Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 12121
Submitted: July 16, 2024 at 8:07:43 AM
First Name: Mahek
Last Name: Dolu
Pronoun: She/Her/Hers
Preferred Name: Mahek
Student Number: 20323608
Email: 21md64@queensu.ca
Degree Program: General Bachelor of Arts
Plan: Mathematics
Level of Study: 2
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Code: CISC 102
Term: Fall
Year: 2022
Petition Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Code: ECON 212
Term: Fall
Year: 2022
Petition Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Code: MATH 111
Term: Fall/Winter
Year: 2022
Petition Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Code: CISC 102
Term: Winter
Year: 2023
Petition Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Code: CISC 121
Term: Winter
Year: 2023
Petition Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Code: FREN 118
Term: Winter
Year: 2023
Petition Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Code: STAT 263
Term: Winter
Year: 2023
Petition Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: Hello Associate Dean,
I hope this email finds you well.
I am writing to formally petition for the waive the requirement to withdraw for one year in order to drop the following failed courses: CISC 102 (Fall, 2022), ECON 212 (Fall, 2022), MATH 111 (Fall/Winter, 2022), CISC 102 (Winter, 2023), CISC 121 (Winter, 2023), FREN 118 (Winter, 2023), STAT 263 (Winter, 2023).
I failed the above mentioned courses during Fall Term 2022 and Winter Term 2023 due to extenuating circumstances that directly impacted my academic performance. I have since successfully addressed these issues with a therapist. Despite fulfilling the 1 year withdrawal, I am petitioning this decision in order to get the above listed courses dropped as a last resort to increase my GPA in order to return to my studies in Computer Science.
During Fall Term 2022 and Winter Term 2023, I faced significant mental health challenges that directly impacted my academic performance, resulting in the failure of the listed courses. It is evident that I had some degree of control over these extenuating circumstances during Fall Term 2022 as I managed to pass two of my courses during this semester. Despite my efforts to manage the situation by retaking some of the failed classes in Winter Term 2023, my condition worsened which resulted in my failing all my courses that term.
I left the only people who knew me well enough to see the signs of my deteriorating mental health behind in Turkey, it was hard for me to realize that I was in trouble until it was too late. I felt lonely and isolated which was the perfect environment for my mental health struggles to fester and grow out of my control.
Finally recognizing the severity of the damage caused to my academics and to my personal life during Winter Term 2023, I took steps to address my mental health issues. Since March 20th, 2023, I have been consistently attending weekly therapy sessions, both in person and via Zoom. These sessions have been instrumental in my recovery and ongoing management of my condition. They provided me with coping strategies and support necessary to navigate my challenges effectively as I prepare to return to studies. Attached for your reference are a physician’s notes and an academic plan which support and further detail the circumstances of my mental state and actions taken to improve it.
I did not petition to drop these courses earlier because my family, my therapist and I had concluded that the year off would be a good opportunity to address my issues. I believed my best course of action was to focus what little energy I had left on improving my condition to a point where I could confidently return to my studies in Fall Term 2024. Additionally, I was unable to foresee that due to the 24 credits I accumulated, including 18 transferred from high school courses, I am unable to register for classes without selecting a program when I return to studies. In the past month, I was advised by academic advisors to make a plea to the Mathematics&Statistics department, to which I have been accepted despite my low GPA, in parallel to my petition. However, if the petition is granted, I want to use the opportunity to choose Computer Science as my program.
I put a great deal of thought into choosing my career path. Having many varying interests and skills, it was hard to settle for one industry. I chose Computer Science for the career flexibility it offers. My expectation going into Queen’s as a first year student was to earn my diploma in CompSci in order to be able to continue to explore my interests in various industries from technology to medicine to space. Despite the drawbacks and the time that has passed, my desire to pursue a career in Computer Science has remained unchanged.
Furthermore, I have developed an academic plan, attached for your reference, which outlines my goals and strategies for achieving them while ensuring my well-being remains a priority. This includes prioritizing the retake of failed courses to improve my GPA and meet eligibility requirements to join a program in computing.
I am confident that with the continued support of my therapist, family, and the implementation of these strategies, I will be able to successfully demonstrate my academic abilities. I appreciate your consideration of my petition and look forward to your response.
Kind Regards,
Mahek Dolu
Student ID: 20323608
I hope this email finds you well.
I am writing to formally petition for the waive the requirement to withdraw for one year in order to drop the following failed courses: CISC 102 (Fall, 2022), ECON 212 (Fall, 2022), MATH 111 (Fall/Winter, 2022), CISC 102 (Winter, 2023), CISC 121 (Winter, 2023), FREN 118 (Winter, 2023), STAT 263 (Winter, 2023).
I failed the above mentioned courses during Fall Term 2022 and Winter Term 2023 due to extenuating circumstances that directly impacted my academic performance. I have since successfully addressed these issues with a therapist. Despite fulfilling the 1 year withdrawal, I am petitioning this decision in order to get the above listed courses dropped as a last resort to increase my GPA in order to return to my studies in Computer Science.
During Fall Term 2022 and Winter Term 2023, I faced significant mental health challenges that directly impacted my academic performance, resulting in the failure of the listed courses. It is evident that I had some degree of control over these extenuating circumstances during Fall Term 2022 as I managed to pass two of my courses during this semester. Despite my efforts to manage the situation by retaking some of the failed classes in Winter Term 2023, my condition worsened which resulted in my failing all my courses that term.
I left the only people who knew me well enough to see the signs of my deteriorating mental health behind in Turkey, it was hard for me to realize that I was in trouble until it was too late. I felt lonely and isolated which was the perfect environment for my mental health struggles to fester and grow out of my control.
Finally recognizing the severity of the damage caused to my academics and to my personal life during Winter Term 2023, I took steps to address my mental health issues. Since March 20th, 2023, I have been consistently attending weekly therapy sessions, both in person and via Zoom. These sessions have been instrumental in my recovery and ongoing management of my condition. They provided me with coping strategies and support necessary to navigate my challenges effectively as I prepare to return to studies. Attached for your reference are a physician’s notes and an academic plan which support and further detail the circumstances of my mental state and actions taken to improve it.
I did not petition to drop these courses earlier because my family, my therapist and I had concluded that the year off would be a good opportunity to address my issues. I believed my best course of action was to focus what little energy I had left on improving my condition to a point where I could confidently return to my studies in Fall Term 2024. Additionally, I was unable to foresee that due to the 24 credits I accumulated, including 18 transferred from high school courses, I am unable to register for classes without selecting a program when I return to studies. In the past month, I was advised by academic advisors to make a plea to the Mathematics&Statistics department, to which I have been accepted despite my low GPA, in parallel to my petition. However, if the petition is granted, I want to use the opportunity to choose Computer Science as my program.
I put a great deal of thought into choosing my career path. Having many varying interests and skills, it was hard to settle for one industry. I chose Computer Science for the career flexibility it offers. My expectation going into Queen’s as a first year student was to earn my diploma in CompSci in order to be able to continue to explore my interests in various industries from technology to medicine to space. Despite the drawbacks and the time that has passed, my desire to pursue a career in Computer Science has remained unchanged.
Furthermore, I have developed an academic plan, attached for your reference, which outlines my goals and strategies for achieving them while ensuring my well-being remains a priority. This includes prioritizing the retake of failed courses to improve my GPA and meet eligibility requirements to join a program in computing.
I am confident that with the continued support of my therapist, family, and the implementation of these strategies, I will be able to successfully demonstrate my academic abilities. I appreciate your consideration of my petition and look forward to your response.
Kind Regards,
Mahek Dolu
Student ID: 20323608
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: Introduction to Academic Plan
In order to maintain my progress and ensure that I meet my academic goals going forward, I have developed the following academic plan. During my first year, I faced several challenges that affected my academic performance. Specific issues that I faced included:
1. Isolation from Support Networks: I was isolated from my family and friends who could have recognized signs of my deteriorating mental health for the first time in my life.
2. Hyper-Independence and Reluctance to Seek Help: I struggled with hyper-independence and a fear of being a burden, which made it difficult to ask for assistance when needed.
3. Difficulty Managing Personal Issues: I lacked effective strategies to handle and resolve personal issues, leading to feeling extremely overwhelmed and stressed.
Solutions Implemented
To address these challenges and ensure my academic success upon returning to university, I have taken the following steps:
1. Improved Support System: I have decided to move in with my brother, who began attending Queen’s in Fall 2023. Living with someone close to me will provide a stronger support system and ensure I am not isolated. My sibling will also help monitor my well-being.
2. Overcoming Hyper-Independence: Through therapy, I have significantly improved my ability to ask for help. I now feel comfortable reaching out to professors, TAs, and academic advisors when needed. I have already utilized online academic advising tools for support with my petition which have proven to be helpful and I am very comfortable reaching out again in the future should I need to.
3. Managing Personal Issues: With professional help, I have addressed and managed my personal issues effectively over the past year. I will continue weekly therapy sessions to monitor my well-being and promptly address any issues that may arise.
Academic Plan Details
1. Registration and Course Load: I intend to register as a Full-time student under General Computing (COMP-G-BCP), given that my petition is granted. To ensure I am not overwhelmed, I will limit my course load to a maximum of 4 courses per term. This will allow sufficient time for self-care and maintaining academic performance.
2. Course Retakes: I plan to begin retaking failed and dropped courses as soon as I return. In my first semester back, I will enrol in CISC 102, CISC 121, MATH 111, FREN 118. In the second semester, my courses will include CISC 124, MATH 111, COGS 100, STAT 263. I am confident in managing this workload as I am familiar with these courses from my previous year.
Expectations and Goals
My high-school transcripts and IB score of 37 are evidence of the fact that I am a competent student with a capacity to be able to perform well academically. My recovery during the past year is a demonstration of my resilience. My mental health challenges do not reflect on my academic abilities. They were an obstacle limiting my performance, an obstacle that I have now overcome.
I expect that these adjustments and strategies will provide the necessary support for me to improve my GPA, qualify for my desired program, and successfully complete my degree.
In order to maintain my progress and ensure that I meet my academic goals going forward, I have developed the following academic plan. During my first year, I faced several challenges that affected my academic performance. Specific issues that I faced included:
1. Isolation from Support Networks: I was isolated from my family and friends who could have recognized signs of my deteriorating mental health for the first time in my life.
2. Hyper-Independence and Reluctance to Seek Help: I struggled with hyper-independence and a fear of being a burden, which made it difficult to ask for assistance when needed.
3. Difficulty Managing Personal Issues: I lacked effective strategies to handle and resolve personal issues, leading to feeling extremely overwhelmed and stressed.
Solutions Implemented
To address these challenges and ensure my academic success upon returning to university, I have taken the following steps:
1. Improved Support System: I have decided to move in with my brother, who began attending Queen’s in Fall 2023. Living with someone close to me will provide a stronger support system and ensure I am not isolated. My sibling will also help monitor my well-being.
2. Overcoming Hyper-Independence: Through therapy, I have significantly improved my ability to ask for help. I now feel comfortable reaching out to professors, TAs, and academic advisors when needed. I have already utilized online academic advising tools for support with my petition which have proven to be helpful and I am very comfortable reaching out again in the future should I need to.
3. Managing Personal Issues: With professional help, I have addressed and managed my personal issues effectively over the past year. I will continue weekly therapy sessions to monitor my well-being and promptly address any issues that may arise.
Academic Plan Details
1. Registration and Course Load: I intend to register as a Full-time student under General Computing (COMP-G-BCP), given that my petition is granted. To ensure I am not overwhelmed, I will limit my course load to a maximum of 4 courses per term. This will allow sufficient time for self-care and maintaining academic performance.
2. Course Retakes: I plan to begin retaking failed and dropped courses as soon as I return. In my first semester back, I will enrol in CISC 102, CISC 121, MATH 111, FREN 118. In the second semester, my courses will include CISC 124, MATH 111, COGS 100, STAT 263. I am confident in managing this workload as I am familiar with these courses from my previous year.
Expectations and Goals
My high-school transcripts and IB score of 37 are evidence of the fact that I am a competent student with a capacity to be able to perform well academically. My recovery during the past year is a demonstration of my resilience. My mental health challenges do not reflect on my academic abilities. They were an obstacle limiting my performance, an obstacle that I have now overcome.
I expect that these adjustments and strategies will provide the necessary support for me to improve my GPA, qualify for my desired program, and successfully complete my degree.
Documentation
Professional Letter: off-campus-physician-note-5.pdf
Document: Physician-letter.pdf
Decision Letters
History
Originally submitted July 16, 2024 at 8:07:43 AM.
| Field | Reference | Old Value | New Value | Note | User | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| professional_letter | N/A | off-campus-physician-note-5.pdf | Kerri Andrews | 2024-07-22 11:39:47 AM | ||
| appeal_category | N/A | Drop a course after the academic deadline, Waive the requirement to withdraw for one year | Drop a course after the academic deadline | Kerri Andrews | 2024-07-22 11:39:47 AM | |
| status | N/A | Received | In Review | Kerri Andrews | 2024-07-22 12:24:52 PM | |
| status | N/A | In Review | Granted | Kerri Andrews | 2024-08-07 8:34:58 AM | |
| associate_dean | N/A | Jenn Stephenson, Ph.D. | Kerri Andrews | 2024-08-07 8:34:58 AM | ||
| decision_letter | N/A | N/A | Decision letter sent | Kerri Andrews | 2024-08-07 8:35:57 AM |