Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 5890
Submitted: June 10, 2019 at 9:35:38 PM
First Name: Alishewa
Last Name: Aziz
Student Number: 20056543
Email: 16aa137@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BA
Plan: ENGL
Level of Study: 2
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Waive the requirement to withdraw for one year
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: To the Associate Dean (Studies),
I am appealing to the Faculty of Arts and Sciences¿¿ decision that I must withdraw from Queen¿¿s for minimum of one year.
During the period of January to March, my family physician and I decided to change the dosage of the medication I was taking daily. The medication which was a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) was reduced in its dosage which resulted in me suffering from physical side effects. The side effects included symptoms of withdrawal such as a general feeling of uneasiness, constant nausea, dizziness, and lethargy. While I was suffering through these physical conditions I was forced to rest more and unable to actively participate in my studies to the best of my ability. Additionally, during this time the dosage of my medication fluctuated between 25mg ¿¿ 100mg. My family physician and I were trying to determine which dosage would benefit me the most without the negative side effects I was facing while on certain dosages. It was necessary to try and find an optimal dosage however this did affect me physically and mentally, therefore, hindering my ability to focus on my studies.
Furthermore, during the month of April, I met with my physician and together we decided that it was necessary to change my medication altogether because they were no longer having a positive effect on me. During the first 1-2 weeks of changing my medication, the adjustment period was very difficult for me. I was going through many emotional, physiological, and mental effects including increased mood swings, bouts of depression, dizziness, nausea, and hypersomnia. My first exam this year was on the 15th of April and my second on the 16th of April and my last on the 25th of April. While I was going through this severe period of medication adjustment that took a physical and mental toll on me as much as I wanted to study for my exams and excel in them my mind and body were not capable of doing so. This poor period reflected badly on my studies and did not properly exemplify my ability to do well at Queen¿¿s because I genuinely believe I can excel in an academic environment. These extenuating circumstances caused me to not be able to prepare adequately for my exams or final assignments.
My circumstances are now in the process of being resolved. Currently, my physician and I meet monthly and after trying different medications we have found one that benefits me greatly with fewer side effects and have decided to maintain a consistent dosage. At this point, I have been on the new medication for approximately a month and have noticed fewer negative side effects. As for the future I have determined that a lighter course load would benefit me greatly allowing me to focus on my studies and my health. I intend to take summer courses thus this will allow me to take fewer courses during the year. Additionally, I intend to make biweekly trips home that will allow me to maintain my visits with my physician if any pharmacological complications do arise, I will be proactive in treating them before they affect me and my studies.
Sincerely,
Alishewa Aziz
I am appealing to the Faculty of Arts and Sciences¿¿ decision that I must withdraw from Queen¿¿s for minimum of one year.
During the period of January to March, my family physician and I decided to change the dosage of the medication I was taking daily. The medication which was a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) was reduced in its dosage which resulted in me suffering from physical side effects. The side effects included symptoms of withdrawal such as a general feeling of uneasiness, constant nausea, dizziness, and lethargy. While I was suffering through these physical conditions I was forced to rest more and unable to actively participate in my studies to the best of my ability. Additionally, during this time the dosage of my medication fluctuated between 25mg ¿¿ 100mg. My family physician and I were trying to determine which dosage would benefit me the most without the negative side effects I was facing while on certain dosages. It was necessary to try and find an optimal dosage however this did affect me physically and mentally, therefore, hindering my ability to focus on my studies.
Furthermore, during the month of April, I met with my physician and together we decided that it was necessary to change my medication altogether because they were no longer having a positive effect on me. During the first 1-2 weeks of changing my medication, the adjustment period was very difficult for me. I was going through many emotional, physiological, and mental effects including increased mood swings, bouts of depression, dizziness, nausea, and hypersomnia. My first exam this year was on the 15th of April and my second on the 16th of April and my last on the 25th of April. While I was going through this severe period of medication adjustment that took a physical and mental toll on me as much as I wanted to study for my exams and excel in them my mind and body were not capable of doing so. This poor period reflected badly on my studies and did not properly exemplify my ability to do well at Queen¿¿s because I genuinely believe I can excel in an academic environment. These extenuating circumstances caused me to not be able to prepare adequately for my exams or final assignments.
My circumstances are now in the process of being resolved. Currently, my physician and I meet monthly and after trying different medications we have found one that benefits me greatly with fewer side effects and have decided to maintain a consistent dosage. At this point, I have been on the new medication for approximately a month and have noticed fewer negative side effects. As for the future I have determined that a lighter course load would benefit me greatly allowing me to focus on my studies and my health. I intend to take summer courses thus this will allow me to take fewer courses during the year. Additionally, I intend to make biweekly trips home that will allow me to maintain my visits with my physician if any pharmacological complications do arise, I will be proactive in treating them before they affect me and my studies.
Sincerely,
Alishewa Aziz
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: After an unsuccessful academic year, I have created an academic plan that will implement changes to ensure the next year is successful. To reiterate I am appealing to have an academic regulation waived. I have stated the reasons that my last year was unsuccessful and have provided changes that were implemented to ensure it doesn¿¿t happen again. Going forward I want to illustrate specific solutions to my problems last year. as I said before I have determined that a lighter course load would benefit me greatly allowing me to focus on my studies and my health. To relieve the pressure that comes with being a full-time student I intend to take summer courses thus this will allow me to take fewer courses during the year. Additionally, I intend to make biweekly trips home that will allow me to maintain my visits with my physician if any pharmacological complications do arise, I will be proactive in treating them before they affect me and my studies. The degree I intend to continue pursuing if given the opportunity is the Bachelor of Art in English. If I return to the following school year, I will visit an academic advisor at the start of each term at Dunning Hall to help create realistic academic goals for the upcoming semester and how to achieve them.
For courses that present challenges, I intend to plan consultations with the professor or Teaching Assistants and visit the Learning Commons and Writing Centre to develop learning strategies to become an effective student. I understand that trying hard in my case is not the problem, but I lack methods to study smarter. One major part of my academic plan is utilizing the outside resources the university offers to help me which is something I did not do last year. I have also been exploring the learning strategies posted online by the Learning Commons that provide helpful tools to maximize my efficiency and be aware of my priorities in the school year.
For courses that present challenges, I intend to plan consultations with the professor or Teaching Assistants and visit the Learning Commons and Writing Centre to develop learning strategies to become an effective student. I understand that trying hard in my case is not the problem, but I lack methods to study smarter. One major part of my academic plan is utilizing the outside resources the university offers to help me which is something I did not do last year. I have also been exploring the learning strategies posted online by the Learning Commons that provide helpful tools to maximize my efficiency and be aware of my priorities in the school year.
Documentation
Professional Letter Detail: Physicians Note (Family Doctor)
Decision Letters
Amendment to Appeal 5890
Relevant Petition: 5890
Student Number: 20056543
Documentation
Professional Letter: Documentation-7.pdf