Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 10614
Submitted: June 2, 2023 at 1:23:05 PM
First Name: Abdul
Last Name: Shaikh
Pronoun: he/him
Preferred Name: mahib
Student Number: 20353369
Email: 21amas@queensu.ca
Degree Program: COMP-M-BCH
Plan: computing
Level of Study: 1
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Waive the requirement to withdraw for one year
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: I am composing this application to respectfully seek a waiver for the mandatory one-year withdrawal due to my unsatisfactory academic performance. I am fully aware of the gravity of this situation and recognize its potential impact on my academic progress at Queen's University. However, I firmly believe that my circumstances warrant special consideration as they were beyond my control and had a direct and profound effect on my academic capabilities.
Throughout the previous academic year, I encountered a series of personal challenges that proved to be overwhelmingly difficult. These unavoidable circumstances had a significant impact on my overall well-being, consequently affecting my academic performance. I would like to shed light on the following factors that contributed to my unsatisfactory academic progress:
Psychological Challenge: Over the course of the year, I faced an immense psychological challenge due to my mother's deteriorating mental health. As her only child, I had to leave her alone in my hometown while she underwent psychiatric treatment. The responsibility of ensuring her well-being and providing support from a distance had a severe mental impact on me. The constant worry, guilt, and helplessness I experienced adversely affected my ability to concentrate and excel academically.
Adjustment to a New Environment: Relocating to Kingston and commencing my university journey in an unfamiliar place added to the emotional burden I was already carrying. The cultural differences, coupled with the absence of familiar faces and support networks, posed significant challenges in adapting to my new surroundings. The sense of isolation and disconnection from my usual sources of emotional support kept me mentally disturbed for a considerable portion of the year.
The combination of these circumstances created a perfect storm of emotional turmoil that hindered my academic progress. I want to emphasize my unwavering commitment to my education and the deep value I place on the opportunities provided by Queen's University. However, the weight of these exceptional challenges significantly affected my ability to perform at my true potential.
Professor Peter Taylor is fully aware of my situation. When the circumstances became overwhelming, I opened myself with him, who with his counselling, helped me try to overcome through my depression. He has been supporting me throughout my recovery.
I even attended the counselling session at the student wellness centre.
I humbly request the university administration to reconsider the requirement for me to withdraw for one year and kindly grant me a waiver, allowing me the opportunity to repeat my first-year courses and improve my GPA.
I am fully dedicated to addressing and overcoming the challenges I have faced. I have taken proactive steps to establish a network of friends and seek guidance within the university community. Furthermore, I have made efforts to arrange for my mother to stay with my relatives, ensuring she is not left alone. She now possesses a CANADA visit visa, permitting her to stay with me for a few months each year. For this I have rented a 1-bedroom apartment at Unity Point so that my mother can be with me during her Canada visit. With these proactive measures in place, I am confident in my ability to enhance my academic performance.
I fully understand and appreciate the significance of maintaining academic standards at Queen's, and I assure you that I am determined to make significant improvements in my academic performance. I am willing to comply with any conditions or alternative measures that the university deems necessary to support my progress. I am open to participating in academic counseling, tutoring programs, or any additional support systems that will contribute to my academic success.
I kindly request your compassion and understanding as you review my appeal. Granting this waiver would not only allow me to regain my academic momentum but also enable me to make a positive contribution to the vibrant academic community at Queen's. I sincerely appreciate your time and consideration in evaluating my petition, and I eagerly await your response.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Yours sincerely,
Mahib Shaikh
Throughout the previous academic year, I encountered a series of personal challenges that proved to be overwhelmingly difficult. These unavoidable circumstances had a significant impact on my overall well-being, consequently affecting my academic performance. I would like to shed light on the following factors that contributed to my unsatisfactory academic progress:
Psychological Challenge: Over the course of the year, I faced an immense psychological challenge due to my mother's deteriorating mental health. As her only child, I had to leave her alone in my hometown while she underwent psychiatric treatment. The responsibility of ensuring her well-being and providing support from a distance had a severe mental impact on me. The constant worry, guilt, and helplessness I experienced adversely affected my ability to concentrate and excel academically.
Adjustment to a New Environment: Relocating to Kingston and commencing my university journey in an unfamiliar place added to the emotional burden I was already carrying. The cultural differences, coupled with the absence of familiar faces and support networks, posed significant challenges in adapting to my new surroundings. The sense of isolation and disconnection from my usual sources of emotional support kept me mentally disturbed for a considerable portion of the year.
The combination of these circumstances created a perfect storm of emotional turmoil that hindered my academic progress. I want to emphasize my unwavering commitment to my education and the deep value I place on the opportunities provided by Queen's University. However, the weight of these exceptional challenges significantly affected my ability to perform at my true potential.
Professor Peter Taylor is fully aware of my situation. When the circumstances became overwhelming, I opened myself with him, who with his counselling, helped me try to overcome through my depression. He has been supporting me throughout my recovery.
I even attended the counselling session at the student wellness centre.
I humbly request the university administration to reconsider the requirement for me to withdraw for one year and kindly grant me a waiver, allowing me the opportunity to repeat my first-year courses and improve my GPA.
I am fully dedicated to addressing and overcoming the challenges I have faced. I have taken proactive steps to establish a network of friends and seek guidance within the university community. Furthermore, I have made efforts to arrange for my mother to stay with my relatives, ensuring she is not left alone. She now possesses a CANADA visit visa, permitting her to stay with me for a few months each year. For this I have rented a 1-bedroom apartment at Unity Point so that my mother can be with me during her Canada visit. With these proactive measures in place, I am confident in my ability to enhance my academic performance.
I fully understand and appreciate the significance of maintaining academic standards at Queen's, and I assure you that I am determined to make significant improvements in my academic performance. I am willing to comply with any conditions or alternative measures that the university deems necessary to support my progress. I am open to participating in academic counseling, tutoring programs, or any additional support systems that will contribute to my academic success.
I kindly request your compassion and understanding as you review my appeal. Granting this waiver would not only allow me to regain my academic momentum but also enable me to make a positive contribution to the vibrant academic community at Queen's. I sincerely appreciate your time and consideration in evaluating my petition, and I eagerly await your response.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Yours sincerely,
Mahib Shaikh
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: I am writing to provide an overview of my academic plan as I recover from the mental stress I experienced in the previous year. My primary goal is to repeat the year with a renewed commitment to achieve better academic performance. With the invaluable support of my academic advisor and the positive steps I have taken to overcome my situation, I am confident in my ability to excel in all my courses. Below, you will find the key elements of my academic plan:
Acknowledgment and Reflection: I recognize and acknowledge the significant impact that the mental stress had on my academic performance. I have spent time reflecting on the challenges I faced and have identified areas in need of improvement.
Recovery and Mental Well-being: To prioritize my mental well-being and recovery, I have proactively sought support and engaged in counselling or therapy. These efforts have helped me address the underlying causes of my mental stress and develop effective coping mechanisms. I am committed to continuing self-care practices and seeking ongoing support, as necessary.
Repeat Year Commitment: I am fully dedicated to repeating the year to enhance my academic performance. I understand the importance of dedicating ample time and effort to my studies and assignments. I am determined to demonstrate heightened focus, dedication, and consistency in all aspects of my academic pursuits.
Academic Support and Guidance: I appreciate the support and guidance provided by my academic advisor thus far. I will maintain close communication with my advisor to develop a clear academic plan and receive valuable feedback on my progress. I am open to their suggestions and will actively seek their assistance whenever needed.
Course Selection: To align my studies with my academic goals and interests, I will thoroughly review the course requirements and consult with my academic advisor. I will consider the workload of each course, ensuring I have sufficient time for studying, completing assignments, and adequately preparing for exams.
Time Management and Study Skills: Recognizing the importance of effective time management and strong study skills, I will create a structured study plan that includes dedicated time for each course. I will implement proven study strategies, such as active learning, effective note-taking, and regular review, to enhance my understanding and retention of the course material.
Seeking Additional Academic Resources: To maximize my learning experience, I will take full advantage of the academic resources available to me. This includes utilizing tutoring services, academic support centres, and participating actively in study groups. Engaging with these resources will reinforce my understanding of the course material and allow me to seek clarification when needed.
Regular Progress Evaluation: To ensure ongoing improvement, I will regularly assess my progress throughout the year. This will involve setting realistic goals for each course, tracking my progress, and adjusting my study plan and strategies, as necessary. I will actively seek feedback from professors and actively participate in class discussions to ensure comprehension and progress in the subjects.
Communication and Accountability: Maintaining open and proactive communication with my professors will be a priority. I will seek clarification on assignments, actively participate in class discussions, and take full responsibility for my academic performance. I will promptly address any concerns or challenges that may arise, seeking appropriate support when needed.
Wellness and Balance: Recognizing the importance of a healthy work-life balance, I will prioritize self-care activities. This includes engaging in regular exercise, maintaining proper nutrition, getting sufficient sleep, and participating in activities that bring me joy and relaxation. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, I will enhance my ability to focus and perform academically.
Long-Term Goals: I will frequently revisit and reaffirm my long-term academic goals to stay motivated and focused on achieving academic excellence throughout the repeat year and beyond. Keeping these aspirations in mind will serve as a constant reminder of the purpose and significance of my academic journey.
I am sincerely grateful for your understanding, support, and guidance as I embark on this journey to repeat the year for improved academic performance. With determination and confidence, I am committed to implementing this academic plan and achieving the academic excellence I strive for.
Thank you for your continued assistance.
Sincerely,
Acknowledgment and Reflection: I recognize and acknowledge the significant impact that the mental stress had on my academic performance. I have spent time reflecting on the challenges I faced and have identified areas in need of improvement.
Recovery and Mental Well-being: To prioritize my mental well-being and recovery, I have proactively sought support and engaged in counselling or therapy. These efforts have helped me address the underlying causes of my mental stress and develop effective coping mechanisms. I am committed to continuing self-care practices and seeking ongoing support, as necessary.
Repeat Year Commitment: I am fully dedicated to repeating the year to enhance my academic performance. I understand the importance of dedicating ample time and effort to my studies and assignments. I am determined to demonstrate heightened focus, dedication, and consistency in all aspects of my academic pursuits.
Academic Support and Guidance: I appreciate the support and guidance provided by my academic advisor thus far. I will maintain close communication with my advisor to develop a clear academic plan and receive valuable feedback on my progress. I am open to their suggestions and will actively seek their assistance whenever needed.
Course Selection: To align my studies with my academic goals and interests, I will thoroughly review the course requirements and consult with my academic advisor. I will consider the workload of each course, ensuring I have sufficient time for studying, completing assignments, and adequately preparing for exams.
Time Management and Study Skills: Recognizing the importance of effective time management and strong study skills, I will create a structured study plan that includes dedicated time for each course. I will implement proven study strategies, such as active learning, effective note-taking, and regular review, to enhance my understanding and retention of the course material.
Seeking Additional Academic Resources: To maximize my learning experience, I will take full advantage of the academic resources available to me. This includes utilizing tutoring services, academic support centres, and participating actively in study groups. Engaging with these resources will reinforce my understanding of the course material and allow me to seek clarification when needed.
Regular Progress Evaluation: To ensure ongoing improvement, I will regularly assess my progress throughout the year. This will involve setting realistic goals for each course, tracking my progress, and adjusting my study plan and strategies, as necessary. I will actively seek feedback from professors and actively participate in class discussions to ensure comprehension and progress in the subjects.
Communication and Accountability: Maintaining open and proactive communication with my professors will be a priority. I will seek clarification on assignments, actively participate in class discussions, and take full responsibility for my academic performance. I will promptly address any concerns or challenges that may arise, seeking appropriate support when needed.
Wellness and Balance: Recognizing the importance of a healthy work-life balance, I will prioritize self-care activities. This includes engaging in regular exercise, maintaining proper nutrition, getting sufficient sleep, and participating in activities that bring me joy and relaxation. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, I will enhance my ability to focus and perform academically.
Long-Term Goals: I will frequently revisit and reaffirm my long-term academic goals to stay motivated and focused on achieving academic excellence throughout the repeat year and beyond. Keeping these aspirations in mind will serve as a constant reminder of the purpose and significance of my academic journey.
I am sincerely grateful for your understanding, support, and guidance as I embark on this journey to repeat the year for improved academic performance. With determination and confidence, I am committed to implementing this academic plan and achieving the academic excellence I strive for.
Thank you for your continued assistance.
Sincerely,
Documentation
Professional Letter: Supporting document-1.pdf
Document: Supporting document-2.pdf
Document: Tazeen sheikh canada visa-0.pdf
Document: Documentation -0.pdf
Decision Letters
History
Originally submitted June 2, 2023 at 1:23:05 PM.
| Field | Reference | Old Value | New Value | Note | User | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| status | N/A | Received | Incomplete | Spring Forsberg | 2023-06-02 2:16:00 PM | |
| status | N/A | Incomplete | In Review | Spring Forsberg | 2023-06-27 11:08:31 AM | |
| new_information | N/A | Spring Forsberg | 2023-06-27 11:23:58 AM | |||
| professional_letter | N/A | Supporting document-1.pdf | Spring Forsberg | 2023-06-27 11:23:58 AM | ||
| professional_letter_detail | N/A | Spring Forsberg | 2023-06-27 11:23:58 AM | |||
| documentation | N/A | Lease for housing situation in kingston-0.pdf | Spring Forsberg | 2023-06-27 11:23:58 AM | ||
| documentation | N/A | Tazeen sheikh canada visa-0.pdf | Spring Forsberg | 2023-06-27 11:23:58 AM | ||
| documentation | N/A | Documentation -0.pdf | Spring Forsberg | 2023-06-27 11:23:58 AM | ||
| status | N/A | In Review | Granted | Spring Forsberg | 2023-07-06 3:16:34 PM | |
| associate_dean | N/A | Jenn Stephenson, Ph.D. | Spring Forsberg | 2023-07-06 3:16:34 PM | ||
| decision_letter | N/A | N/A | Decision letter sent | Spring Forsberg | 2023-07-06 3:17:46 PM |