Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 7831
Submitted: June 10, 2021 at 9:15:34 PM
First Name: Bryson
Last Name: Wood
Student Number: 20245334
Email: 20bdw1@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BSC
Plan: PHYS
Level of Study: 1
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Drop a course after the academic deadline, Waive the requirement to withdraw for one year
Code: MATH 111
Term: Fall/Winter
Year: 2021
Petition Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Code: MATH 120
Term: Fall/Winter
Year: 2021
Petition Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Code: PHYS 104
Term: Fall/Winter
Year: 2021
Petition Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: I have been in communication, via email, with the Faculty of Arts and Science Appeals department, as well as the ASC Academic Advising department. I was instructed to submit an appeal through this process and explain my situation; however, my particular situation does not seem to fit strictly into any of the provided extenuating or non-extenuating circumstances.
During my course selection process, over the phone, I spoke with my faculty-specific 1st-year student services representative and requested a deferral/return to studies; a few reasons being personal and self-help related, others being COVID-19 related. The student services representative explained that she would handle my deferral process.
To further explain why I requested a deferral, throughout my entire academic career I had prepared myself for the challenges and opportunities of college. I wanted nothing more than to attend my deceased father's alma mater and begin my college journey, i.e. meeting like-minded people, joining clubs, trying out for the track team, and making friends. Though I understood Covid-19 would affect my college experience and expectations, the online learning situation, including studying physics and math courses in my room, and without any social contact was frankly a negative and depressing experience; one I did not want to repeat, thus I requested the deferral.
During the duration of my deferral, I entered therapy, self-reflected, spoke openly with friends and family, and took on an internship and productive hobbies. During this time, I also read a lot and became even more passionate about my goal of becoming an astrophysicist and returning to Queen's University once the campus reopened.
Only when I reached out to confirm Queen's would reopen campus in the Fall of 2021, and to organize on-campus housing, did I learn there was an issue with my deferral. It was quite a shock to find out my deferral was not handled properly.
During my course selection process, over the phone, I spoke with my faculty-specific 1st-year student services representative and requested a deferral/return to studies; a few reasons being personal and self-help related, others being COVID-19 related. The student services representative explained that she would handle my deferral process.
To further explain why I requested a deferral, throughout my entire academic career I had prepared myself for the challenges and opportunities of college. I wanted nothing more than to attend my deceased father's alma mater and begin my college journey, i.e. meeting like-minded people, joining clubs, trying out for the track team, and making friends. Though I understood Covid-19 would affect my college experience and expectations, the online learning situation, including studying physics and math courses in my room, and without any social contact was frankly a negative and depressing experience; one I did not want to repeat, thus I requested the deferral.
During the duration of my deferral, I entered therapy, self-reflected, spoke openly with friends and family, and took on an internship and productive hobbies. During this time, I also read a lot and became even more passionate about my goal of becoming an astrophysicist and returning to Queen's University once the campus reopened.
Only when I reached out to confirm Queen's would reopen campus in the Fall of 2021, and to organize on-campus housing, did I learn there was an issue with my deferral. It was quite a shock to find out my deferral was not handled properly.
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: In terms of constructing an academic plan for future success, my academic plan remains as it was prior to my deferral; except, I have become even more committed to the pursuit of my goals and aspirations within the fields of math and science. I look forward to returning to my studies under the, clearly, competent and intelligent professors and TA's at Queen's University. My passion and drive towards my academic and college career have only enhanced since the time of my deferral.
I was extremely lucky to find a therapist who truly understood me and my concerns. We also shared a common interest in astronomy and books written by physicists which served to reinforce my academic passions for science. We worked through the negative thoughts and feelings I was experiencing, and I have come a long way from where I began my recovery process. In retrospect, while this process was not what I had anticipated, it has undoubtedly had positive effects upon me personally, which I plan to translate directly into my academic endeavors.
I was extremely lucky to find a therapist who truly understood me and my concerns. We also shared a common interest in astronomy and books written by physicists which served to reinforce my academic passions for science. We worked through the negative thoughts and feelings I was experiencing, and I have come a long way from where I began my recovery process. In retrospect, while this process was not what I had anticipated, it has undoubtedly had positive effects upon me personally, which I plan to translate directly into my academic endeavors.
Documentation
Professional Letter: 20245334 Queens Appeal.pdf