Manage Appeals
Petition Type: 3
ID: 9532
Submitted: September 7, 2022 at 12:00:57 PM
Relevant Petition: 9483
First Name: Samantha
Last Name: Martins
Student Number: 20270252
Email: sammjmartins@gmail.com
Degree Program: BAH
Plan: ARTH
Level of Study: 2
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Waive the requirement to withdraw for one year
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: To the Associate Deans (Academic),
Firstly, I would very much like to thank Ms. Jenn Stephenson, Ph.D. for allowing the waive of the 21 appeal day deadline. I am unbelievably grateful for the consideration that was offered. I kindly write to you with the intention of appealing the Faculty??s decision to Withdraw From Queen??s for One Year.
The Extenuating Circumstances that occurred last year affected me far beyond what I would have assumed, varying from my mental health to domestic issues. My studies are very important to me, however these circumstances did hinder me from being able to continue with my classes at the time despite the stress I put on myself to continue. Being on my own, in a city miles from my hometown and not knowing anyone at all, was very difficult to adjust to. Admittedly, I had no support whilst being swarmed with issues involving my (former) abusive stepfather, a toxic relationship, a manipulative friendship, financial struggles, the change in grading from highschool to University and the added stress of my classes as well. The isolation of COVID (specifically in January) had been a breaking point and I do understand where my fault is when considering my loss of motivation and my mental giving in to it. While I am once again clean, the severity of my mental health had resorted to a history of self harm on two occasions and the majority of my days I could not get out of bed nor stomach more than one meal a day. When trying to create a timeline of events, I believe these struggles began at the end of November, worsening in January and February, carrying on until the beginning of April when the end of the semester was right around the corner. To say the least, my first year was very difficult.
Thankfully, I do believe my circumstances have been managed and resolved over the course of the summer. I still consider myself to be managing them as mental health is not a temporary circumstance??though it is very much manageable with the right tools and outlets. During my next school year, I plan to apply for Academic Accommodation on the grounds of my mental health and arrange accommodations that make the most sense for myself while not taking advantage of this resource. On the basis of family and relationships who took a personal toll on me, I have removed contact. I have spent the summer working and saving money in order to relieve the stress of my financial situation. I have reviewed lecture notes and class assignments to better understand how things have differed from highschool, also intending to retake the classes that not only support my major best but that I am most interested in.
Moving forward I will be applying for Academic Accommodations, as mentioned, and get in touch with Queen??s Student Wellness Services. I have also decided to take a few summer courses next year and attend Queen??s for an extra year rather than graduating in 2024 so that I may make up for my first year. With this idea, I am also considering a lighter course load during the semesters. Syllabus week will be spent planning a study schedule and a more efficient way of note taking, as well as researching the resources Queen??s has to offer and getting in touch with an Academic Advisor. Personally I do believe that this plan will calm my stress and anxiety related to classes while other challenges outside this area have already been dealt with if not in the process of being dealt with. As stated, relationships that negatively affected me and therefore my education have been removed. Family issues that may arise will not be brought to my attention unless they are an emergency and should finances become a worry yet again, I will apply for a small job in Kingston for the weekends. My plan may not sound perfect, but I know that it is something that will work for me. I am more than willing to put in the work that may be required in order to continue my studies as planned.
Again, as I have apologized in my previous letter, I truly cannot apologize enough; to the Dean and the Associate Deans, the Board, the Registrar, my professors and the faculties this has affected, as well as myself for my previous year. I truly understand where my fault is in neglecting my studies due to the various circumstances, and the consequences that were necessary in response to them. Respectfully, I ask for your consideration and to allow me another opportunity to continue my studies as planned. I am eager to make up for my faults and genuinely thank you for the time that was spent to read this letter.
Sincerely,
Samantha Martins.
Firstly, I would very much like to thank Ms. Jenn Stephenson, Ph.D. for allowing the waive of the 21 appeal day deadline. I am unbelievably grateful for the consideration that was offered. I kindly write to you with the intention of appealing the Faculty??s decision to Withdraw From Queen??s for One Year.
The Extenuating Circumstances that occurred last year affected me far beyond what I would have assumed, varying from my mental health to domestic issues. My studies are very important to me, however these circumstances did hinder me from being able to continue with my classes at the time despite the stress I put on myself to continue. Being on my own, in a city miles from my hometown and not knowing anyone at all, was very difficult to adjust to. Admittedly, I had no support whilst being swarmed with issues involving my (former) abusive stepfather, a toxic relationship, a manipulative friendship, financial struggles, the change in grading from highschool to University and the added stress of my classes as well. The isolation of COVID (specifically in January) had been a breaking point and I do understand where my fault is when considering my loss of motivation and my mental giving in to it. While I am once again clean, the severity of my mental health had resorted to a history of self harm on two occasions and the majority of my days I could not get out of bed nor stomach more than one meal a day. When trying to create a timeline of events, I believe these struggles began at the end of November, worsening in January and February, carrying on until the beginning of April when the end of the semester was right around the corner. To say the least, my first year was very difficult.
Thankfully, I do believe my circumstances have been managed and resolved over the course of the summer. I still consider myself to be managing them as mental health is not a temporary circumstance??though it is very much manageable with the right tools and outlets. During my next school year, I plan to apply for Academic Accommodation on the grounds of my mental health and arrange accommodations that make the most sense for myself while not taking advantage of this resource. On the basis of family and relationships who took a personal toll on me, I have removed contact. I have spent the summer working and saving money in order to relieve the stress of my financial situation. I have reviewed lecture notes and class assignments to better understand how things have differed from highschool, also intending to retake the classes that not only support my major best but that I am most interested in.
Moving forward I will be applying for Academic Accommodations, as mentioned, and get in touch with Queen??s Student Wellness Services. I have also decided to take a few summer courses next year and attend Queen??s for an extra year rather than graduating in 2024 so that I may make up for my first year. With this idea, I am also considering a lighter course load during the semesters. Syllabus week will be spent planning a study schedule and a more efficient way of note taking, as well as researching the resources Queen??s has to offer and getting in touch with an Academic Advisor. Personally I do believe that this plan will calm my stress and anxiety related to classes while other challenges outside this area have already been dealt with if not in the process of being dealt with. As stated, relationships that negatively affected me and therefore my education have been removed. Family issues that may arise will not be brought to my attention unless they are an emergency and should finances become a worry yet again, I will apply for a small job in Kingston for the weekends. My plan may not sound perfect, but I know that it is something that will work for me. I am more than willing to put in the work that may be required in order to continue my studies as planned.
Again, as I have apologized in my previous letter, I truly cannot apologize enough; to the Dean and the Associate Deans, the Board, the Registrar, my professors and the faculties this has affected, as well as myself for my previous year. I truly understand where my fault is in neglecting my studies due to the various circumstances, and the consequences that were necessary in response to them. Respectfully, I ask for your consideration and to allow me another opportunity to continue my studies as planned. I am eager to make up for my faults and genuinely thank you for the time that was spent to read this letter.
Sincerely,
Samantha Martins.
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: While my letter does list off a portion of my academic plan, I chose to contact an Academic Advisor to outline a more concise plan and get a better understanding as to how a plan should look when being considered by the Associate Deans. I hope that this communicates well my desire to continue my studies this year and the work I am willing to put in to do so.
Course of Study
I am not yet registered in my desired degree plan, I have not yet declared my major. However, I am familiar with my plan requirements. I wish to follow through with a Medial degree plan, majoring in Art History and Classical Studies. Last year I took ARTH120 and will be retaking it for the sake of my degree plan and because I also very much love the course material. In support of Classical Studies, I will be taking CLST102 as my core.
- Come reading week, I intend to meet with an Academic Advisor again to refine my course selection for the winter semester and ensure that I am on track with classes for this degree plan.
- I would also like to balance my courses with 1 or 2 classes being online if the option is possible.
- In the process of appealing my Requirement to Withdraw for One Year, I have not had the chance to sit down and fully map out all of my required courses for this degree plan, though I intend to the second a decision has been made. I do have an idea of the classes I am most interested in taking, most of which I would have taken as electives if they were not requirements.
- I will be retaking ARTH120, CLST150 and possibly DRAM100 and FILM110.
Full-time vs. Part-time
- I do not have incomplete work to finish from previous academic sessions.
- As of now, I do not need to work while attending school. There is a possibility that I may need to later on in the school year, but at the moment I am not yet certain. If I do, the plan is to take on a part time job strictly during the weekends. This leaves the week dedicated to time of study and a bit of calm when I do not have classes to attend or prepare for.
- I do not believe that I need to take a lighter course load. However, I have considered my course load from the previous year and how it had affected my academics as well as my emotional stress. After thinking it through, I have decided to take 4 classes rather than five during the school year. I will also be taking 1 or 2 classes during the summer so that I may remain on track and earn the units needed to graduate. Additionally, I intend to take an extra year to make up for the previous.
Strategies for Success
- Academic stress, uncertainty and domestic issues are challenges that I have encountered. In regard to the academic challenges, I will address those by referring back to this plan or contacting an Advisor for specific support and guidance. This may be in relation to figuring out the classes I need versus the classes I want to take or finding myself undergoing stress due to my workload. Domestic issues are tricky to counter, but I have decided with my family that they should not interfere with my studies unless they are an emergency. Should this problem arise again, I will contact QSAS or another department who may be able to offer accommodations until the issue has settled. I also find that my professors tend to be very understanding, reaching out to them is also a huge priority should I need an extension for any assignment.
- Organization and prioritizing, while I believe myself to be rather good at, are skills that I need to further build while moving forward. Especially when it comes to my studies. I am already beginning to work on this via taking the time to find a better note taking method for myself and reviewing notes, assignments and lectures from the classes I will be retaking this year.
- QSAS, Academic Advising, Student Wellness and Academic Accommodations or Consideration are resources I plan to employ. I am also looking into any counselling that Queen??s may offer its students because I find that I tend to do much better in general when partaking in any kind of therapy or counselling. I am still looking into support.
The following points are to target more specific challenges I may face and the solutions I know that I will easily be able to turn to when I need them:
Difficulty with course content
- Utilize my TA??s, do not hesitate to speak with them after class.
- Email my professor for specific questions.
Difficulty following along in lectures, understanding readings, or completing course work
- Contact Student Accessibility Services.
- Ask TA??s about the reading.
- Contact my professor (if struggling to understand a lecture).
Difficulty enjoying a course or finding a lack of fulfilment
- Contact an Academic Advisor, do not hesitate to discuss my current plan or pathway.
Difficulty managing time, preparing for exams, completing assignments
- Contact a counsellor for strategies to counter the specific difficulty and create a plan for studying, time management for this class, or doing the assignments without burning out.
- Contact an Academic Advisor for advice on how the course may affect my degree, if there may be a better alternative class (this is a worst case scenario, if created strategies do not seem to help at all).
Experiencing situational demands that prevent success
- Academic Consideration Request Portal; https://www.queensu.ca/artsci/undergrad-students/academic-consideration-for-students
- Adjust academic goals; contact an advisor for guidance.
Finances
- OSAP (already receiving aid).
- Apply for school bursaries and/or scholarships.
- Contact Student Awards Office.
- Part time work during the weekends if needed.
This plan will be referred to and updated/edited as needed. I have many more supports than I did last year, ranging from school offered resources to housemates and friends who I should not be afraid to ask for help. Whether it be for studying or just needing someone to talk to? frankly, this heavily counters the challenge of isolation that I struggled with last year as well.
Course of Study
I am not yet registered in my desired degree plan, I have not yet declared my major. However, I am familiar with my plan requirements. I wish to follow through with a Medial degree plan, majoring in Art History and Classical Studies. Last year I took ARTH120 and will be retaking it for the sake of my degree plan and because I also very much love the course material. In support of Classical Studies, I will be taking CLST102 as my core.
- Come reading week, I intend to meet with an Academic Advisor again to refine my course selection for the winter semester and ensure that I am on track with classes for this degree plan.
- I would also like to balance my courses with 1 or 2 classes being online if the option is possible.
- In the process of appealing my Requirement to Withdraw for One Year, I have not had the chance to sit down and fully map out all of my required courses for this degree plan, though I intend to the second a decision has been made. I do have an idea of the classes I am most interested in taking, most of which I would have taken as electives if they were not requirements.
- I will be retaking ARTH120, CLST150 and possibly DRAM100 and FILM110.
Full-time vs. Part-time
- I do not have incomplete work to finish from previous academic sessions.
- As of now, I do not need to work while attending school. There is a possibility that I may need to later on in the school year, but at the moment I am not yet certain. If I do, the plan is to take on a part time job strictly during the weekends. This leaves the week dedicated to time of study and a bit of calm when I do not have classes to attend or prepare for.
- I do not believe that I need to take a lighter course load. However, I have considered my course load from the previous year and how it had affected my academics as well as my emotional stress. After thinking it through, I have decided to take 4 classes rather than five during the school year. I will also be taking 1 or 2 classes during the summer so that I may remain on track and earn the units needed to graduate. Additionally, I intend to take an extra year to make up for the previous.
Strategies for Success
- Academic stress, uncertainty and domestic issues are challenges that I have encountered. In regard to the academic challenges, I will address those by referring back to this plan or contacting an Advisor for specific support and guidance. This may be in relation to figuring out the classes I need versus the classes I want to take or finding myself undergoing stress due to my workload. Domestic issues are tricky to counter, but I have decided with my family that they should not interfere with my studies unless they are an emergency. Should this problem arise again, I will contact QSAS or another department who may be able to offer accommodations until the issue has settled. I also find that my professors tend to be very understanding, reaching out to them is also a huge priority should I need an extension for any assignment.
- Organization and prioritizing, while I believe myself to be rather good at, are skills that I need to further build while moving forward. Especially when it comes to my studies. I am already beginning to work on this via taking the time to find a better note taking method for myself and reviewing notes, assignments and lectures from the classes I will be retaking this year.
- QSAS, Academic Advising, Student Wellness and Academic Accommodations or Consideration are resources I plan to employ. I am also looking into any counselling that Queen??s may offer its students because I find that I tend to do much better in general when partaking in any kind of therapy or counselling. I am still looking into support.
The following points are to target more specific challenges I may face and the solutions I know that I will easily be able to turn to when I need them:
Difficulty with course content
- Utilize my TA??s, do not hesitate to speak with them after class.
- Email my professor for specific questions.
Difficulty following along in lectures, understanding readings, or completing course work
- Contact Student Accessibility Services.
- Ask TA??s about the reading.
- Contact my professor (if struggling to understand a lecture).
Difficulty enjoying a course or finding a lack of fulfilment
- Contact an Academic Advisor, do not hesitate to discuss my current plan or pathway.
Difficulty managing time, preparing for exams, completing assignments
- Contact a counsellor for strategies to counter the specific difficulty and create a plan for studying, time management for this class, or doing the assignments without burning out.
- Contact an Academic Advisor for advice on how the course may affect my degree, if there may be a better alternative class (this is a worst case scenario, if created strategies do not seem to help at all).
Experiencing situational demands that prevent success
- Academic Consideration Request Portal; https://www.queensu.ca/artsci/undergrad-students/academic-consideration-for-students
- Adjust academic goals; contact an advisor for guidance.
Finances
- OSAP (already receiving aid).
- Apply for school bursaries and/or scholarships.
- Contact Student Awards Office.
- Part time work during the weekends if needed.
This plan will be referred to and updated/edited as needed. I have many more supports than I did last year, ranging from school offered resources to housemates and friends who I should not be afraid to ask for help. Whether it be for studying or just needing someone to talk to? frankly, this heavily counters the challenge of isolation that I struggled with last year as well.
Documentation
Professional Letter Detail: I am unable to provide a letter from a professional, I was not seeing professional help. My parents are also unaware. But I can include a letter of confirmation from a friend who was involved.
Decision Letters
Amendment to Appeal 9532
Relevant Petition: 9532
Student Number: 20270252
Documentation
Professional Letter: SM Appeal Doc Sept 2022.pdf