Academic Plan
My goal is to return to strong academic standing and complete my degree. Through reflection on the factors that have impacted my academic performance, I have constructed a realistic plan that addresses both my academic pathway and my personal wellbeing. This plan continues with the changes I have already made and the strategies I will be implementing moving forward to ensure academic success.
Course of Study
I wish to continue studying under the Bachelor of Arts (General) in Economics. I have been able to recover grades in economics courses that improve my education and well-being by growing my interest and knowledge. I understand the importance of rebuilding my academic standing and have reviewed my academic progress to identify the courses required to complete my degree. As part of my recovery plan, I will retake courses that have previously impacted my academic standing negatively. This includes a couple of courses that are foundational to my program, and I recognize that strengthening my understanding of this material is essential for future academic success. Retaking these courses will allow me to demonstrate my true academic ability in a more stable and supported environment, while also improving my cumulative GPA and following degree requirements. As well, I will consult academic advisory to help shape my schedule to ensure I am completing degree requisites and ensure that my course selection is appropriate, manageable and that I am capable of succeeding.
Workload Management
In previous years, I have identified that I have stretched myself too thin throughout the year, by trying to juggle working, my academics as well as my personal well-being. Moving forward, I will prioritize my academic success and wellbeing by not working during the academic year. Eliminating this extra stressor and commitment will allow me to fully dedicate my time and energy to coursework, studying, attending classes, and maintaining my mental health treatment plan. I will also carefully monitor my course load each term to ensure that I am not overextending myself or reaching a level of burnout. Where necessary, I will seek guidance from academic advisors to maintain a balanced and sustainable workload.
Management of Extenuating Circumstances
My academic performance was significantly affected by a combination of severe mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, stress-induced insomnia, and the ongoing effects of a previously diagnosed eating disorder. These challenges developed and intensified over time and had a substantial impact on my ability to concentrate, attend classes consistently, and complete academic work as well as take care of myself physically. I have started to address these barriers and build long-term stability. I currently attend therapy sessions, which have helped me develop healthier coping strategies and improve emotional regulation. I will continue this therapy throughout my studies, reassessing frequently about the regularity of sessions and meetings. I have also begun prescribed medication for anxiety and depression under medical supervision. This treatment has provided increased stability and has helped reduce the severity of symptoms that previously interfered with my academic functioning. While attempting to find the correct dosage, I believe I am at a stable point where I can manage my anxiety and depression, and return to normal functioning. I have also implemented structured sleep management strategies to address stress-induced insomnia, which has improved my ability to maintain consistent daily functioning and academic focus. I will continue to actively engage in all recommended treatments and maintain regular communication with healthcare professionals to ensure ongoing stability and support
Living Situation and Relationships
A major factor contributing to my academic difficulties was my previous living environment, which was highly stressful and emotionally challenging. The hostility and toxicity within the household significantly worsened my anxiety and depression and contributed to my isolation and academic decline. This situation has now changed. I have moved into a new house where I live with academically focused and respectful roommates. My current living environment is calm, stable, and supportive, which has significantly reduced a major source of stress that previously impacted my mental health and pushes me to succeed academically. This change will allow me to focus more effectively on my studies and maintain healthier routines, in a stress free environment where I am able to move freely without additional emotional turmoil.
Strategies
Additionally, I plan to implement the following strategies:
- Attend all lecture classes and actively engage with course material
- Utilize professor office hours and TA assistance to ensure I fully understand the material, as well as build relationships to keep me on track
- Develop and maintain a structured weekly study schedule to improve organization and time management
- Begin assignments and exam preparation early to reduce stress and improve academic performance
- Retake previously failed or low-performing courses to strengthen my academic foundation and improve my GPA
- Seek academic support early if I encounter difficulty, rather than delaying assistance
- Regularly assess my academic progress and adjust my strategies as needed throughout the term
- Take advantage of university run assistance programs like SASS and study groups
- Re-meet with the accommodations staff to fully understand my options to support my diagnosis rather than be embarrassed to acknowledge it
- Explore tutor opportunities through ASUS peer tutoring
- Continue to use the on-campus mental health resources and therapy available to me where it is accessible.
Course of Study
I wish to continue studying under the Bachelor of Arts (General) in Economics. I have been able to recover grades in economics courses that improve my education and well-being by growing my interest and knowledge. I understand the importance of rebuilding my academic standing and have reviewed my academic progress to identify the courses required to complete my degree. As part of my recovery plan, I will retake courses that have previously impacted my academic standing negatively. This includes a couple of courses that are foundational to my program, and I recognize that strengthening my understanding of this material is essential for future academic success. Retaking these courses will allow me to demonstrate my true academic ability in a more stable and supported environment, while also improving my cumulative GPA and following degree requirements. As well, I will consult academic advisory to help shape my schedule to ensure I am completing degree requisites and ensure that my course selection is appropriate, manageable and that I am capable of succeeding.
Workload Management
In previous years, I have identified that I have stretched myself too thin throughout the year, by trying to juggle working, my academics as well as my personal well-being. Moving forward, I will prioritize my academic success and wellbeing by not working during the academic year. Eliminating this extra stressor and commitment will allow me to fully dedicate my time and energy to coursework, studying, attending classes, and maintaining my mental health treatment plan. I will also carefully monitor my course load each term to ensure that I am not overextending myself or reaching a level of burnout. Where necessary, I will seek guidance from academic advisors to maintain a balanced and sustainable workload.
Management of Extenuating Circumstances
My academic performance was significantly affected by a combination of severe mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, stress-induced insomnia, and the ongoing effects of a previously diagnosed eating disorder. These challenges developed and intensified over time and had a substantial impact on my ability to concentrate, attend classes consistently, and complete academic work as well as take care of myself physically. I have started to address these barriers and build long-term stability. I currently attend therapy sessions, which have helped me develop healthier coping strategies and improve emotional regulation. I will continue this therapy throughout my studies, reassessing frequently about the regularity of sessions and meetings. I have also begun prescribed medication for anxiety and depression under medical supervision. This treatment has provided increased stability and has helped reduce the severity of symptoms that previously interfered with my academic functioning. While attempting to find the correct dosage, I believe I am at a stable point where I can manage my anxiety and depression, and return to normal functioning. I have also implemented structured sleep management strategies to address stress-induced insomnia, which has improved my ability to maintain consistent daily functioning and academic focus. I will continue to actively engage in all recommended treatments and maintain regular communication with healthcare professionals to ensure ongoing stability and support
Living Situation and Relationships
A major factor contributing to my academic difficulties was my previous living environment, which was highly stressful and emotionally challenging. The hostility and toxicity within the household significantly worsened my anxiety and depression and contributed to my isolation and academic decline. This situation has now changed. I have moved into a new house where I live with academically focused and respectful roommates. My current living environment is calm, stable, and supportive, which has significantly reduced a major source of stress that previously impacted my mental health and pushes me to succeed academically. This change will allow me to focus more effectively on my studies and maintain healthier routines, in a stress free environment where I am able to move freely without additional emotional turmoil.
Strategies
Additionally, I plan to implement the following strategies:
- Attend all lecture classes and actively engage with course material
- Utilize professor office hours and TA assistance to ensure I fully understand the material, as well as build relationships to keep me on track
- Develop and maintain a structured weekly study schedule to improve organization and time management
- Begin assignments and exam preparation early to reduce stress and improve academic performance
- Retake previously failed or low-performing courses to strengthen my academic foundation and improve my GPA
- Seek academic support early if I encounter difficulty, rather than delaying assistance
- Regularly assess my academic progress and adjust my strategies as needed throughout the term
- Take advantage of university run assistance programs like SASS and study groups
- Re-meet with the accommodations staff to fully understand my options to support my diagnosis rather than be embarrassed to acknowledge it
- Explore tutor opportunities through ASUS peer tutoring
- Continue to use the on-campus mental health resources and therapy available to me where it is accessible.