Petition Letter
200 Rhodes Circle, Newmarket, Ont., L3X 1V3
Telephone 905 898 8215
CELL (905)868-6913
Email: 11ral10@queensu.ca
June 8, 2015
99 University Ave
Kingston, ON
K7L 3N6
Associate Dean (Studies):
Ref: Decision dated May 26, 2015
Student : 10058053
I would like to appeal a decision for my academic standing for the 2015-2016 school year. I have been requested to withdraw for one academic year after not successfully reaching a 1.6 GPA as required in the letter I received on May 27, 2014. I did obtain a 1.55 GPA and I am writing to appeal this request as I believe there are extenuating circumstances as to why I was not as academically successful as required.
As Queen¿¿s Student Accessibility Services is aware, I suffer from anxiety. I was diagnosed by my doctor in 2012 (copy letter attached) after seeing a counselor for a number of years with little improvement. On arriving at Queen¿¿s in September 2012, I went through the appropriate steps to set up exam accommodations to help cope with my anxiety. During my first year, I experienced a difficult friendship dynamic which significantly hindered my academic performance and increased my anxiety. I spoke with a therapist in the Kingston community but found little relief. I was embarrassed to contact any of my professors and as a result my grades suffered. Before my second year, I had a psychological assessment (the report is attached). While I found some of the psychologist¿¿s advice useful, I continued to suffer from anxiety. Medication has not been a route I was willing to go down due to my family¿¿s medical history. I have just finished my third year and fortunately I am seeing some improvement in my coping skills. This was particularly true in my second semester. I have always struggled with my study techniques but, I believe that I have begun to find a rhythm as to the best ways I learn and comprehend information. However, I suffered an anxiety relapse during March of this year and I contacted my professors in order to make them aware of the situation. As I mature I have realized that I cannot do this alone and I know I need to reach out and get the help that I need. My marks towards the end of third year slowly began to improve and I am beginning to see a greater level of confidence in my work. In addition, I only missed the required GPA by .05, as I currently have a 1.55. I would appreciate Queen¿¿s overlooking the academic withdrawal in order to let me continue my education.
In order to meet my goals in achieving academic success, I will continue to take a reduced course load, this will extend my time at Queen¿¿s but will be worth it as it will reduce my anxiety and allow me to stay focused. I will also continue going to the library every day in order to complete work. I plan on working to better inform my professors and see what extra I can do in order to get the help I need. I struggle with exams as I panic and tend to become ¿¿paralyzed¿, so discussing alternative methods and taking advantage on the ¿¿open door¿ policy professors have will be beneficial. In addition, I am living alone next year which I believe will allow me the solitude that I need to focus on my work. I really do believe that I will be able to succeed if the academic withdrawal is lifted. I love Queen¿¿s, the community and fear that being asked to leave for a year will reduce my chances in returning to complete my degree. I apologize for any inconvenience I have created and I appreciate you taking the time to consider my academic standing.
Sincerely,
Rachel Lynn
Telephone 905 898 8215
CELL (905)868-6913
Email: 11ral10@queensu.ca
June 8, 2015
99 University Ave
Kingston, ON
K7L 3N6
Associate Dean (Studies):
Ref: Decision dated May 26, 2015
Student : 10058053
I would like to appeal a decision for my academic standing for the 2015-2016 school year. I have been requested to withdraw for one academic year after not successfully reaching a 1.6 GPA as required in the letter I received on May 27, 2014. I did obtain a 1.55 GPA and I am writing to appeal this request as I believe there are extenuating circumstances as to why I was not as academically successful as required.
As Queen¿¿s Student Accessibility Services is aware, I suffer from anxiety. I was diagnosed by my doctor in 2012 (copy letter attached) after seeing a counselor for a number of years with little improvement. On arriving at Queen¿¿s in September 2012, I went through the appropriate steps to set up exam accommodations to help cope with my anxiety. During my first year, I experienced a difficult friendship dynamic which significantly hindered my academic performance and increased my anxiety. I spoke with a therapist in the Kingston community but found little relief. I was embarrassed to contact any of my professors and as a result my grades suffered. Before my second year, I had a psychological assessment (the report is attached). While I found some of the psychologist¿¿s advice useful, I continued to suffer from anxiety. Medication has not been a route I was willing to go down due to my family¿¿s medical history. I have just finished my third year and fortunately I am seeing some improvement in my coping skills. This was particularly true in my second semester. I have always struggled with my study techniques but, I believe that I have begun to find a rhythm as to the best ways I learn and comprehend information. However, I suffered an anxiety relapse during March of this year and I contacted my professors in order to make them aware of the situation. As I mature I have realized that I cannot do this alone and I know I need to reach out and get the help that I need. My marks towards the end of third year slowly began to improve and I am beginning to see a greater level of confidence in my work. In addition, I only missed the required GPA by .05, as I currently have a 1.55. I would appreciate Queen¿¿s overlooking the academic withdrawal in order to let me continue my education.
In order to meet my goals in achieving academic success, I will continue to take a reduced course load, this will extend my time at Queen¿¿s but will be worth it as it will reduce my anxiety and allow me to stay focused. I will also continue going to the library every day in order to complete work. I plan on working to better inform my professors and see what extra I can do in order to get the help I need. I struggle with exams as I panic and tend to become ¿¿paralyzed¿, so discussing alternative methods and taking advantage on the ¿¿open door¿ policy professors have will be beneficial. In addition, I am living alone next year which I believe will allow me the solitude that I need to focus on my work. I really do believe that I will be able to succeed if the academic withdrawal is lifted. I love Queen¿¿s, the community and fear that being asked to leave for a year will reduce my chances in returning to complete my degree. I apologize for any inconvenience I have created and I appreciate you taking the time to consider my academic standing.
Sincerely,
Rachel Lynn