work I have put in to improve myself over the past year and if given the chance I only see myself improving from here.
g) This appeal sufficiently covers the reasons refusal listed out in the decision dated 05.06.2023 and therefore it is my request that I be granted a waiver for the requirement to withdraw for one year in line with guidelines provided in The Academic Regulations for the Faculty of Arts and Science 3.3.1.8.
1. For context to the scenario, it is essential to provide a brief outline of the facts at hand.
2. I was informed by the faculty on 23-05-2023 that I would be required to withdraw from my academics for a period of one year and that this was due to my academic performance. (A copy of the decision is attached herewith as Annex A)
3. Consequently, I filed a petition letter challenging the decision and got a decision dated 05.06.2023 denying my petition on the grounds that;
I. My petition did not demonstrate that my extenuating circumstances are being managed in a way that would allow me to be successful in future classes;
II. That the decision of the faculty is justified in that I have demonstrated a lack of awareness of how to manage my academics as I registered in 15.0 units in the summer term.
4. Therefore, I am filing this appeal under The Academic Regulations for the Faculty of Arts and Science.
- Extenuating circumstances
• That I got into a severe accident around the time of the end of 2020, which not only left me in a state of severe anxiety and distress, but it also affected my brain to the extent that it left me unable to focus on anything at all, after contusions to the brain.
(A medical diagnosis after the accident is attached herewith at as Annex B)
• Furthermore, it is essential to point out here that I have received not only a private diagnosis but also a medical diagnosis from the Queen’s Student Accessibility Services where they evaluated my mental health condition after asking my doctor and also provided documentation of my diagnosis. The relevant parts of the diagnosis are as follows;
- Diagnosis: Post-concussion syndrome
Depression/ Anxiety
- Level of severity: Severe
- Physical restrictions: Serious to severe in all categories but Nausea
- Thinking restrictions: Serious to severe in all categories
- Socio- Emotional: Serious to severe in all but one category
- Academic impacts: Serious to severe in all categories
- Comments: “needs more time to complete her tasks, difficulty concentrating”
(The medical diagnosis is attached herewith as Annex C)
b) I have not only explained the set of circumstances which describe what happened, but I have also presented medical evidence which is verified and attested by the University’s own student accessibility service. These circumstances indisputably fulfill the requirements set out in the rule mentioned above as; they are significantly extenuating circumstances; out of my control and affected my academic performance.
c) Furthermore, I have not only presented proof of my extenuating circumstances, but I have also shown an ability to progress and manage these problems in a way that would allow me to be successful in future classes.
d) The decision dated 05.06.2023 is based on the fact of my regression in courses after my injury, I had to complete 30 credits for my sociology program and it took me a while but I have officially completed 15 after pushing forward. My doctor said this is only something that takes time, whereas the decision fails to account for the fact that the duration of this term represented the time where I was at my most vulnerable, I was struggling to focus not only on academics but also spheres of my social and private life, it was truly the most challenging time of my life to date. However, the disputed decision takes into account my performance solely for the time where I was at my worst and has failed to account for my term from January 2023 to May 2023, in which I took up the minimum requirement for 3 courses and passed each and every single one of them, a fact which can be attested by my grades, and submitted all my work. Furthermore, it is essential to mention that my ability to manage my courses is being adjudicated on the fact that I took on 5 courses for the current term and it is being represented as me being unable to manage my courses whereas I would argue that it only represents my progress and willingness to improve by keeping in mind a challenge which will motivate me to do even better.
e) I believe it is unequitable and unjust to single out my academic performance for the summer term without considering the genuine academic progress I have made over the past few months, after the mental work I have put into myself to find the motivation to complete my courses and pass, when that was a struggle of mine I did overcome.
f) I believe I have presented sufficient evidence to demonstrate that I had significant extenuating circumstances which were out of my control, and they genuinely affected my academic performance. Not only that but by improving my grades I have shown a real ability to tackle my severe anxiety by really pushing myself to work really hard. It is significant to mention here that this last year represents the most challenging time of my life not only academically but in all aspects of my life, however, I have made genuine efforts to overcome my problems, be it personal, social, or academic and if I am given a chance to continue my year, I will be motivated to work even harder. A withdrawal from the university would not only set me back academically but would also lay waste to continuous hard-work I have put in to improve myself over the past year and if given the chance I only see myself improving from here.
g) This appeal sufficiently covers the reasons refusal listed out in the decision dated 05.06.2023 and therefore it is my request that I be granted a waiver for the requirement to withdraw for one year in line with guidelines provided in The Academic Regulations for the Faculty of Arts and Science 3.3.1.8.
Documentation
Decision Letters
Level 2 Amendments
Appeal Type: Level 2 Amendment
ID: 170
Submitted: June 15, 2023 at 11:19:58 PM
Relevant Petition: 10554
New Information:
Student Name: Neha Haider
Student Email: 18nh20@queensu.ca
20153067
Appeal Against decision dated 05.06.2023 by the Dean
Facts:
1. For context to the scenario, it is essential to provide a brief outline of the facts at hand.
2. I was informed by the faculty on 23-05-2023 that I would be required to withdraw from my academics for a period of one year and that this was due to my academic performance. (A copy of the decision is attached herewith as Annex A)
3. Consequently, I filed a petition letter challenging the decision and got a decision dated 05.06.2023 denying my petition on the grounds that;
I. My petition did not demonstrate that my extenuating circumstances are being managed in a way that would allow me to be successful in future classes;
II. That the decision of the faculty is justified in that I have demonstrated a lack of awareness of how to manage my academics as I registered in 15.0 units in the summer term.
4. Therefore, I am filing this appeal under The Academic Regulations for the Faculty of Arts and Science.
Grounds:
a) That The Academic Regulations for the Faculty of Arts and Science 3.3.1.8 lists out the requirements a request to waive a requirement to withdraw for one year, the relevant wording of which is copied here for ease of reference:
“..petition requesting that a requirement to withdraw be waived must clearly demonstrate how significantly extenuating circumstances, beyond the student’s control, affected their academic performance. In cases where the extenuating circumstances have been temporary, the student should indicate and document how the circumstances have been overcome and why the student is confident that they will not continue to be a factor in academic performance. In cases where the extenuating circumstances are ongoing rather than temporary, the student should also indicate and document how these personal challenges will be managed if the requirement to withdraw is waived. A medical certificate or other official documentation that demonstrates the impact of the extenuating circumstances must be provided with the petition…”
- Extenuating circumstances
• That I got into a severe accident around the time of the end of 2020, which not only left me in a state of severe anxiety and distress, but it also affected my brain to the extent that it left me unable to focus on anything at all, after contusions to the brain.
(A medical diagnosis after the accident is attached herewith at as Annex B)
• Furthermore, it is essential to point out here that I have received not only a private diagnosis but also a medical diagnosis from the Queen’s Student Accessibility Services where they evaluated my mental health condition after asking my doctor and also provided documentation of my diagnosis. The relevant parts of the diagnosis are as follows;
- Diagnosis: Post-concussion syndrome
Depression/ Anxiety
- Level of severity: Severe
- Physical restrictions: Serious to severe in all categories but Nausea
- Thinking restrictions: Serious to severe in all categories
- Socio- Emotional: Serious to severe in all but one category
- Academic impacts: Serious to severe in all categories
- Comments: “needs more time to complete her tasks, difficulty concentrating”
(The medical diagnosis is attached herewith as Annex C)
b) I have not only explained the set of circumstances which describe what happened, but I have also presented medical evidence which is verified and attested by the University’s own student accessibility service. These circumstances indisputably fulfill the requirements set out in the rule mentioned above as; they are significantly extenuating circumstances; out of my control and affected my academic performance.
c) Furthermore, I have not only presented proof of my extenuating circumstances, but I have also shown an ability to progress and manage these problems in a way that would allow me to be successful in future classes.
d) The decision dated 05.06.2023 is based on the fact of my regression in courses after my injury, I had to complete 30 credits for my sociology program and it took me a while but I have officially completed 15 after pushing forward. My doctor said this is only something that takes time, whereas the decision fails to account for the fact that the duration of this term represented the time where I was at my most vulnerable, I was struggling to focus not only on academics but also spheres of my social and private life, it was truly the most challenging time of my life to date. However, the disputed decision takes into account my performance solely for the time where I was at my worst and has failed to account for my term from January 2023 to May 2023, in which I took up the minimum requirement for 3 courses and passed each and every single one of them, a fact which can be attested by my grades, and submitted all my work. Furthermore, it is essential to mention that my ability to manage my courses is being adjudicated on the fact that I took on 5 courses for the current term and it is being represented as me being unable to manage my courses whereas I would argue that it only represents my progress and willingness to improve by keeping in mind a challenge which will motivate me to do even better.
e) I believe it is unequitable and unjust to single out my academic performance for the summer term without considering the genuine academic progress I have made over the past few months, after the mental work I have put into myself to find the motivation to complete my courses and pass, when that was a struggle of mine I did overcome.
f) I believe I have presented sufficient evidence to demonstrate that I had significant extenuating circumstances which were out of my control, and they genuinely affected my academic performance. Not only that but by improving my grades I have shown a real ability to tackle my severe anxiety by really pushing myself to work really hard. It is significant to mention here that this last year represents the most challenging time of my life not only academically but in all aspects of my life, however, I have made genuine efforts to overcome my problems, be it personal, social, or academic and if I am given a chance to continue my year, I will be motivated to work even harder. A withdrawal from the university would not only set me back academically but would also lay waste to continuous hard-work I have put in to improve myself over the past year and if given the chance I only see myself improving from here.
g) This appeal sufficiently covers the reasons refusal listed out in the decision dated 05.06.2023 and therefore it is my request that I be granted a waiver for the requirement to withdraw for one year in line with guidelines provided in The Academic Regulations for the Faculty of Arts and Science 3.3.1.8.
Student Name: Neha Haider
Student Email: 18nh20@queensu.ca
20153067
Appeal Against decision dated 05.06.2023 by the Dean
Facts:
1. For context to the scenario, it is essential to provide a brief outline of the facts at hand.
2. I was informed by the faculty on 23-05-2023 that I would be required to withdraw from my academics for a period of one year and that this was due to my academic performance. (A copy of the decision is attached herewith as Annex A)
3. Consequently, I filed a petition letter challenging the decision and got a decision dated 05.06.2023 denying my petition on the grounds that;
I. My petition did not demonstrate that my extenuating circumstances are being managed in a way that would allow me to be successful in future classes;
II. That the decision of the faculty is justified in that I have demonstrated a lack of awareness of how to manage my academics as I registered in 15.0 units in the summer term.
4. Therefore, I am filing this appeal under The Academic Regulations for the Faculty of Arts and Science.
Grounds:
a) That The Academic Regulations for the Faculty of Arts and Science 3.3.1.8 lists out the requirements a request to waive a requirement to withdraw for one year, the relevant wording of which is copied here for ease of reference:
“..petition requesting that a requirement to withdraw be waived must clearly demonstrate how significantly extenuating circumstances, beyond the student’s control, affected their academic performance. In cases where the extenuating circumstances have been temporary, the student should indicate and document how the circumstances have been overcome and why the student is confident that they will not continue to be a factor in academic performance. In cases where the extenuating circumstances are ongoing rather than temporary, the student should also indicate and document how these personal challenges will be managed if the requirement to withdraw is waived. A medical certificate or other official documentation that demonstrates the impact of the extenuating circumstances must be provided with the petition…”
- Extenuating circumstances
• That I got into a severe accident around the time of the end of 2020, which not only left me in a state of severe anxiety and distress, but it also affected my brain to the extent that it left me unable to focus on anything at all, after contusions to the brain.
(A medical diagnosis after the accident is attached herewith at as Annex B)
• Furthermore, it is essential to point out here that I have received not only a private diagnosis but also a medical diagnosis from the Queen’s Student Accessibility Services where they evaluated my mental health condition after asking my doctor and also provided documentation of my diagnosis. The relevant parts of the diagnosis are as follows;
- Diagnosis: Post-concussion syndrome
Depression/ Anxiety
- Level of severity: Severe
- Physical restrictions: Serious to severe in all categories but Nausea
- Thinking restrictions: Serious to severe in all categories
- Socio- Emotional: Serious to severe in all but one category
- Academic impacts: Serious to severe in all categories
- Comments: “needs more time to complete her tasks, difficulty concentrating”
(The medical diagnosis is attached herewith as Annex C)
b) I have not only explained the set of circumstances which describe what happened, but I have also presented medical evidence which is verified and attested by the University’s own student accessibility service. These circumstances indisputably fulfill the requirements set out in the rule mentioned above as; they are significantly extenuating circumstances; out of my control and affected my academic performance.
c) Furthermore, I have not only presented proof of my extenuating circumstances, but I have also shown an ability to progress and manage these problems in a way that would allow me to be successful in future classes.
d) The decision dated 05.06.2023 is based on the fact of my regression in courses after my injury, I had to complete 30 credits for my sociology program and it took me a while but I have officially completed 15 after pushing forward. My doctor said this is only something that takes time, whereas the decision fails to account for the fact that the duration of this term represented the time where I was at my most vulnerable, I was struggling to focus not only on academics but also spheres of my social and private life, it was truly the most challenging time of my life to date. However, the disputed decision takes into account my performance solely for the time where I was at my worst and has failed to account for my term from January 2023 to May 2023, in which I took up the minimum requirement for 3 courses and passed each and every single one of them, a fact which can be attested by my grades, and submitted all my work. Furthermore, it is essential to mention that my ability to manage my courses is being adjudicated on the fact that I took on 5 courses for the current term and it is being represented as me being unable to manage my courses whereas I would argue that it only represents my progress and willingness to improve by keeping in mind a challenge which will motivate me to do even better.
e) I believe it is unequitable and unjust to single out my academic performance for the summer term without considering the genuine academic progress I have made over the past few months, after the mental work I have put into myself to find the motivation to complete my courses and pass, when that was a struggle of mine I did overcome.
f) I believe I have presented sufficient evidence to demonstrate that I had significant extenuating circumstances which were out of my control, and they genuinely affected my academic performance. Not only that but by improving my grades I have shown a real ability to tackle my severe anxiety by really pushing myself to work really hard. It is significant to mention here that this last year represents the most challenging time of my life not only academically but in all aspects of my life, however, I have made genuine efforts to overcome my problems, be it personal, social, or academic and if I am given a chance to continue my year, I will be motivated to work even harder. A withdrawal from the university would not only set me back academically but would also lay waste to continuous hard-work I have put in to improve myself over the past year and if given the chance I only see myself improving from here.
g) This appeal sufficiently covers the reasons refusal listed out in the decision dated 05.06.2023 and therefore it is my request that I be granted a waiver for the requirement to withdraw for one year in line with guidelines provided in The Academic Regulations for the Faculty of Arts and Science 3.3.1.8.
Documentation
Appeal Type: Level 2 Amendment
ID: 171
Submitted: June 16, 2023 at 10:38:51 AM
Relevant Petition: 10554
New Information:
Student Name: Neha Haider
Student Email: 18nh20@queensu.ca
20153067
Appeal Against decision dated 05.06.2023 by the Dean
Facts:
1. For context to the scenario, it is essential to provide a brief outline of the facts at hand.
2. I was informed by the faculty on 23-05-2023 that I would be required to withdraw from my academics for a period of one year and that this was due to my academic performance. (A copy of the decision is attached herewith as Annex A)
3. Consequently, I filed a petition letter challenging the decision and got a decision dated 05.06.2023 denying my petition on the grounds that;
I. My petition did not demonstrate that my extenuating circumstances are being managed in a way that would allow me to be successful in future classes;
II. That the decision of the faculty is justified in that I have demonstrated a lack of awareness of how to manage my academics as I registered in 15.0 units in the summer term.
4. Therefore, I am filing this appeal under The Academic Regulations for the Faculty of Arts and Science.
Grounds:
a) That The Academic Regulations for the Faculty of Arts and Science 3.3.1.8 lists out the requirements a request to waive a requirement to withdraw for one year, the relevant wording of which is copied here for ease of reference:
“..petition requesting that a requirement to withdraw be waived must clearly demonstrate how significantly extenuating circumstances, beyond the student’s control, affected their academic performance. In cases where the extenuating circumstances have been temporary, the student should indicate and document how the circumstances have been overcome and why the student is confident that they will not continue to be a factor in academic performance. In cases where the extenuating circumstances are ongoing rather than temporary, the student should also indicate and document how these personal challenges will be managed if the requirement to withdraw is waived. A medical certificate or other official documentation that demonstrates the impact of the extenuating circumstances must be provided with the petition…”
- Extenuating circumstances
• That I got into a severe accident around the time of the end of 2020, which not only left me in a state of severe anxiety and distress, but it also affected my brain to the extent that it left me unable to focus on anything at all, after contusions to the brain.
(A medical diagnosis after the accident is attached herewith at as Annex B)
• Furthermore, it is essential to point out here that I have received not only a private diagnosis but also a medical diagnosis from the Queen’s Student Accessibility Services where they evaluated my mental health condition after asking my doctor and also provided documentation of my diagnosis. The relevant parts of the diagnosis are as follows;
- Diagnosis: Post-concussion syndrome
Depression/ Anxiety
- Level of severity: Severe
- Physical restrictions: Serious to severe in all categories but Nausea
- Thinking restrictions: Serious to severe in all categories
- Socio- Emotional: Serious to severe in all but one category
- Academic impacts: Serious to severe in all categories
- Comments: “needs more time to complete her tasks, difficulty concentrating”
(The medical diagnosis is attached herewith as Annex C)
b) I have not only explained the set of circumstances which describe what happened, but I have also presented medical evidence which is verified and attested by the University’s own student accessibility service. These circumstances indisputably fulfill the requirements set out in the rule mentioned above as; they are significantly extenuating circumstances; out of my control and affected my academic performance.
c) Furthermore, I have not only presented proof of my extenuating circumstances, but I have also shown an ability to progress and manage these problems in a way that would allow me to be successful in future classes.
d) The decision dated 05.06.2023 is based on the fact of my regression in courses after my injury, I had to complete 30 credits for my sociology program and it took me a while but I have officially completed 15 after pushing forward. My doctor said this is only something that takes time, whereas the decision fails to account for the fact that the duration of this term represented the time where I was at my most vulnerable, I was struggling to focus not only on academics but also spheres of my social and private life, it was truly the most challenging time of my life to date. However, the disputed decision takes into account my performance solely for the time where I was at my worst and has failed to account for my term from January 2023 to May 2023, in which I took up the minimum requirement for 3 courses and passed each and every single one of them, a fact which can be attested by my grades, and submitted all my work. Furthermore, it is essential to mention that my ability to manage my courses is being adjudicated on the fact that I took on 5 courses for the current term and it is being represented as me being unable to manage my courses whereas I would argue that it only represents my progress and willingness to improve by keeping in mind a challenge which will motivate me to do even better.
e) I believe it is unequitable and unjust to single out my academic performance for the summer term without considering the genuine academic progress I have made over the past few months, after the mental work I have put into myself to find the motivation to complete my courses and pass, when that was a struggle of mine I did overcome.
f) I believe I have presented sufficient evidence to demonstrate that I had significant extenuating circumstances which were out of my control, and they genuinely affected my academic performance. Not only that but by improving my grades I have shown a real ability to tackle my severe anxiety by really pushing myself to work really hard. It is significant to mention here that this last year represents the most challenging time of my life not only academically but in all aspects of my life, however, I have made genuine efforts to overcome my problems, be it personal, social, or academic and if I am given a chance to continue my year, I will be motivated to work even harder. A withdrawal from the university would not only set me back academically but would also lay waste to continuous hard-work I have put in to improve myself over the past year and if given the chance I only see myself improving from here.
g) This appeal sufficiently covers the reasons refusal listed out in the decision dated 05.06.2023 and therefore it is my request that I be granted a waiver for the requirement to withdraw for one year in line with guidelines provided in The Academic Regulations for the Faculty of Arts and Science 3.3.1.8.
Student Name: Neha Haider
Student Email: 18nh20@queensu.ca
20153067
Appeal Against decision dated 05.06.2023 by the Dean
Facts:
1. For context to the scenario, it is essential to provide a brief outline of the facts at hand.
2. I was informed by the faculty on 23-05-2023 that I would be required to withdraw from my academics for a period of one year and that this was due to my academic performance. (A copy of the decision is attached herewith as Annex A)
3. Consequently, I filed a petition letter challenging the decision and got a decision dated 05.06.2023 denying my petition on the grounds that;
I. My petition did not demonstrate that my extenuating circumstances are being managed in a way that would allow me to be successful in future classes;
II. That the decision of the faculty is justified in that I have demonstrated a lack of awareness of how to manage my academics as I registered in 15.0 units in the summer term.
4. Therefore, I am filing this appeal under The Academic Regulations for the Faculty of Arts and Science.
Grounds:
a) That The Academic Regulations for the Faculty of Arts and Science 3.3.1.8 lists out the requirements a request to waive a requirement to withdraw for one year, the relevant wording of which is copied here for ease of reference:
“..petition requesting that a requirement to withdraw be waived must clearly demonstrate how significantly extenuating circumstances, beyond the student’s control, affected their academic performance. In cases where the extenuating circumstances have been temporary, the student should indicate and document how the circumstances have been overcome and why the student is confident that they will not continue to be a factor in academic performance. In cases where the extenuating circumstances are ongoing rather than temporary, the student should also indicate and document how these personal challenges will be managed if the requirement to withdraw is waived. A medical certificate or other official documentation that demonstrates the impact of the extenuating circumstances must be provided with the petition…”
- Extenuating circumstances
• That I got into a severe accident around the time of the end of 2020, which not only left me in a state of severe anxiety and distress, but it also affected my brain to the extent that it left me unable to focus on anything at all, after contusions to the brain.
(A medical diagnosis after the accident is attached herewith at as Annex B)
• Furthermore, it is essential to point out here that I have received not only a private diagnosis but also a medical diagnosis from the Queen’s Student Accessibility Services where they evaluated my mental health condition after asking my doctor and also provided documentation of my diagnosis. The relevant parts of the diagnosis are as follows;
- Diagnosis: Post-concussion syndrome
Depression/ Anxiety
- Level of severity: Severe
- Physical restrictions: Serious to severe in all categories but Nausea
- Thinking restrictions: Serious to severe in all categories
- Socio- Emotional: Serious to severe in all but one category
- Academic impacts: Serious to severe in all categories
- Comments: “needs more time to complete her tasks, difficulty concentrating”
(The medical diagnosis is attached herewith as Annex C)
b) I have not only explained the set of circumstances which describe what happened, but I have also presented medical evidence which is verified and attested by the University’s own student accessibility service. These circumstances indisputably fulfill the requirements set out in the rule mentioned above as; they are significantly extenuating circumstances; out of my control and affected my academic performance.
c) Furthermore, I have not only presented proof of my extenuating circumstances, but I have also shown an ability to progress and manage these problems in a way that would allow me to be successful in future classes.
d) The decision dated 05.06.2023 is based on the fact of my regression in courses after my injury, I had to complete 30 credits for my sociology program and it took me a while but I have officially completed 15 after pushing forward. My doctor said this is only something that takes time, whereas the decision fails to account for the fact that the duration of this term represented the time where I was at my most vulnerable, I was struggling to focus not only on academics but also spheres of my social and private life, it was truly the most challenging time of my life to date. However, the disputed decision takes into account my performance solely for the time where I was at my worst and has failed to account for my term from January 2023 to May 2023, in which I took up the minimum requirement for 3 courses and passed each and every single one of them, a fact which can be attested by my grades, and submitted all my work. Furthermore, it is essential to mention that my ability to manage my courses is being adjudicated on the fact that I took on 5 courses for the current term and it is being represented as me being unable to manage my courses whereas I would argue that it only represents my progress and willingness to improve by keeping in mind a challenge which will motivate me to do even better.
e) I believe it is unequitable and unjust to single out my academic performance for the summer term without considering the genuine academic progress I have made over the past few months, after the mental work I have put into myself to find the motivation to complete my courses and pass, when that was a struggle of mine I did overcome.
f) I believe I have presented sufficient evidence to demonstrate that I had significant extenuating circumstances which were out of my control, and they genuinely affected my academic performance. Not only that but by improving my grades I have shown a real ability to tackle my severe anxiety by really pushing myself to work really hard. It is significant to mention here that this last year represents the most challenging time of my life not only academically but in all aspects of my life, however, I have made genuine efforts to overcome my problems, be it personal, social, or academic and if I am given a chance to continue my year, I will be motivated to work even harder. A withdrawal from the university would not only set me back academically but would also lay waste to continuous hard-work I have put in to improve myself over the past year and if given the chance I only see myself improving from here.
g) This appeal sufficiently covers the reasons refusal listed out in the decision dated 05.06.2023 and therefore it is my request that I be granted a waiver for the requirement to withdraw for one year in line with guidelines provided in The Academic Regulations for the Faculty of Arts and Science 3.3.1.8.