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Petition Type: New
ID: 10781
Submitted: July 10, 2023 at 5:31:33 AM
First Name: LYU
Last Name: YOUYANG
Pronoun: She
Preferred Name: Leah
Student Number: 20322120
Degree Program: BA
Plan: ENGL
Level of Study: 1

Petition Categories

Petition Categories: Waive the requirement to withdraw for one year

Petition Letter

Petition Letter: I am writing to you to explain my special circumstances that have affected my academic performance at the university. Since November 2022, I have been struggling with depression, which has had a profound impact on my ability to meet the school's requirements. I feel it is essential to provide a detailed account of my experiences to help you understand why my performance has suffered.

In November 2022, I began experiencing a persistent low mood, which led me to seek help from the university. After a diagnosis from the school, it was confirmed that I was suffering from depression. At that time, I started feeling a sense of despair about life, and an inner voice constantly told me that I should not continue living. These thoughts and emotions were overwhelming and made it incredibly challenging for me to focus on my studies.

Throughout high school, I was an exceptional student, achieving excellent grades. Even when I entered university, I strived to complete every task assigned by my professors. However, as time went on, I became increasingly anxious with each subsequent assignment. The pressure to excel and the fear of not meeting my own high expectations caused immense distress. As a result, I started experiencing difficulty falling asleep and was frequently awakened by nightmares during the night. The lack of proper sleep left me exhausted and unable to concentrate in class the following day.

The persistent anxiety further hindered my ability to focus and relax. I found it extremely challenging to maintain attention during lectures and to calm my mind. This ongoing internal struggle caused me immense pain, leaving me feeling helpless and emotionally unstable. Consequently, my mood swings became more pronounced, exacerbating the already difficult situation.

Realizing that something was wrong, I sought help from various university resources. Since November 2022, I have made multiple attempts to meet with the SWS Counselling Services, and I have also reached out to several professors and academic advisors, such as Professor Simpson, Professor Reeves, Dr. Fanning, Professor Daralyn, and others, to express my struggles with depression and anxiety.

In March 2023, my condition worsened, leading to another diagnosis of moderate depression by the university in April. Despite my best efforts to continue studying, I found myself constantly battling the physical and mental exhaustion caused by depression. Consequently, I was unable to complete some course requirements, including assignments and exams, resulting in a significantly low GPA. I have been deeply distressed by this situation, and out of fear of worrying my parents, I have chosen not to disclose these challenges to them. I have been coping with depression on my own, while simultaneously trying not to disappoint the professors who have shown me great support and have high expectations of me. I am aware that they have done everything in their power to help me overcome the voice within me that has been holding me back.

As of May 16, 2023, I have returned to China and sought comprehensive treatment for my mental health at a specialized psychiatric hospital. I have been undergoing systematic therapy, which includes medication and psychological interventions. I am pleased to inform you that my condition has significantly improved. I have regained my motivation and ability to engage in both academic pursuits and daily life activities. My doctor has assured me that with another month of treatment, my condition will be well within my control.

Academic Plan

Academic Plan: I wanted to discuss my academic pathway and create a detailed study plan to ensure my success. Considering the challenges I faced in the past, I will address your questions regarding course content difficulty, time management, coursework fulfillment, attendance, and any extraordinary situational demands.

Regarding course content, I did find it difficult to follow along in lectures and understand the required reading due to my struggle with depression. To overcome this, I plan to utilize effective note-taking strategies during lectures, seek clarification from professors or classmates when needed, and dedicate more time to thorough reading and comprehension.

In terms of coursework, I found it extremely onerous, which led to a lack of fulfillment and interest. To tackle this, I will break down assignments into smaller tasks, create a study schedule to manage my time efficiently, and actively seek out resources such as tutoring or study groups to enhance my understanding and engagement. Time management has been a challenge for me in the past. To address this, I will implement a structured daily and weekly schedule, prioritize tasks based on deadlines and importance, and utilize time management tools or apps to track my progress and ensure the timely completion of assignments and exam preparation.

Attendance has been affected due to my mental health struggles. To overcome this, I will make a conscious effort to attend all classes, actively participate, and take advantage of any make-up sessions or recorded lectures provided by professors in case of absences.

In summary, my study plan for the Fall 2023 semester includes improving comprehension through effective note-taking and seeking clarification, breaking down assignments and creating a study schedule for better time management, actively engaging in coursework through resources and support, prioritizing attendance, and maintaining my mental health through ongoing treatment.

I am dedicated to regaining my academic excellence and performing to the best of my abilities. Your guidance and support in this process would be greatly appreciated.

If I can enroll in 2023 fall I will retake the failed courses ENGL100, DRAM100, and MUTH111.

Here is a detailed study plan for each of the courses I plan to enroll in:

ENGL100
-Review the course syllabus and identify potential challenging areas.
-Attend all lectures and actively participate in class discussions.
-Develop a systematic approach for completing assigned readings and writing assignments.
-Seek assistance from the professor or the Writing Center for feedback and guidance.

DRAM100
-Familiarize myself with the course material and required readings in advance.
-Take detailed notes during lectures and engage in group discussions.
-Break down complex topics and concepts into manageable sections for better understanding.
-Allocate sufficient time for rehearsals and performance preparation.

MUTH111
-Create a study schedule to ensure regular practice sessions.
-Seek additional resources, such as online tutorials or study guides, to supplement the course material.
-Form study groups with classmates to discuss and practice music theory concepts.
-Consult the professor or teaching assistant for clarification on challenging topics.
-In addition to these specific study plans, I have evaluated my academic pathway and made some adjustments for success.

Short-term Plan:
-Course Selection
Next semester, I have selected these courses based on their relevance to my intended major and personal interest.
The chosen courses align with my long-term academic and career goals.
-GPA Target
I have set a GPA target (2.0) for 2023 Fall based on my desire to improve my academic standing and demonstrate my potential.
I am confident that with dedication and consistent effort, I can achieve this target.

The strategies my plan to use to assist my perform

1.I plan to meet regularly with my academic advisor and seek tutoring for my challenging courses.
2.I will regularly visit SWS Counselling Services to keep the counselor updated on my psychological well-being.
3.During classes, I will immediately approach professors when I encounter difficulties. If I have questions while doing homework at home, I will make note of them and send an email to the professors.
4.I am aware that the university provides numerous libraries with resources such as journals and books, which will assist me in citing relevant sources in my papers.
5.Student Academic Success Services is an excellent resource. SASS team members can help me improve my writing skills and also guide me to avoid academic misconduct, such as plagiarism and improper citations. If I encounter any writing-related issues, I can seek assistance from SASS.
6.I have returned to China and admitted to a specialized psychiatric hospital for treatment. I am cooperating with the doctors to ensure that depression will no longer affect me in the future.
7.After returning to school, I will schedule an appointment with my academic advisor. I will discuss course selection with my advisor, as I believe a well-planned course load can contribute to my academic success.
8.I have made all necessary preparations, and even if my petition is not approved, I will not lose hope. After all, the professors at the university have given me numerous reasons and confidence to persevere. This is also why I have chosen to write the petition and remain at Queen's University because I am grateful for the teachers who have supported and never given up on me.

Documentation

Professional Letter: Counselling Letter-2023-1.pdf
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History

Originally submitted July 10, 2023 at 5:31:33 AM.

FieldReferenceOld ValueNew ValueNoteUserDate/Time
statusN/AReceivedWithdrawnSpring Forsberg2023-07-10 10:28:43 AM