Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 9152
Submitted: May 13, 2022 at 11:57:51 AM
First Name: Zoe
Last Name: Belen Brown
Student Number: 20201711
Email: 19zabb@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BSc
Plan: LISC
Level of Study: 2
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Request aegrotat (AG) standing in a course or courses
Code: CHEM282
Term: Winter
Year: 2022
Petition Category: Request aegrotat (AG) standing in a course or courses
Instructor's Name: David Zechel
Code: MICR221
Term: Winter
Year: 2022
Petition Category: Request aegrotat (AG) standing in a course or courses
Instructor's Name: Christopher Lohans
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean (Academic),
A. The Request:
My name is Zoe Belen Brown (20201711). I am a second year life sciences major who is appealing to be granted aegrotat standing for both CHEM282 and MICR221 (winter 2022) .
B. Explanation of Extenuating Circumstance:
This year has been a very mentally challenging year for me as I was diagnosed with severe depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Each day has been a struggle but with the help of medication, physicians and therapists, I was able to start to get my life somewhat on track again. Unfortunately in late April my mental health plummeted. This is when I contacted queens mental health services where I talked to a member of the mental health triage team where I decided that deferring my CHEM282 and MICR221 exams to their deferred exams period (May 12-15th) to focus on myself was the most appropriate plan for me. Not only was my body not reacting well to the medication causing heightened mood swings and depressive thoughts, I was also made aware that my Aunt was losing her battle to breast cancer - leaving her only a few more weeks to live. Additionally, I was made aware that my grandfather was having an invasive surgery where the doctors were unsure if he would heal or survive through it. It felt like my world was collapsing around me and my mind began to spiral on the night of April 27th. Alone at home, I was scared I was going to be a danger to myself so a peer took me to the KGH hospital where my medications were doubled and had talked to multiple mental health personnel.
The month of April was extremely mentally difficult for me, I just thought that the stress and anxiety of everything was making me feel off. After 5 days of a missed period, I assumed stress and potentially the rapid increase of my medications were causing my hormones to act out of line. I decided to take a pregnancy test on the night of May 3rd. When I saw the two lines appear I was in utter shock not believing that I could be pregnant. How was I to complete my schooling? I am not mentally or physically ready at this moment in my life to carry a child to term. Lucky due to the power of choice, I decided that terminating this pregnancy would be the best option. I didn't sleep for nights on end waking up in sweat terrified at the thought I would be having an invasive surgical procedure done to my body at only 19 years old without my parents there by my side knowing. I called my doctor and we arranged a visit to the Women??s college hospital- Bay Center for birth control. On May 6th I had my first appointment where I had various tests done. Due to covid I was not allowed to bring anyone with me, as I sat alone in the ultrasound room I broke down in fear as the severity of the situation was really sitting in. I then booked I actual procedure for May 20th. Choosing to terminate a pregnancy is one of the hardest decisions a woman can make in her lifetime, although I knew it was the best option for me, I also knew that the physical and mental impacts after this procedure would be large and I was very scared as my mental state was already very weak. Although my deferred exams are before the procedure I would be unable to focus and set time aside for studying. On top of the many doctor's appointments, exams, doctors and counsellor calls, each day that gets closer to May 20th the more it feels like my mind is consumed in the fact that I am having an abortion. As mentioned just at the thought that this procedure is actually occurring, I have not been able to sleep, my appetite was diminished and I am in no place to be able to study for these last two exams. Even if I were to move these two exams to later on in the summer, I do believe I would be mentally prepared to dive back into my education that fast. It will take many months, and appointments with my therapist and counsellor to adjust and cope with the mental strain of terminating a pregnancy. After the occurrence of this procedure, It is going to take multiple follow-up appointments with my family doctor and therapy meetings to figure out ways to be able to move on with my life after the fact.
CHEM282 and MICR221 are particularly affected by this extenuating circumstance as they were already deferred from the original exam period due to severe mental health struggles. Now that they are booked for May 12th and May 14th perspectively, less than a week away from the date of my surgery. I do believe I should be taking this time to relax and focus on myself as my fear, stress and anxiety will be heightened at this time making me unable to study in preparation for these last two exams.
I am kindly asking for Aegrotat standing in these courses as I believe that I will be unable to finish the work in these courses after my procedure. As previously mentioned, not only will I be busy with follow-up appointments and carrying and learning to cope with the mental impacts of a procedure like this in the leading months. The physical recovery is also going to be difficult, which includes cramping and other discomfort, bleeding and risk of infection in the coming weeks after.
C. Future Plan:
Should my appeal be granted, I will create a plan to ensure that I still achieve academic success. In hopes that I am granted Aerostat standing in these courses, I can use the rest of the summer and days leading up to the procedure to relax and mentally and physically prepare. I am already working with my family doctor to get in contact with a counsellor who specializes in young women also seeking guidance through terminating a pregnancy. Additionally, I am working with my therapist to increase my appointments to ensure I feel like I have support during this time and work alongside me to learn how to come to terms with this decision I have made.
A. The Request:
My name is Zoe Belen Brown (20201711). I am a second year life sciences major who is appealing to be granted aegrotat standing for both CHEM282 and MICR221 (winter 2022) .
B. Explanation of Extenuating Circumstance:
This year has been a very mentally challenging year for me as I was diagnosed with severe depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Each day has been a struggle but with the help of medication, physicians and therapists, I was able to start to get my life somewhat on track again. Unfortunately in late April my mental health plummeted. This is when I contacted queens mental health services where I talked to a member of the mental health triage team where I decided that deferring my CHEM282 and MICR221 exams to their deferred exams period (May 12-15th) to focus on myself was the most appropriate plan for me. Not only was my body not reacting well to the medication causing heightened mood swings and depressive thoughts, I was also made aware that my Aunt was losing her battle to breast cancer - leaving her only a few more weeks to live. Additionally, I was made aware that my grandfather was having an invasive surgery where the doctors were unsure if he would heal or survive through it. It felt like my world was collapsing around me and my mind began to spiral on the night of April 27th. Alone at home, I was scared I was going to be a danger to myself so a peer took me to the KGH hospital where my medications were doubled and had talked to multiple mental health personnel.
The month of April was extremely mentally difficult for me, I just thought that the stress and anxiety of everything was making me feel off. After 5 days of a missed period, I assumed stress and potentially the rapid increase of my medications were causing my hormones to act out of line. I decided to take a pregnancy test on the night of May 3rd. When I saw the two lines appear I was in utter shock not believing that I could be pregnant. How was I to complete my schooling? I am not mentally or physically ready at this moment in my life to carry a child to term. Lucky due to the power of choice, I decided that terminating this pregnancy would be the best option. I didn't sleep for nights on end waking up in sweat terrified at the thought I would be having an invasive surgical procedure done to my body at only 19 years old without my parents there by my side knowing. I called my doctor and we arranged a visit to the Women??s college hospital- Bay Center for birth control. On May 6th I had my first appointment where I had various tests done. Due to covid I was not allowed to bring anyone with me, as I sat alone in the ultrasound room I broke down in fear as the severity of the situation was really sitting in. I then booked I actual procedure for May 20th. Choosing to terminate a pregnancy is one of the hardest decisions a woman can make in her lifetime, although I knew it was the best option for me, I also knew that the physical and mental impacts after this procedure would be large and I was very scared as my mental state was already very weak. Although my deferred exams are before the procedure I would be unable to focus and set time aside for studying. On top of the many doctor's appointments, exams, doctors and counsellor calls, each day that gets closer to May 20th the more it feels like my mind is consumed in the fact that I am having an abortion. As mentioned just at the thought that this procedure is actually occurring, I have not been able to sleep, my appetite was diminished and I am in no place to be able to study for these last two exams. Even if I were to move these two exams to later on in the summer, I do believe I would be mentally prepared to dive back into my education that fast. It will take many months, and appointments with my therapist and counsellor to adjust and cope with the mental strain of terminating a pregnancy. After the occurrence of this procedure, It is going to take multiple follow-up appointments with my family doctor and therapy meetings to figure out ways to be able to move on with my life after the fact.
CHEM282 and MICR221 are particularly affected by this extenuating circumstance as they were already deferred from the original exam period due to severe mental health struggles. Now that they are booked for May 12th and May 14th perspectively, less than a week away from the date of my surgery. I do believe I should be taking this time to relax and focus on myself as my fear, stress and anxiety will be heightened at this time making me unable to study in preparation for these last two exams.
I am kindly asking for Aegrotat standing in these courses as I believe that I will be unable to finish the work in these courses after my procedure. As previously mentioned, not only will I be busy with follow-up appointments and carrying and learning to cope with the mental impacts of a procedure like this in the leading months. The physical recovery is also going to be difficult, which includes cramping and other discomfort, bleeding and risk of infection in the coming weeks after.
C. Future Plan:
Should my appeal be granted, I will create a plan to ensure that I still achieve academic success. In hopes that I am granted Aerostat standing in these courses, I can use the rest of the summer and days leading up to the procedure to relax and mentally and physically prepare. I am already working with my family doctor to get in contact with a counsellor who specializes in young women also seeking guidance through terminating a pregnancy. Additionally, I am working with my therapist to increase my appointments to ensure I feel like I have support during this time and work alongside me to learn how to come to terms with this decision I have made.
Documentation
Professional Letter: Physicians note-0.docx
Professional Letter Detail: Off campus physician's note
Documentation Detail: Instructor support documentation
Decision Letters
Level 1 Status
Status: DeniedLevel 2
Appeal Type: Level 2
ID: 73
Submitted: June 22, 2022 at 5:25:23 PM
Relevant Petition: 9152
Decision(s) Being Appealed: Request aegrotat (AG) standing in a course or courses: CHEM282, Winter 2022 (David Zechel)
Request aegrotat (AG) standing in a course or courses: MICR221, Winter 2022 (Christopher Lohans)
Request aegrotat (AG) standing in a course or courses: MICR221, Winter 2022 (Christopher Lohans)
Appeal Letter
Appeal Letter: To the members of the Queen??s University Board,
I am appealing the Associate Dean??s decision to deny my appeal to get granted aggregate standing in MICR 221 (Winter) and CHEM 282.
In this letter, I will be respectfully refuting the board??s initial decision. My original appeal was said to be denied because the circumstances have ??not continued.? Although the procedure has been completed and safely resolved, the toll on my mental health has been significant. It has affected my ability to work, finish my courses, and continue to live a normal healthy life. The appeal overlooked the psychological and mental side of the procedure. After finding out about the pregnancy in early May, I was in shock. My stress, anxiety, and depression took a turn for the worse. On the day of the surgery, I was wheeled into the operating room hysterically crying and scared for my life. I woke up in distress and was immediately referred to a social worker. I was unable to process and comprehend the trauma and implications of the procedure. Since the procedure, my mental health has continued to deteriorate, with my inability to sleep, eat and live life. The feeling of sadness and grief has been overwhelming. This has been communicated to my doctor and therapist, who have both encouraged further action be taken (increases in medication dosages and a referral to a psychiatrist). Physically, the surgery has resulted in multiple infections which I am still dealing with.
Both MICR221 and CHEM282 were deferred due to previous unrelated mental health reasons which resulted in hospitalization at the KGH hospital in Kingston. All other examinations were scheduled before this incident and completed except English. At this time I thought I would try to write it as it was an open book exam and I was unable to prepare for my remaining exams leading up to and after my hospitalization. Writing the exam was very difficult, being unable to focus and perform to my best ability due to these mental health issues resulting in almost failing the exam, something that is very unusual for me. My procedure has impacted my education in many ways, after my initial appeal being denied, my stress has been heightened and it has been very difficult to continue to fight my case. I am being advised to drop these two courses which will cause me to have to re do an entire course after being over 60% done, after many hours of dedication being put in and possibly causing me to take a fifth year in order to complete all my credits. Additionally, making me write these exams later in the summer when I am not healthy will result in very poor academic performance, something I should not be forced to do after the trauma I have faced.
Queens strongly voices that they care about the safety and well-being of their students and will support them through their academic journey. I submitted my initial appeal in hopes that my circumstance would be heard and I would be supported by my own school. Instead I felt as if my circumstance was not good enough and I am continuing to ??plead my case? to the school as to why I cannot finish my course load from winter 2022. Mental health is physical health and should be held to the same equalized level in terms of severity on ones ability to complete schooling. The mental impacts have failed to be recognized, much of which will take months to get better and now must cope with my new life. Queens University defines AG standing as when a student completes 60% of the course but extenuating circumstances beyond control prevents completion of the rest of the work. I do believe that this definition is fulfilled for my situation. In CHEM 282, I have completed and passed over 60% of the coursework. In MICR 221, I voiced that I was only 2% off from meeting 60% of the course and my professor mentioned that ??it should not be an issue?. Both professors reinforced the fact that they would help in any way they could (seen in supporting documentation from the initial appeal), and the solution is AG standing.
A recommendation was made to drop the course. I simply cannot understand this decision, as I have completed over half the course and have worked tirelessly during the better part of the semester. I should not be punished for these extenuating circumstances, and be forced re take an entire course due to this.
In the appeal, the Board notes that supporting documentation must be seen. I am happy to send doctor??s notes, therapy notes, and the referral to a social worker and psychiatrist, and the paperwork for the procedure. Further supporting documentation will be submitted at a later date and can help further explain the traumatic impacts this procedure has had on me and outline my further summer timeline. I will also be submitting an academic plan at a later date with my supporting documentation as I do not have access to my therapist at the moment and would like to work alongside her in the preparation of this.
Kindest regards,
Zoe Belen-Brown
I am appealing the Associate Dean??s decision to deny my appeal to get granted aggregate standing in MICR 221 (Winter) and CHEM 282.
In this letter, I will be respectfully refuting the board??s initial decision. My original appeal was said to be denied because the circumstances have ??not continued.? Although the procedure has been completed and safely resolved, the toll on my mental health has been significant. It has affected my ability to work, finish my courses, and continue to live a normal healthy life. The appeal overlooked the psychological and mental side of the procedure. After finding out about the pregnancy in early May, I was in shock. My stress, anxiety, and depression took a turn for the worse. On the day of the surgery, I was wheeled into the operating room hysterically crying and scared for my life. I woke up in distress and was immediately referred to a social worker. I was unable to process and comprehend the trauma and implications of the procedure. Since the procedure, my mental health has continued to deteriorate, with my inability to sleep, eat and live life. The feeling of sadness and grief has been overwhelming. This has been communicated to my doctor and therapist, who have both encouraged further action be taken (increases in medication dosages and a referral to a psychiatrist). Physically, the surgery has resulted in multiple infections which I am still dealing with.
Both MICR221 and CHEM282 were deferred due to previous unrelated mental health reasons which resulted in hospitalization at the KGH hospital in Kingston. All other examinations were scheduled before this incident and completed except English. At this time I thought I would try to write it as it was an open book exam and I was unable to prepare for my remaining exams leading up to and after my hospitalization. Writing the exam was very difficult, being unable to focus and perform to my best ability due to these mental health issues resulting in almost failing the exam, something that is very unusual for me. My procedure has impacted my education in many ways, after my initial appeal being denied, my stress has been heightened and it has been very difficult to continue to fight my case. I am being advised to drop these two courses which will cause me to have to re do an entire course after being over 60% done, after many hours of dedication being put in and possibly causing me to take a fifth year in order to complete all my credits. Additionally, making me write these exams later in the summer when I am not healthy will result in very poor academic performance, something I should not be forced to do after the trauma I have faced.
Queens strongly voices that they care about the safety and well-being of their students and will support them through their academic journey. I submitted my initial appeal in hopes that my circumstance would be heard and I would be supported by my own school. Instead I felt as if my circumstance was not good enough and I am continuing to ??plead my case? to the school as to why I cannot finish my course load from winter 2022. Mental health is physical health and should be held to the same equalized level in terms of severity on ones ability to complete schooling. The mental impacts have failed to be recognized, much of which will take months to get better and now must cope with my new life. Queens University defines AG standing as when a student completes 60% of the course but extenuating circumstances beyond control prevents completion of the rest of the work. I do believe that this definition is fulfilled for my situation. In CHEM 282, I have completed and passed over 60% of the coursework. In MICR 221, I voiced that I was only 2% off from meeting 60% of the course and my professor mentioned that ??it should not be an issue?. Both professors reinforced the fact that they would help in any way they could (seen in supporting documentation from the initial appeal), and the solution is AG standing.
A recommendation was made to drop the course. I simply cannot understand this decision, as I have completed over half the course and have worked tirelessly during the better part of the semester. I should not be punished for these extenuating circumstances, and be forced re take an entire course due to this.
In the appeal, the Board notes that supporting documentation must be seen. I am happy to send doctor??s notes, therapy notes, and the referral to a social worker and psychiatrist, and the paperwork for the procedure. Further supporting documentation will be submitted at a later date and can help further explain the traumatic impacts this procedure has had on me and outline my further summer timeline. I will also be submitting an academic plan at a later date with my supporting documentation as I do not have access to my therapist at the moment and would like to work alongside her in the preparation of this.
Kindest regards,
Zoe Belen-Brown
Documentation
Documentation Detail: an academic plan and letter from therapist (by July 10th)
Decision Letters
Level 2 Amendment
Appeal Type: Level 2 Amendment
ID: 89
Submitted: July 26, 2022 at 11:39:23 AM
Relevant Petition: 9152
Documentation
Document: support letter .pdf
History
Originally submitted May 13, 2022 at 11:57:51 AM.
| Field | Reference | Old Value | New Value | Note | User | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| status | N/A | Received | Incomplete | Spring Forsberg | 2022-05-16 3:12:06 PM | |
| status | N/A | Incomplete | In Review | Spring Forsberg | 2022-05-25 1:43:02 PM | |
| status | N/A | In Review | Denied | Spring Forsberg | 2022-06-02 11:08:15 AM | |
| associate_dean | N/A | Jenn Stephenson, Ph.D. | Spring Forsberg | 2022-06-02 11:08:15 AM | ||
| decision_letter | N/A | N/A | Decision letter sent | Spring Forsberg | 2022-06-02 11:09:18 AM | |
| new_appeal_level_2 | N/A | Level 2 | Level 2 Appeal ID: 73 | 19ZABB | 2022-06-22 5:25:23 PM | |
| new_appeal_level_2 | N/A | Level 2 Amendment | Level 2 Appeal ID: 89 | 19ZABB | 2022-07-26 11:39:23 AM | |
| status | N/A | Received | Denied | Pamela Briand | 2022-08-18 8:59:13 AM | |
| decision_letter | N/A | N/A | Decision letter sent | Pamela Briand | 2022-08-18 9:04:23 AM |