Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 9299
Submitted: June 14, 2022 at 3:38:48 PM
First Name: Brenda Leena
Last Name: Ahmad
Student Number: 20278081
Email: 20blla@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BCHM
Plan: LISC
Level of Study: 1
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Waive the requirement to withdraw for one year
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: Dear Board of Studies,
I am appealing to the Associate Dean to waive my requirement to withdraw from the Faculty of Arts & Sciences for one year.
I understand the decision made by the board of requiring me to suspend my studies for a year due to my unsatisfactory GPA. However, I kindly ask for a reconsideration as I believe I have misrepresented myself this year. At the beginning of the year, I experienced anxiety due to the stressful transition from high school to university which negatively impacted my mental health and ability to focus early on. Then I got involved in a toxic relationship that served as a breaking-point driving my mental health further into a spiral. During the fall semester, I experienced minor anxious episodes, which I was initially able to control. Yet as my relationship became more mentally harmful, these episodes became much more severe and consistent. I became increasingly distracted due to these episodes of severe anxiety, which formed a mental block and made it extremely difficult to focus on my studies. Due to my emotional dependance on my then-partner, I could not recognize the negative impact of my relationship on my mental health as well as my academic focus. Nor did I recognize that I needed to share my struggles with my psychiatrist. This fear of seeking out support led to further exacerbation of my mental health during the months of January and February. I witnessed my grades drop without being able to cope with my mental state and I became increasingly more self-destructive. I isolated myself from all my support systems; I was dishonest with my psychiatrist, and would push away my friends and family. I became completely dependent on this unhealthy relationship until it ended in March, causing me to spiral into a depressive episode. I was in a period of loss where I felt stuck; I lost interest in all my activities as well my desires and goals. I did not feel any reward from my accomplishments nor did I see their purpose. I began to follow an extremely unhealthy lifestyle which prompted the neglect of my studies.
After a long period of self-reflection and recovery I have reconsidered my priorities and goals for my future. I am now more transparent with my psychotherapist and since then have been working on my mental health as well as my resilience and discipline in studying. As part of improving my study habits I have started to organize a calendar filled with deadlines and schedules that I follow rigorously to stay on top of my work. I included further details in my academic plan attached to this letter. I am currently retaking two courses over the summer to make up for two of my failed grades as well as to demonstrate my commitment to stay doing well in school for the 2022-2023 academic year. Therefore, I ask the Dean and the Board of Studies to please reconsider requiring me to withdraw from my studies for one year. I truly am devoted to my career and academics, and I know I can prove myself to be worthy of this opportunity.
A letter from my psychiatrist will be attached further in time as I have not received it in time of my appeal application.
Thank you for the consideration.
Sincerely,
Leena Ahmad.
I am appealing to the Associate Dean to waive my requirement to withdraw from the Faculty of Arts & Sciences for one year.
I understand the decision made by the board of requiring me to suspend my studies for a year due to my unsatisfactory GPA. However, I kindly ask for a reconsideration as I believe I have misrepresented myself this year. At the beginning of the year, I experienced anxiety due to the stressful transition from high school to university which negatively impacted my mental health and ability to focus early on. Then I got involved in a toxic relationship that served as a breaking-point driving my mental health further into a spiral. During the fall semester, I experienced minor anxious episodes, which I was initially able to control. Yet as my relationship became more mentally harmful, these episodes became much more severe and consistent. I became increasingly distracted due to these episodes of severe anxiety, which formed a mental block and made it extremely difficult to focus on my studies. Due to my emotional dependance on my then-partner, I could not recognize the negative impact of my relationship on my mental health as well as my academic focus. Nor did I recognize that I needed to share my struggles with my psychiatrist. This fear of seeking out support led to further exacerbation of my mental health during the months of January and February. I witnessed my grades drop without being able to cope with my mental state and I became increasingly more self-destructive. I isolated myself from all my support systems; I was dishonest with my psychiatrist, and would push away my friends and family. I became completely dependent on this unhealthy relationship until it ended in March, causing me to spiral into a depressive episode. I was in a period of loss where I felt stuck; I lost interest in all my activities as well my desires and goals. I did not feel any reward from my accomplishments nor did I see their purpose. I began to follow an extremely unhealthy lifestyle which prompted the neglect of my studies.
After a long period of self-reflection and recovery I have reconsidered my priorities and goals for my future. I am now more transparent with my psychotherapist and since then have been working on my mental health as well as my resilience and discipline in studying. As part of improving my study habits I have started to organize a calendar filled with deadlines and schedules that I follow rigorously to stay on top of my work. I included further details in my academic plan attached to this letter. I am currently retaking two courses over the summer to make up for two of my failed grades as well as to demonstrate my commitment to stay doing well in school for the 2022-2023 academic year. Therefore, I ask the Dean and the Board of Studies to please reconsider requiring me to withdraw from my studies for one year. I truly am devoted to my career and academics, and I know I can prove myself to be worthy of this opportunity.
A letter from my psychiatrist will be attached further in time as I have not received it in time of my appeal application.
Thank you for the consideration.
Sincerely,
Leena Ahmad.
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: I am currently registered in the direct entry plan for the Bachelors in Life Sciences which is my desired plan for my undergraduate degree. I have reviewed the academic calendar and I have attended the multiple life science study plan presentations provided to the first year students presented by Dr. Louise Winn. They have helped me to create this rough draft of a plan for my upper year terms;
First Year
Requirements:
Calculus (MATH 121) - 6.0 units
Chemistry (CHEM 112) - 6.0 units
Biology (BIOL 102; BIOL 103) - 6.0 units (each is 3.0 units)
Physics (PHYS 117) - 6.0 units
Elective chosen:
Psychology (PSYC 100)
I have completed BIOL 102 and MATH 121. I am currently taking CHEM 112 and PSYC 100 during the summer to make up for the failed grades. BIOL 103 is available in the fall term (september 2022) and I would take it along with my second year requisite courses. PHYS 117 would be taken during the summer term (May 2023).
Second Year
Requirements:
Molecular Biology (BCHM 218) - 3.00 units
Main Group Chemistry (CHEM 211) - 3.00 units
Principles of Chemistry Reactivity (CHEM 212) - 3.00 units
Organic Reactions (CHEM 223) - 3.00 units
Statistics (BIOL 243) - 3.00 units
Biology (BIOL 103) - 3.00 units
Introduction to Biochemistry (BCHM 102) - 3.00 units
Elements of Computing with Data Analytics (CISC 151) - 3.00 units
Molecular biology, statistics, chemistry 211; 212; 223 and biology 103 are all prerequisites in second year along with one prerequisite from first year. Introduction to biochemistry and elements of computing are suggested courses to take for this program which I will be taking along with the requisites.
Third and Fourth Year
Requirements 3rd year:
Physical biochemistry (BCHM 313) - 3.00 units
Proteins and Enzymes (BCHM 315) - 3.00 units
Metabolism (BCHM 316) - 3.00 units
Introductory Biochemistry Laboratory (BCHM 317) - 6.00 units
Requirements 4th year:
Current Topics in Biochemistry (BCHM 441) - 3.00 units
Protein Structure and Function (BCHM 410) - 6.00 units
Advanced Molecular Biology (BCHM 411) - 6.00 units
The Molecular Basis of Cellular Function (BCHM 432) - 6.00 units
Throughout the four year course of my program I plan to be a full time student therefore I will ensure to keep a minimum of 9.0 units in each of my terms. As stated above, I will be making up for any lost credits from my first year by retaking them during the summer semester of this year (May - August 2022) and the fall semester of (September - December 2023).
I have contacted an academic advisor whom I have a meeting with on June 16th at 2:30 pm to go over and polish this plan as well as ask for advice on the next steps on the improvement of my academic status.
This year my mental health took a big hit which worked as an impediment in my academic career. My personal situation since March has been improving since I am no longer involved in the environment that drove my decline in my mental health. Through this detachment and the help of my psychotherapist I have been able to invest my focus on my studies. I am currently taking summer semester (May - August 2022) courses in chemistry (CHEM 112) and psychology (PSYC 100) to make up for the failed credits from the fall and winter semesters (2021 - 2022). Other than enhancing my time management skills and working on my mental health, my goal in these two summer courses is to inflate my marks and GPA to restore my academic standing. I am very motivated to continue with my studies at Queens University for this following year and I can assure the board that my results from this summer term will be a demonstration of my dedication for this opportunity. Below I have attached a list of my areas of struggles and the courses of action I am taking to overcome them:
Academic Skills & Work Habits:
Time management was one of my handicaps this year. I managed my workload ineffectively and need guidance for the development of this skill. The steps I have taken to improve are:
1. I am planning to attend workshops at Queens University along with workshops during the summer
I have contacted an Academic advisor and will be meeting with them on Thursday of this week (June 16th, 2022).
2. I am planning to apply for the mentorship program if I can continue my studies at Queens.
3. I have started to organize a monthly calendar with all my assignment, test and exam deadlines as well as a weekly schedule I follow rigorously to complete my work.
Personal Circumstances:
I experienced a harsh decline in my mental health this year causing me to be completely distracted from my studies. To cope with this situation I have and will be;
1. been meeting with my psychiatrist to work on this impediment,
2. Involving myself in school activities could help me feel closer to the Queens community essentially helping me feel less isolated during any mentally rough experiences,
3. Mindful of the Academic Consideration Portal at Queens and will be making use of this portal if my circumstances change,
4. I am planning to push myself out of my comfort zone and try to be more open with professors or TAs so that further guidance can be provided to me, reducing stress.
First Year
Requirements:
Calculus (MATH 121) - 6.0 units
Chemistry (CHEM 112) - 6.0 units
Biology (BIOL 102; BIOL 103) - 6.0 units (each is 3.0 units)
Physics (PHYS 117) - 6.0 units
Elective chosen:
Psychology (PSYC 100)
I have completed BIOL 102 and MATH 121. I am currently taking CHEM 112 and PSYC 100 during the summer to make up for the failed grades. BIOL 103 is available in the fall term (september 2022) and I would take it along with my second year requisite courses. PHYS 117 would be taken during the summer term (May 2023).
Second Year
Requirements:
Molecular Biology (BCHM 218) - 3.00 units
Main Group Chemistry (CHEM 211) - 3.00 units
Principles of Chemistry Reactivity (CHEM 212) - 3.00 units
Organic Reactions (CHEM 223) - 3.00 units
Statistics (BIOL 243) - 3.00 units
Biology (BIOL 103) - 3.00 units
Introduction to Biochemistry (BCHM 102) - 3.00 units
Elements of Computing with Data Analytics (CISC 151) - 3.00 units
Molecular biology, statistics, chemistry 211; 212; 223 and biology 103 are all prerequisites in second year along with one prerequisite from first year. Introduction to biochemistry and elements of computing are suggested courses to take for this program which I will be taking along with the requisites.
Third and Fourth Year
Requirements 3rd year:
Physical biochemistry (BCHM 313) - 3.00 units
Proteins and Enzymes (BCHM 315) - 3.00 units
Metabolism (BCHM 316) - 3.00 units
Introductory Biochemistry Laboratory (BCHM 317) - 6.00 units
Requirements 4th year:
Current Topics in Biochemistry (BCHM 441) - 3.00 units
Protein Structure and Function (BCHM 410) - 6.00 units
Advanced Molecular Biology (BCHM 411) - 6.00 units
The Molecular Basis of Cellular Function (BCHM 432) - 6.00 units
Throughout the four year course of my program I plan to be a full time student therefore I will ensure to keep a minimum of 9.0 units in each of my terms. As stated above, I will be making up for any lost credits from my first year by retaking them during the summer semester of this year (May - August 2022) and the fall semester of (September - December 2023).
I have contacted an academic advisor whom I have a meeting with on June 16th at 2:30 pm to go over and polish this plan as well as ask for advice on the next steps on the improvement of my academic status.
This year my mental health took a big hit which worked as an impediment in my academic career. My personal situation since March has been improving since I am no longer involved in the environment that drove my decline in my mental health. Through this detachment and the help of my psychotherapist I have been able to invest my focus on my studies. I am currently taking summer semester (May - August 2022) courses in chemistry (CHEM 112) and psychology (PSYC 100) to make up for the failed credits from the fall and winter semesters (2021 - 2022). Other than enhancing my time management skills and working on my mental health, my goal in these two summer courses is to inflate my marks and GPA to restore my academic standing. I am very motivated to continue with my studies at Queens University for this following year and I can assure the board that my results from this summer term will be a demonstration of my dedication for this opportunity. Below I have attached a list of my areas of struggles and the courses of action I am taking to overcome them:
Academic Skills & Work Habits:
Time management was one of my handicaps this year. I managed my workload ineffectively and need guidance for the development of this skill. The steps I have taken to improve are:
1. I am planning to attend workshops at Queens University along with workshops during the summer
I have contacted an Academic advisor and will be meeting with them on Thursday of this week (June 16th, 2022).
2. I am planning to apply for the mentorship program if I can continue my studies at Queens.
3. I have started to organize a monthly calendar with all my assignment, test and exam deadlines as well as a weekly schedule I follow rigorously to complete my work.
Personal Circumstances:
I experienced a harsh decline in my mental health this year causing me to be completely distracted from my studies. To cope with this situation I have and will be;
1. been meeting with my psychiatrist to work on this impediment,
2. Involving myself in school activities could help me feel closer to the Queens community essentially helping me feel less isolated during any mentally rough experiences,
3. Mindful of the Academic Consideration Portal at Queens and will be making use of this portal if my circumstances change,
4. I am planning to push myself out of my comfort zone and try to be more open with professors or TAs so that further guidance can be provided to me, reducing stress.
Documentation
Professional Letter: 20278081 LA letter June 23 2022.pdf
Decision Letters
History
Originally submitted June 14, 2022 at 3:38:48 PM.
| Field | Reference | Old Value | New Value | Note | User | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| status | N/A | Received | Incomplete | Kerri Andrews | 2022-06-14 3:48:57 PM | |
| status | N/A | Incomplete | In Review | Kerri Andrews | 2022-06-23 2:44:12 PM | |
| status | N/A | In Review | Granted | Kerri Andrews | 2022-06-29 5:13:10 PM | |
| associate_dean | N/A | Jenn Stephenson, Ph.D. | Kerri Andrews | 2022-06-29 5:13:10 PM | ||
| decision_letter | N/A | N/A | Decision letter sent | Kerri Andrews | 2022-06-29 5:16:03 PM |