Academic Plan
My Academic Plan
June 3, 2019
Dear Associate Dean of Studies,
I am writing to share my academic plan in hopes to have my requirement to withdraw waived due to extenuating circumstances. Through in depth self-reflecting, familiarizing myself with the Queen¿¿s Academic Student Success Services Site (SASS) and various discussions with my parents, and meetings with Academic Advisors, (Caroline on May 13, Kerri on June 10) as well as discussions with the Athletic Services Coordinator (Milana McNamee on June 3), I have come up with a detailed plan for my future success as a Science Student at Queen¿¿s University. I believe it is important to put a plan in place by recognizing the obstacles that negatively impacted my grades and the positive actions necessary to overcome these obstacles.
I enjoy being in the Queen¿¿s Science Program. I find the courses to be both interesting and rewarding. I realize that the program is challenging, however I know that by making the necessary personal adjustments it will lead to success in my future studies. If I was to be accepted back, it is my plan to take a lighter course load for the 2019-20 academic year. I would retake the courses that I was unsuccessful in which includes: Chemistry 112, Anatomy 100 and Computer Science 101. My course load would also include: Astronomy (101&102) and Human Geography (101&102). (Please see: My Planner Fall 2019 and Winter 2020.) In order to prioritize full attention to my academics, I would withdraw from the Men¿¿s Varsity Soccer Team because of the daily time commitment and energy that goes along with it throughout both semesters.
Milana McNamee from Student Athletics offered me 4 strategies for my future success. The strategy is the Gaels 301 Program. This would match with me with a Case Manager in Athletics. I would meet regularly with my case manager throughout the fall and winter terms. My Case Manager would work with me to set up a weekly schedule, to monitor my academic progression and refer me to campus resources. I would be given access to a structured weekly Monday night study hall. As well would be given the opportunity to participate in SASS mid-term and final exam drop-in sessions. The final opportunity would give me access to the Gaels Tutoring Program/GradeSlam. I fully believe that these resources would help me, significantly, to get things back on track. I would implement them immediately should I return.
Through reflecting on my academic performance, I believe there were many obstacles that negatively impacted my grades. On an academic level, I was enrolled in difficult courses (Physics, Chemistry and Math), which included lectures, tutorials and labs. To be successful, I feel that it is important to take a reduced course load to allow for more available time and concentration on my studies. I will attend every class and lab. I will complete all my readings and assignments by the required due dates. I will connect with study groups and course tutors. I will make use of the library and study areas when necessary. I believe it is important to create both a weekly and long-term academic schedule through the help of SASS to stay organized and make note of upcoming due dates. Setting goals for success and creating a to do-list are good ways to help me set priorities. Procrastination and lack of organization skills are challenges that could prevent me from keeping on top of my workload. Accessing SASS workshops on time management and study skills would help me to prioritize and remain organized. It is important that I take the time to check-in with how I¿¿m feeling as the academic year progresses and things get busier. To avoid feeling stressed, anxious and tired it is imperative that I keep a healthy balance in other areas aside from academics. It is important that I take time to eat a healthy diet, get plenty of rest, exercise daily and engage in social opportunities with my peers.
On a personal level, my mental state was deteriorating. This was from falling behind on my academics as well as the challenges that I was faced with on the Varsity Men¿¿s Soccer Team. As a result of all this, I had difficulty sleeping, which led to increased stress and anxiety. I kept much of these challenges to myself in hopes that it would get better the next day, but in fact things continued to decline. To keep a healthy mental state, it is important for me to follow a daily schedule that is broken down into priorities and obtainable goals. It is also important to communicate my issues and concerns with trusted family and friends for support. If this doesn¿¿t improve the situation, it would be a good idea for me to talk with a counselor or doctor. To help get back on track with improved sleep patterns, it would also be a good idea to limit my screen time and caffeine intake. Daytime napping should be avoided and replaced with doing something active like going for a walk.
Socially, another obstacle I was faced with was difficulties making connections with my peers in my program. I felt I was divided into so many different directions. I felt that I had no one to talk to about my situation and course challenges. To be successful, I believe it is important to arrive to class 10 minutes early to engage and connect with others. A good idea would be for me to initiate study groups in person and on-line by setting a time and date. I would ask questions to the professor in class when unsure of the content. I would stay behind to discuss ideas about the lecture with someone in the class. Sometimes I find it hard to reach out to others when I am not feeling confident with my abilities. Instead, I tend to pull away and keep to myself. To avoid this, it is important that I follow my planned schedule and if I get overwhelmed, I will get in contact with a TA or my professor. Becoming involved in workshops early in the year such as, Bounce Back will also help me to gain confidence and knowledge. Like I have mentioned in my appeal I have asked for some supporting documents from my Advisors and Mentors to show that I am committed to this plan. I will provide them when I receive them.
It is my hope that my appeal and academic plan will lead me to a successful return to my studies in the Queen¿¿s Science Program 2019-20. Thank you for your time and consideration.
This is what I have entered in my planner for the fall and winter schedules as far as courses:
FALL WINTER
ASTR 101 ANAT 100
CHEM 122A ASTR 102
CISC 101 CHEM 112B
GRHY 101 GPHY 102
June 3, 2019
Dear Associate Dean of Studies,
I am writing to share my academic plan in hopes to have my requirement to withdraw waived due to extenuating circumstances. Through in depth self-reflecting, familiarizing myself with the Queen¿¿s Academic Student Success Services Site (SASS) and various discussions with my parents, and meetings with Academic Advisors, (Caroline on May 13, Kerri on June 10) as well as discussions with the Athletic Services Coordinator (Milana McNamee on June 3), I have come up with a detailed plan for my future success as a Science Student at Queen¿¿s University. I believe it is important to put a plan in place by recognizing the obstacles that negatively impacted my grades and the positive actions necessary to overcome these obstacles.
I enjoy being in the Queen¿¿s Science Program. I find the courses to be both interesting and rewarding. I realize that the program is challenging, however I know that by making the necessary personal adjustments it will lead to success in my future studies. If I was to be accepted back, it is my plan to take a lighter course load for the 2019-20 academic year. I would retake the courses that I was unsuccessful in which includes: Chemistry 112, Anatomy 100 and Computer Science 101. My course load would also include: Astronomy (101&102) and Human Geography (101&102). (Please see: My Planner Fall 2019 and Winter 2020.) In order to prioritize full attention to my academics, I would withdraw from the Men¿¿s Varsity Soccer Team because of the daily time commitment and energy that goes along with it throughout both semesters.
Milana McNamee from Student Athletics offered me 4 strategies for my future success. The strategy is the Gaels 301 Program. This would match with me with a Case Manager in Athletics. I would meet regularly with my case manager throughout the fall and winter terms. My Case Manager would work with me to set up a weekly schedule, to monitor my academic progression and refer me to campus resources. I would be given access to a structured weekly Monday night study hall. As well would be given the opportunity to participate in SASS mid-term and final exam drop-in sessions. The final opportunity would give me access to the Gaels Tutoring Program/GradeSlam. I fully believe that these resources would help me, significantly, to get things back on track. I would implement them immediately should I return.
Through reflecting on my academic performance, I believe there were many obstacles that negatively impacted my grades. On an academic level, I was enrolled in difficult courses (Physics, Chemistry and Math), which included lectures, tutorials and labs. To be successful, I feel that it is important to take a reduced course load to allow for more available time and concentration on my studies. I will attend every class and lab. I will complete all my readings and assignments by the required due dates. I will connect with study groups and course tutors. I will make use of the library and study areas when necessary. I believe it is important to create both a weekly and long-term academic schedule through the help of SASS to stay organized and make note of upcoming due dates. Setting goals for success and creating a to do-list are good ways to help me set priorities. Procrastination and lack of organization skills are challenges that could prevent me from keeping on top of my workload. Accessing SASS workshops on time management and study skills would help me to prioritize and remain organized. It is important that I take the time to check-in with how I¿¿m feeling as the academic year progresses and things get busier. To avoid feeling stressed, anxious and tired it is imperative that I keep a healthy balance in other areas aside from academics. It is important that I take time to eat a healthy diet, get plenty of rest, exercise daily and engage in social opportunities with my peers.
On a personal level, my mental state was deteriorating. This was from falling behind on my academics as well as the challenges that I was faced with on the Varsity Men¿¿s Soccer Team. As a result of all this, I had difficulty sleeping, which led to increased stress and anxiety. I kept much of these challenges to myself in hopes that it would get better the next day, but in fact things continued to decline. To keep a healthy mental state, it is important for me to follow a daily schedule that is broken down into priorities and obtainable goals. It is also important to communicate my issues and concerns with trusted family and friends for support. If this doesn¿¿t improve the situation, it would be a good idea for me to talk with a counselor or doctor. To help get back on track with improved sleep patterns, it would also be a good idea to limit my screen time and caffeine intake. Daytime napping should be avoided and replaced with doing something active like going for a walk.
Socially, another obstacle I was faced with was difficulties making connections with my peers in my program. I felt I was divided into so many different directions. I felt that I had no one to talk to about my situation and course challenges. To be successful, I believe it is important to arrive to class 10 minutes early to engage and connect with others. A good idea would be for me to initiate study groups in person and on-line by setting a time and date. I would ask questions to the professor in class when unsure of the content. I would stay behind to discuss ideas about the lecture with someone in the class. Sometimes I find it hard to reach out to others when I am not feeling confident with my abilities. Instead, I tend to pull away and keep to myself. To avoid this, it is important that I follow my planned schedule and if I get overwhelmed, I will get in contact with a TA or my professor. Becoming involved in workshops early in the year such as, Bounce Back will also help me to gain confidence and knowledge. Like I have mentioned in my appeal I have asked for some supporting documents from my Advisors and Mentors to show that I am committed to this plan. I will provide them when I receive them.
It is my hope that my appeal and academic plan will lead me to a successful return to my studies in the Queen¿¿s Science Program 2019-20. Thank you for your time and consideration.
This is what I have entered in my planner for the fall and winter schedules as far as courses:
FALL WINTER
ASTR 101 ANAT 100
CHEM 122A ASTR 102
CISC 101 CHEM 112B
GRHY 101 GPHY 102