Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 7869
Submitted: June 15, 2021 at 10:48:24 PM
First Name: Ivanna
Last Name: Markus
Student Number: 20232289
Email: 20ism@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BA
Plan: SOCY
Level of Study: 1
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Waive the requirement to withdraw for one year
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: Dear Dr. Crow,
I am writing this letter to formally apply for reconsideration of the requirement to withdraw academically from the faculty of Arts and Science for a minimum of one year during the 2021-2022 school year.
On May 26, 2021 I received an email indicating that I was required to withdraw from the Faculty for having failed to achieve a GPA of 1.6 during my first year of study. Although I was extremely distressed to receive this email, it did not come as a surprise to me. I believe extenuating circumstances and factors beyond my control were the reason I was not able to perform to the potential of my academic abilities. As difficult as it is to for me to share, I believe the Faculty should be aware of my circumstances and hopefully reconsider the requirement to withdraw from Queen¿¿s University in September 2021 for one academic year.
As is with all students accepted to Queen¿¿s, it should be noted that I was in good academic standing before entering first year. However, in the summer of 2020 before entering first year, my entire life changed. I was sexually assaulted and as a result, became pregnant. Ashamed of the rape and of the pregnancy, I did not tell anyone, thus entering a dark and extremely isolating period in my life (in the midst of a pandemic). Alone, I terminated the pregnancy. I kept these secrets hidden until the beginning of second semester, before finally deteriorating and opening up to my new roommate at Queen¿¿s. She has become a dear friend and was essential in convincing me to seek help from my parents and from medical professionals. As I went through these motions of experiencing emotional and physical trauma, my grades suffered immensely.
As a result of not reaching out for help sooner, my treatment plan was not truly effective in managing the symptoms of my mental illness until it was too late for my grades to improve. Further, in April of 2021, my brother (who lives at home with my parents and sisters) became very ill with COVID-19. As the only member of my family not living at the residence at the time and with the ability to drive, I drove home during my exam period and stayed in a hotel nearby in Burlington to deliver groceries and medications to my family. I was extremely anxious about my brother¿¿s condition and the possibility of my parents and sister¿¿s also becoming ill with COVID. I believe this hindered my ability to focus on studying for my final exams in April 2021, most of which were for full-year courses that I was already struggling in.
After reaching out for help, I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Major Depression Disorder (MDD) and was prescribed a series of medications that have helped immensely in my healing process. I have been consistently working with my family doctor, as well as my therapist, to ensure I am receiving the proper care for my conditions. My doctor has provided me with a note (appended to this letter), which attests that my medical condition had a negative affect on my ability to succeed at University during my first year. The letter also states that in my doctor¿¿s opinion, my progress is deemed to be worthy of returning to Queen¿¿s in September 2021, if granted to do so by the Faculty.
I have already started taking steps to ensure my success in September 2021. In addition to receiving medical counsel, I am also enrolled at Chisholm Academy for a Psychological Assessment that will take place on July 12, 2021. The goal of this assessment is to determine my strengths and weaknesses that are cause for any underachievement in my studies, as well as any links to my mental illnesses. As part of my Academic Plan (appended to this letter), this assessment will likely result in an Individual Education Plan (IEP) that I will be able to use in conjunction with Queen¿¿s Accessibility Services in order to succeed like I know I can. I anticipate the IEP will include valuable information on my learning style, and will include helpful recommendations like more allotted time for tests and assignments, or potentially taking a lighter course load.
Prior to receiving the requirement to withdraw email and in addition to actively treating my condition with mental health and accessibility services, I am currently enrolled in two summer courses. I am retaking HLTH-101 and am taking HLTH-237 (both of which I hold over an 85 average in so far), in an attempt to start improving my GPA. As outlined in my Academic Plan, I plan to retake all courses from first year and continue to meet with my academic advisor, Spring Forsberg (forsberg@queensu.ca), to review my progress on a biweekly basis. As discussed with my advisor, I plan on declaring my major at the end of the 2021-2022 school year, after successfully retaking all courses from first year and achieving a commendable GPA. With the help of my doctor, therapist, academic advisor and on-campus mental health and accessibility services (and of course my friends and family), I whole-heartedly believe I will soar at Queen¿¿s if given the opportunity to return in September 2021.
It is my dream to continue studying human behaviors at Queen¿¿s University as a future Sociology Major. It is my intention to turn the trauma, isolation and darkness that I¿¿ve endured in the past year into a story of hope that may help others. I wish to spread awareness about sexual assault, mental health and the importance of reaching out for help. If granted the opportunity to return to Queen¿¿s this September, I will strive to reach my high academic potential and become beacon of light to other struggling students. Through this experience, I hope to highlight the importance of utilizing the amazing on-campus resources at Queen¿¿s to my peers, those of which have turned my life around for the better.
I sincerely thank you for your time and consideration.
Ivanna Markus
I am writing this letter to formally apply for reconsideration of the requirement to withdraw academically from the faculty of Arts and Science for a minimum of one year during the 2021-2022 school year.
On May 26, 2021 I received an email indicating that I was required to withdraw from the Faculty for having failed to achieve a GPA of 1.6 during my first year of study. Although I was extremely distressed to receive this email, it did not come as a surprise to me. I believe extenuating circumstances and factors beyond my control were the reason I was not able to perform to the potential of my academic abilities. As difficult as it is to for me to share, I believe the Faculty should be aware of my circumstances and hopefully reconsider the requirement to withdraw from Queen¿¿s University in September 2021 for one academic year.
As is with all students accepted to Queen¿¿s, it should be noted that I was in good academic standing before entering first year. However, in the summer of 2020 before entering first year, my entire life changed. I was sexually assaulted and as a result, became pregnant. Ashamed of the rape and of the pregnancy, I did not tell anyone, thus entering a dark and extremely isolating period in my life (in the midst of a pandemic). Alone, I terminated the pregnancy. I kept these secrets hidden until the beginning of second semester, before finally deteriorating and opening up to my new roommate at Queen¿¿s. She has become a dear friend and was essential in convincing me to seek help from my parents and from medical professionals. As I went through these motions of experiencing emotional and physical trauma, my grades suffered immensely.
As a result of not reaching out for help sooner, my treatment plan was not truly effective in managing the symptoms of my mental illness until it was too late for my grades to improve. Further, in April of 2021, my brother (who lives at home with my parents and sisters) became very ill with COVID-19. As the only member of my family not living at the residence at the time and with the ability to drive, I drove home during my exam period and stayed in a hotel nearby in Burlington to deliver groceries and medications to my family. I was extremely anxious about my brother¿¿s condition and the possibility of my parents and sister¿¿s also becoming ill with COVID. I believe this hindered my ability to focus on studying for my final exams in April 2021, most of which were for full-year courses that I was already struggling in.
After reaching out for help, I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Major Depression Disorder (MDD) and was prescribed a series of medications that have helped immensely in my healing process. I have been consistently working with my family doctor, as well as my therapist, to ensure I am receiving the proper care for my conditions. My doctor has provided me with a note (appended to this letter), which attests that my medical condition had a negative affect on my ability to succeed at University during my first year. The letter also states that in my doctor¿¿s opinion, my progress is deemed to be worthy of returning to Queen¿¿s in September 2021, if granted to do so by the Faculty.
I have already started taking steps to ensure my success in September 2021. In addition to receiving medical counsel, I am also enrolled at Chisholm Academy for a Psychological Assessment that will take place on July 12, 2021. The goal of this assessment is to determine my strengths and weaknesses that are cause for any underachievement in my studies, as well as any links to my mental illnesses. As part of my Academic Plan (appended to this letter), this assessment will likely result in an Individual Education Plan (IEP) that I will be able to use in conjunction with Queen¿¿s Accessibility Services in order to succeed like I know I can. I anticipate the IEP will include valuable information on my learning style, and will include helpful recommendations like more allotted time for tests and assignments, or potentially taking a lighter course load.
Prior to receiving the requirement to withdraw email and in addition to actively treating my condition with mental health and accessibility services, I am currently enrolled in two summer courses. I am retaking HLTH-101 and am taking HLTH-237 (both of which I hold over an 85 average in so far), in an attempt to start improving my GPA. As outlined in my Academic Plan, I plan to retake all courses from first year and continue to meet with my academic advisor, Spring Forsberg (forsberg@queensu.ca), to review my progress on a biweekly basis. As discussed with my advisor, I plan on declaring my major at the end of the 2021-2022 school year, after successfully retaking all courses from first year and achieving a commendable GPA. With the help of my doctor, therapist, academic advisor and on-campus mental health and accessibility services (and of course my friends and family), I whole-heartedly believe I will soar at Queen¿¿s if given the opportunity to return in September 2021.
It is my dream to continue studying human behaviors at Queen¿¿s University as a future Sociology Major. It is my intention to turn the trauma, isolation and darkness that I¿¿ve endured in the past year into a story of hope that may help others. I wish to spread awareness about sexual assault, mental health and the importance of reaching out for help. If granted the opportunity to return to Queen¿¿s this September, I will strive to reach my high academic potential and become beacon of light to other struggling students. Through this experience, I hope to highlight the importance of utilizing the amazing on-campus resources at Queen¿¿s to my peers, those of which have turned my life around for the better.
I sincerely thank you for your time and consideration.
Ivanna Markus
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: 2021 - 2022 ACADEMIC PLAN(See attached PDF for formatted/organized Academic Plan please):
¿ As part of my promise to the Faculty of Arts and Science, my advisors, my parents and myself, the academic plan shown below will ensure I am on the path to success for the 2021 ¿¿ 2022 school year at Queen¿¿s. This plan includes a set of well-defined and realistic goals encompassing these three areas:
¿ The focus of my studies;
¿ My expectations or intentions with respect to my future workload;
¿ The strategies I plan to use and implement for success.
¿ The intention of this plan is to prepare to return to studies in September 2021 after receiving and appealing the requirement to withdraw academically for one year.
WHAT WENT WRONG IN 2020-2021:
¿¿ Traumatic experience and extenuating circumstance took place in Summer 2020
¿¿ Shame and isolation from incident led to major depression and withdraw from my studies
¿¿ Family member became very ill with COVID-19 while studying for final exams in April 2021
¿¿ In an attempt to mask my pain, I did not tell any family, friends, or medical professionals about my mental suffering until it was too late to repair my studies in the 2020-2021 school year
¿¿ Did not contact Queen¿¿s Accessibility Services or my professors in time to request more time on tests, assignments, exams, etc.
¿¿ Received an email for a requirement to withdraw academically from the Faculty of Arts and Science for one year
WHAT NOW (KEY OBJECTIVES IN ACHIEVING & MAINTAINING SUCCESS) and PROGRESS AS OF JUNE 15, 2021:
-Appeal to the Dean of Arts and Science to waive the requirement to withdraw from studies and return to Queen¿¿s for September 2021:
Submit application for an appeal in the form of a letter, academic plan and supporting documents (doctor¿¿s letter, etc) to the Dean on June 15th, 2021 via SOLUS.
-Seek medical/ professional help for my trauma and mental health:
Over the course of 2021, I have been working with my family doctor and a therapist to address my PTSD and depression through cognitive behavioral therapy and medication.
As of May 2021, my doctor believes my progress has been satisfactory to return to school (see medical note attached in the Appendix).
Moving forward into the 2021-2022 school year, I will continue to work with my doctors at Queen¿¿s via video chat and email, and will utilize Queen¿¿s Mental Health & Student Wellness Services on campus (hopefully in person in September 2021).
-Seek accessibility services for more allotted time on tests, assignments and exams:
In addition to receiving medical counsel, I am also enrolled at Chisholm Academy for a Psychological Assessment that will take place on July 12, 2021. The goal of this assessment is to determine my strengths and weaknesses that are cause for any underachievement in my studies, as well as any links to my mental illnesses. This assessment will likely result in an Individual Education Plan (IEP) that I will be able to use in conjunction with Queen¿¿s Accessibility Services (QSAS) in order to succeed.
I anticipate the IEP will include valuable information on my learning style, and will include helpful recommendations like more allotted time for tests and assignments.
Retake all courses from first year (outlined below) and achieve a GPA of at least 2.8:
I am currently enrolled in two summer courses in order to start getting back on track. I am retaking HLTH-101 and am taking HLTH-237 (both of which I hold over an 85 average in so far). I know I am able to achieve high marks now that I have the support I clearly needed in my first year. I plan to retake all courses from first year and declare my major at the end of the 2021-2022 school year.
-Meet with my academic advisor on a biweekly basis to review my plan and progress:
I plan on meeting with my academic advisor, Spring Forsberg (forsberg@queensu.ca), to review my progress and stay on track on a biweekly basis. At this time, I will revisit my academic plan with her. As discussed with my advisor, I plan on declaring my major at the end of the 2021-2022 school year, after successfully retaking all courses from first year and achieving a commendable GPA. Spring has already helped me review the appeal process and guide me in my academic plan.
-Declare my major in Sociology at the end of the 2021 ¿¿ 2022 school year:
I plan on majoring in Sociology. My academic plan moving forward throughout the rest of my time in University will be reflective of that goal. Any changes to this goal would be discussed with my academic advisor/ mentor, Spring.
-My dream job after graduating from Arts & Science with a major in Sociology would be as a Child and Youth Worker:
I now know what it feels like to be alone in your feelings and I did not realize how transformative reaching out for help was until I was forced to do so myself.
-Use stress-management and time-management tools to stay on track in my courses:
I plan on creating a schedule for the school year on Google Calendar at the start of the semester. I will include lecture dates/ times, assignment due dates, midterm dates, professor office hours and other important milestones as outlined in my course syllabus. I will ensure I have the proper Accessibility Services/ Individual Education Plan documents and introduce myself to my professors at the start of each new semester. I will keep record of each grade and the graded weight for each course to stay on track with how I am doing in each course (see below example Excel document).
Attend office hours when extra assistance is needed, as well as utilize Queen¿¿s on-campus workshops to improve my exam prep, writing skills, and study habits.
-Spread mental health awareness by volunteering with student groups:
Once I feel confident in sharing aspects of my journey with mental health and once I am successful with the points noted above, I would love to volunteer with a student group at Queen¿¿s that focuses on student mental health.
COURSE PLAN FOR 2021 ¿¿ 2022 ACADEMIC YEAR:
HLTH101
(Social Determinants of Health) ¿¿ 3 credits
¿¿ Currently taking in Summer 2021
¿¿ 88 average so far in marked material
HLTH237
(Intro Study Alcohol Drug Problems) ¿¿ 3 credits
¿¿ Currently taking in Summer 2021
¿¿ 85 average so far in marked material
GNDS120
(Women Gender, Difference) ¿¿ 3 credits
¿¿ Fall semester 2021
GNDS125
(Gender Race & Popular Culture) ¿¿ 3 credits
¿¿ Winter semester 2022
HLTH102
(Personal Health & Wellness) ¿¿ 3 credits
¿¿ Winter semester 2022
SOCY122
(Sociology) ¿¿ 6 credits
¿¿ Full year (fall/ winter 2021 ¿¿ 2022)
FILM110
(Film, Media & Screen Cultures) ¿¿ 6 credits
¿¿ Full year (fall/ winter 2021 ¿¿ 2022)
Note: Full-time 9.0 credits per term
Approximately 15-20 hours of classes per week PLUS 20+ hours for course work and/or studying
¿ Total Summer Semester Credits 6 credits
¿ Total Fall Semester Credits 9 credits
¿ Total Winter Semester Credits 12 credits (subject for review with my academic advisor and IEP)
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR SOCIOLOGY MAJORS:
In order to graduate with a Major in Sociology, I will need 60.0 units (plus 54.0 electives) as described below:
¿¿ Core: 18.0 units from SOCY122, SOCY210, SOCY211, SOCY226, SOCY227 (C in each)
¿¿ Options: 21.0 units in SOCY at the 200 level or above; 15.0 units in SOCY at the 300 level or above; 6.0 units in SOCY at the 400 level or above
¿¿ Admission to 400 Level: 84.0 units plus 2.6 GPA from core SOCY200 level and 18.0 units from SOCY options.
After successful completion of re-doing my first year and declaring my major in Sociology, I will review with my academic advisor and Undergraduate Program Assistant the best course of action for the subsequent school year.
Tools for Academic Success:
1. Term Calendar (implement milestone dates onto Google Calendar)
2. Course grade calculator (example SOCY122): Input all due dates/ grades here to track progress in course
¿ As part of my promise to the Faculty of Arts and Science, my advisors, my parents and myself, the academic plan shown below will ensure I am on the path to success for the 2021 ¿¿ 2022 school year at Queen¿¿s. This plan includes a set of well-defined and realistic goals encompassing these three areas:
¿ The focus of my studies;
¿ My expectations or intentions with respect to my future workload;
¿ The strategies I plan to use and implement for success.
¿ The intention of this plan is to prepare to return to studies in September 2021 after receiving and appealing the requirement to withdraw academically for one year.
WHAT WENT WRONG IN 2020-2021:
¿¿ Traumatic experience and extenuating circumstance took place in Summer 2020
¿¿ Shame and isolation from incident led to major depression and withdraw from my studies
¿¿ Family member became very ill with COVID-19 while studying for final exams in April 2021
¿¿ In an attempt to mask my pain, I did not tell any family, friends, or medical professionals about my mental suffering until it was too late to repair my studies in the 2020-2021 school year
¿¿ Did not contact Queen¿¿s Accessibility Services or my professors in time to request more time on tests, assignments, exams, etc.
¿¿ Received an email for a requirement to withdraw academically from the Faculty of Arts and Science for one year
WHAT NOW (KEY OBJECTIVES IN ACHIEVING & MAINTAINING SUCCESS) and PROGRESS AS OF JUNE 15, 2021:
-Appeal to the Dean of Arts and Science to waive the requirement to withdraw from studies and return to Queen¿¿s for September 2021:
Submit application for an appeal in the form of a letter, academic plan and supporting documents (doctor¿¿s letter, etc) to the Dean on June 15th, 2021 via SOLUS.
-Seek medical/ professional help for my trauma and mental health:
Over the course of 2021, I have been working with my family doctor and a therapist to address my PTSD and depression through cognitive behavioral therapy and medication.
As of May 2021, my doctor believes my progress has been satisfactory to return to school (see medical note attached in the Appendix).
Moving forward into the 2021-2022 school year, I will continue to work with my doctors at Queen¿¿s via video chat and email, and will utilize Queen¿¿s Mental Health & Student Wellness Services on campus (hopefully in person in September 2021).
-Seek accessibility services for more allotted time on tests, assignments and exams:
In addition to receiving medical counsel, I am also enrolled at Chisholm Academy for a Psychological Assessment that will take place on July 12, 2021. The goal of this assessment is to determine my strengths and weaknesses that are cause for any underachievement in my studies, as well as any links to my mental illnesses. This assessment will likely result in an Individual Education Plan (IEP) that I will be able to use in conjunction with Queen¿¿s Accessibility Services (QSAS) in order to succeed.
I anticipate the IEP will include valuable information on my learning style, and will include helpful recommendations like more allotted time for tests and assignments.
Retake all courses from first year (outlined below) and achieve a GPA of at least 2.8:
I am currently enrolled in two summer courses in order to start getting back on track. I am retaking HLTH-101 and am taking HLTH-237 (both of which I hold over an 85 average in so far). I know I am able to achieve high marks now that I have the support I clearly needed in my first year. I plan to retake all courses from first year and declare my major at the end of the 2021-2022 school year.
-Meet with my academic advisor on a biweekly basis to review my plan and progress:
I plan on meeting with my academic advisor, Spring Forsberg (forsberg@queensu.ca), to review my progress and stay on track on a biweekly basis. At this time, I will revisit my academic plan with her. As discussed with my advisor, I plan on declaring my major at the end of the 2021-2022 school year, after successfully retaking all courses from first year and achieving a commendable GPA. Spring has already helped me review the appeal process and guide me in my academic plan.
-Declare my major in Sociology at the end of the 2021 ¿¿ 2022 school year:
I plan on majoring in Sociology. My academic plan moving forward throughout the rest of my time in University will be reflective of that goal. Any changes to this goal would be discussed with my academic advisor/ mentor, Spring.
-My dream job after graduating from Arts & Science with a major in Sociology would be as a Child and Youth Worker:
I now know what it feels like to be alone in your feelings and I did not realize how transformative reaching out for help was until I was forced to do so myself.
-Use stress-management and time-management tools to stay on track in my courses:
I plan on creating a schedule for the school year on Google Calendar at the start of the semester. I will include lecture dates/ times, assignment due dates, midterm dates, professor office hours and other important milestones as outlined in my course syllabus. I will ensure I have the proper Accessibility Services/ Individual Education Plan documents and introduce myself to my professors at the start of each new semester. I will keep record of each grade and the graded weight for each course to stay on track with how I am doing in each course (see below example Excel document).
Attend office hours when extra assistance is needed, as well as utilize Queen¿¿s on-campus workshops to improve my exam prep, writing skills, and study habits.
-Spread mental health awareness by volunteering with student groups:
Once I feel confident in sharing aspects of my journey with mental health and once I am successful with the points noted above, I would love to volunteer with a student group at Queen¿¿s that focuses on student mental health.
COURSE PLAN FOR 2021 ¿¿ 2022 ACADEMIC YEAR:
HLTH101
(Social Determinants of Health) ¿¿ 3 credits
¿¿ Currently taking in Summer 2021
¿¿ 88 average so far in marked material
HLTH237
(Intro Study Alcohol Drug Problems) ¿¿ 3 credits
¿¿ Currently taking in Summer 2021
¿¿ 85 average so far in marked material
GNDS120
(Women Gender, Difference) ¿¿ 3 credits
¿¿ Fall semester 2021
GNDS125
(Gender Race & Popular Culture) ¿¿ 3 credits
¿¿ Winter semester 2022
HLTH102
(Personal Health & Wellness) ¿¿ 3 credits
¿¿ Winter semester 2022
SOCY122
(Sociology) ¿¿ 6 credits
¿¿ Full year (fall/ winter 2021 ¿¿ 2022)
FILM110
(Film, Media & Screen Cultures) ¿¿ 6 credits
¿¿ Full year (fall/ winter 2021 ¿¿ 2022)
Note: Full-time 9.0 credits per term
Approximately 15-20 hours of classes per week PLUS 20+ hours for course work and/or studying
¿ Total Summer Semester Credits 6 credits
¿ Total Fall Semester Credits 9 credits
¿ Total Winter Semester Credits 12 credits (subject for review with my academic advisor and IEP)
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR SOCIOLOGY MAJORS:
In order to graduate with a Major in Sociology, I will need 60.0 units (plus 54.0 electives) as described below:
¿¿ Core: 18.0 units from SOCY122, SOCY210, SOCY211, SOCY226, SOCY227 (C in each)
¿¿ Options: 21.0 units in SOCY at the 200 level or above; 15.0 units in SOCY at the 300 level or above; 6.0 units in SOCY at the 400 level or above
¿¿ Admission to 400 Level: 84.0 units plus 2.6 GPA from core SOCY200 level and 18.0 units from SOCY options.
After successful completion of re-doing my first year and declaring my major in Sociology, I will review with my academic advisor and Undergraduate Program Assistant the best course of action for the subsequent school year.
Tools for Academic Success:
1. Term Calendar (implement milestone dates onto Google Calendar)
2. Course grade calculator (example SOCY122): Input all due dates/ grades here to track progress in course
Documentation
Professional Letter: Ivanna Markus_20232289_Appendix Documents-2.pdf
Professional Letter Detail: CONTAINS MULTIPLE DOCUMENTATIONS: Doctors letter, Assessment Letter, Brother's COVID-19,Hotel Stay Proof
Documentation Detail: Formatted Academic Plan
Documentation Detail: Appeal Letter