Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 10679
Submitted: June 13, 2023 at 4:40:16 PM
First Name: Tabitha
Last Name: Onigbinde
Pronoun: she/her
Student Number: 20150684
Email: 18to2@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BscH
Plan: BCHM
Level of Study: 2
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Waive the requirement to withdraw for one year
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: Tabitha Onigbinde
20150684
June 12th, 2023
Faculty of Arts and Science
Queen’s University
Dr. Jenn Stephenson
Associate Dean
Petition for Reconsideration of Academic Decision
I am writing to petition the faculty’s decision that I must withdraw from Queen’s for one year. I believe that my academic performance was significantly affected by a variety of extenuating circumstances beyond my control. I would like to present details and documentation for your review.
I have experienced a series of challenging and intensely overwhelming events that have taken a toll on my well-being and my ability to perform academically.
My mother was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer, leading to a significant decline in her health and increasing the need for my support. Her illness requires my continuous attention and presence and caused great heartache for my family and me. I was struggling to manage the caregiving responsibilities caused by medical treatments and hospital visits without much external assistance which left me both mentally and physically drained.
My beloved grandmother, for whom I was named, passed away in late 2022. In Yoruba culture, names hold great significance and are an essential part of one’s identity. Often embodying desired personal traits, aspirations, they reference circumstances surrounding a child’s birth. To be named after my grandmother is a great honor. She was my comfort. I was disheartened and miserable that I was unable to see her one last time or attend her funeral as she still lived in Nigeria.
Furthermore, a dear cousin of mine also passed away after giving birth earlier this year. We were close prior to my immigration to Canada and continued to keep in contact afterwards. Her funeral was also held in Nigeria, and I was also unable to attend her funeral.
All these things compounded, and negatively affected different aspects of my life and my academics. It was distressing and difficult to do anything. I was burnt out, numb and consequently spent many days simply lying in bed. I had difficulty reaching student wellness and finding a counsellor who would understand.
The journey of seeking a counsellor who understands the nuances and impact of navigating the intricacies of being a black African female immigrant is a difficult task to say the least. The intersectionality of race, gender and culture add layers of complexities to mental health concerns.
These extenuating circumstances affected many things including: my ability to meet deadlines and complete coursework, challenges attending class and participating, difficulty maintaining focus and concentrating during lectures.
I would like to stress that although these extenuating circumstances presented challenges to my academic progress, I am taking proactive steps to address and manage them. I am taking the following steps to address these circumstances:
Consultations with a healthcare professional to seek guidance for managing the emotional and physical impacts as well as the mental health challenges that arose. Engaging and attending counselling sessions to cope with the anxiety, grief and stress that resulted from these circumstances. While my current counselor has provided me with support, I must acknowledge that I am still actively searching for someone who can better understand and address the intricacies of the specific challenges I face. Pursuing physical fitness has helped me to better process my emotions and cope with my grief. Rekindling my relationship with God and finding my sense of purpose and identity through the peace and solace found through prayer. I had felt isolated from my community since moving to Kingston and I am actively rebuilding a relationship with fellow worshipers in Kingston. My mother’s condition has improved after switching medical treatments and she has been receiving more structured emotional, physical, and financial help.
I am reaching out over the course of the summer to my medical and personal support system to evaluate my abilities so that I may return to my studies this September. As I have progressed, I realized that my current program no longer aligns with my interests and intend on switching to a different program that does and that will allow me to explore my true academic potential. I have a passion for learning and by switching to a different program, I can channel my energy and enthusiasm into what truly excites me. I am committed to my personal growth and academic success, and I am confident that I will overcome these difficulties and resume my studies at Queen’s University with clarity and a stronger resolve.
Taking into consideration the circumstances I have outlined; I request the faculty to reconsider the decision to require me to withdraw as I believe these circumstances warrant a compassionate review of my situation.
Thank you for your time and attention to my petition. I look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,
Tabitha Onigbinde
20150684
20150684
June 12th, 2023
Faculty of Arts and Science
Queen’s University
Dr. Jenn Stephenson
Associate Dean
Petition for Reconsideration of Academic Decision
I am writing to petition the faculty’s decision that I must withdraw from Queen’s for one year. I believe that my academic performance was significantly affected by a variety of extenuating circumstances beyond my control. I would like to present details and documentation for your review.
I have experienced a series of challenging and intensely overwhelming events that have taken a toll on my well-being and my ability to perform academically.
My mother was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer, leading to a significant decline in her health and increasing the need for my support. Her illness requires my continuous attention and presence and caused great heartache for my family and me. I was struggling to manage the caregiving responsibilities caused by medical treatments and hospital visits without much external assistance which left me both mentally and physically drained.
My beloved grandmother, for whom I was named, passed away in late 2022. In Yoruba culture, names hold great significance and are an essential part of one’s identity. Often embodying desired personal traits, aspirations, they reference circumstances surrounding a child’s birth. To be named after my grandmother is a great honor. She was my comfort. I was disheartened and miserable that I was unable to see her one last time or attend her funeral as she still lived in Nigeria.
Furthermore, a dear cousin of mine also passed away after giving birth earlier this year. We were close prior to my immigration to Canada and continued to keep in contact afterwards. Her funeral was also held in Nigeria, and I was also unable to attend her funeral.
All these things compounded, and negatively affected different aspects of my life and my academics. It was distressing and difficult to do anything. I was burnt out, numb and consequently spent many days simply lying in bed. I had difficulty reaching student wellness and finding a counsellor who would understand.
The journey of seeking a counsellor who understands the nuances and impact of navigating the intricacies of being a black African female immigrant is a difficult task to say the least. The intersectionality of race, gender and culture add layers of complexities to mental health concerns.
These extenuating circumstances affected many things including: my ability to meet deadlines and complete coursework, challenges attending class and participating, difficulty maintaining focus and concentrating during lectures.
I would like to stress that although these extenuating circumstances presented challenges to my academic progress, I am taking proactive steps to address and manage them. I am taking the following steps to address these circumstances:
Consultations with a healthcare professional to seek guidance for managing the emotional and physical impacts as well as the mental health challenges that arose. Engaging and attending counselling sessions to cope with the anxiety, grief and stress that resulted from these circumstances. While my current counselor has provided me with support, I must acknowledge that I am still actively searching for someone who can better understand and address the intricacies of the specific challenges I face. Pursuing physical fitness has helped me to better process my emotions and cope with my grief. Rekindling my relationship with God and finding my sense of purpose and identity through the peace and solace found through prayer. I had felt isolated from my community since moving to Kingston and I am actively rebuilding a relationship with fellow worshipers in Kingston. My mother’s condition has improved after switching medical treatments and she has been receiving more structured emotional, physical, and financial help.
I am reaching out over the course of the summer to my medical and personal support system to evaluate my abilities so that I may return to my studies this September. As I have progressed, I realized that my current program no longer aligns with my interests and intend on switching to a different program that does and that will allow me to explore my true academic potential. I have a passion for learning and by switching to a different program, I can channel my energy and enthusiasm into what truly excites me. I am committed to my personal growth and academic success, and I am confident that I will overcome these difficulties and resume my studies at Queen’s University with clarity and a stronger resolve.
Taking into consideration the circumstances I have outlined; I request the faculty to reconsider the decision to require me to withdraw as I believe these circumstances warrant a compassionate review of my situation.
Thank you for your time and attention to my petition. I look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,
Tabitha Onigbinde
20150684
Academic Plan
Academic Plan:
Shadow new program (biotechnology) until I have the required gpa to switch into it.
-I am aware of the degree requirements
1-3 courses per semester
-make good use of sass
-learn how to better schedule
I will schedule a meeting with an academic advisor to best discuss how to work towards the program switch
Shadow new program (biotechnology) until I have the required gpa to switch into it.
-I am aware of the degree requirements
1-3 courses per semester
-make good use of sass
-learn how to better schedule
I will schedule a meeting with an academic advisor to best discuss how to work towards the program switch
Documentation
Professional Letter Detail: NO DOC
Document: Image-5.jpeg
Decision Letters
Amendment to Appeal 10679
Relevant Petition: 10679
Student Number: 20150684
Documentation
Professional Letter: TO Letter of support.pdf
Level 1 Status
Status: DeniedLevel 2
Appeal Type: Level 2
ID: 207
Submitted: July 14, 2023 at 7:56:09 PM
Relevant Petition: 10679
Decision(s) Being Appealed: Waive the requirement to withdraw for one year
Appeal Grounds
Appeals to the Board of Studies must include a letter based on one or more of the Grounds for Appeal (Appeal Regulation 3.4). What are the grounds you are basing your appeal on?
- The Associate Dean's decision did not follow the rules of procedural fairness. A breach of procedural fairness includes such things as the Associate Dean failed to:
- Make a reasonable decision in your appeal. A “reasonable” decision is one that is based on evidence, thought out and supported by facts and logical inferences from the facts. To be reasonable, the decision must contain adequate reasons for the conclusions.
Appeal Grounds Details: Petition for Reconsideration of Appeal Decision
I believe that the Associate Dean’s decision regarding my previous appeal was not reasonable. In the Associate Dean’s letter, it was noted that appeals are only granted where there are significantly extenuating circumstances, which would merit the waving of a particular faculty regulation or decision. Extenuating circumstances normally involve a significant physical or psychological event that is beyond a student's control in debilitating to their academic performance. I am writing this appeal to provide additional support that these events were beyond my control and were significant in their physical and psychological impacts on me. I must emphasize that I have taken significant time (several months) to reflect, and have accessed a continued support system to enable me to return to my studies. This support system includes a professional therapist who has helped me reflect and form strategies to face adversity. In the documentation attached to this appeal, my therapist confirms support of my immediate return to studies.
I believe that the Associate Dean’s decision regarding my previous appeal was not reasonable. In the Associate Dean’s letter, it was noted that appeals are only granted where there are significantly extenuating circumstances, which would merit the waving of a particular faculty regulation or decision. Extenuating circumstances normally involve a significant physical or psychological event that is beyond a student's control in debilitating to their academic performance. I am writing this appeal to provide additional support that these events were beyond my control and were significant in their physical and psychological impacts on me. I must emphasize that I have taken significant time (several months) to reflect, and have accessed a continued support system to enable me to return to my studies. This support system includes a professional therapist who has helped me reflect and form strategies to face adversity. In the documentation attached to this appeal, my therapist confirms support of my immediate return to studies.
Appeal Letter
Appeal Letter: Tabitha Onigbinde
20150684
July 12th, 2023
Board of Studies
Queen’s University
Petition for Reconsideration of Appeal Decision
I believe that the Associate Dean’s decision regarding my previous appeal was not reasonable. In the Associate Dean’s letter, it was noted that appeals are only granted where there are significantly extenuating circumstances, which would merit the waving of a particular faculty regulation or decision. Extenuating circumstances normally involve a significant physical or psychological event that is beyond a student's control in debilitating to their academic performance. I am writing this appeal to provide additional support that these events were beyond my control and were significant in their physical and psychological impacts on me. I must emphasize that I have taken significant time (several months) to reflect, and have accessed a continued support system to enable me to return to my studies. This support system includes a professional therapist who has helped me reflect and form strategies to face adversity. In the documentation attached to this appeal, my therapist confirms support of my immediate return to studies.
I suffered from a series of isolated events that affected me personally and as a result had an impact on my academic performance. I highlighted three of these in my initial appeal. The severity and unpredictability of these events made it difficult to anticipate the need for certain actions (such as dropping before deadlines) within required timelines. I was asked to provide documentation regarding my grandmother’s death, and I asked my parents and family in Nigeria – but legal paperwork as a whole in Nigeria is very difficult to procure.
I also had a difficult time dealing with the grief from my cousin’s death in childbirth at the age of 26 in October. Given the recent death of my grandmother, this compounded my grief. Please understand that again, I had a difficult time procuring any kind of documentation from Nigeria. Given the difficulty of providing documentation for my family members’ recent deaths, I am able to instead ask for notarized statements from my parents. Please let me know if I am able to do so.
To build upon the circumstances I discussed in my initial appeal, various extenuating circumstances affected me, leading to an impact on my academic performance. Thankfully, I have reflected on these circumstances with my therapist and have developed the right coping mechanisms to handle the mental stress, and I’m now in a much better situation. I will provide new information on the circumstances, which included my parents getting trapped in Nigeria due to Covid-19 leaving me by myself in Canada for a full year. I had to take care of myself and relocate to Manitoba to be the one solely responsible for a house and all the bills associated with owning a home. Both my parents lost their jobs and I had to be the sole provider while my parents were stuck outside of the country. In addition, the civil unrest triggered by George Floyd’s death at a time when I was wrestling with my identity as an African who had recently been identifying with Black culture was extremely stressful. The ENDSARS protests in Nigeria was another wave of police brutality that resulted in the deaths of my community members.
On the other hand, my mom did not inform me of breast cancer diagnosis until months after. During all of this, I found out that my mom was unable to access cancer treatment, her cancer spreading to her lungs. She’s now suffering from late-stage aggressive, metastasized cancer. All of this resulted in burnouts and periods of depression, which were not chronic and which I am no longer suffering from. I have worked with my therapist to understand the events in my life, and work with my grief instead of letting it control me.
The requirement to withdraw is intended to provide students an opportunity to reflect and address the factors that may be hindering academic success. I can truly assure you that I have, as my therapist has confirmed, reflected and created the strategies to now succeed, with a strong support system in place. I have reflected on my situation as a whole and have since been taking steps to ensure a successful return to my studies. I am ready to take this opportunity to resume my studies. I humbly request a reconsideration due to the exceptional nature of the challenges I faced.
Should the requirement to withdraw be waived, I have worked with my therapist on a plan to successfully resume my studies, and I have also analyzed my choice of academic program. I have decided to reduce my courseload this Fall and transfer to the regular Biology program, which is much more manageable. My plan also includes working with a personal academic planner at the start of each semester with regular check-ins, who will help keep me on track and within required deadlines. I am fully confident of my abilities to return to my studies with my plan in place. I am also looking forward to engaging strongly with my peers and professors.
I am available and willing to meet with the board to provide any clarification necessary. Thank you for your time and attention to my petition. I look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,
Tabitha Onigbinde
20150684
20150684
July 12th, 2023
Board of Studies
Queen’s University
Petition for Reconsideration of Appeal Decision
I believe that the Associate Dean’s decision regarding my previous appeal was not reasonable. In the Associate Dean’s letter, it was noted that appeals are only granted where there are significantly extenuating circumstances, which would merit the waving of a particular faculty regulation or decision. Extenuating circumstances normally involve a significant physical or psychological event that is beyond a student's control in debilitating to their academic performance. I am writing this appeal to provide additional support that these events were beyond my control and were significant in their physical and psychological impacts on me. I must emphasize that I have taken significant time (several months) to reflect, and have accessed a continued support system to enable me to return to my studies. This support system includes a professional therapist who has helped me reflect and form strategies to face adversity. In the documentation attached to this appeal, my therapist confirms support of my immediate return to studies.
I suffered from a series of isolated events that affected me personally and as a result had an impact on my academic performance. I highlighted three of these in my initial appeal. The severity and unpredictability of these events made it difficult to anticipate the need for certain actions (such as dropping before deadlines) within required timelines. I was asked to provide documentation regarding my grandmother’s death, and I asked my parents and family in Nigeria – but legal paperwork as a whole in Nigeria is very difficult to procure.
I also had a difficult time dealing with the grief from my cousin’s death in childbirth at the age of 26 in October. Given the recent death of my grandmother, this compounded my grief. Please understand that again, I had a difficult time procuring any kind of documentation from Nigeria. Given the difficulty of providing documentation for my family members’ recent deaths, I am able to instead ask for notarized statements from my parents. Please let me know if I am able to do so.
To build upon the circumstances I discussed in my initial appeal, various extenuating circumstances affected me, leading to an impact on my academic performance. Thankfully, I have reflected on these circumstances with my therapist and have developed the right coping mechanisms to handle the mental stress, and I’m now in a much better situation. I will provide new information on the circumstances, which included my parents getting trapped in Nigeria due to Covid-19 leaving me by myself in Canada for a full year. I had to take care of myself and relocate to Manitoba to be the one solely responsible for a house and all the bills associated with owning a home. Both my parents lost their jobs and I had to be the sole provider while my parents were stuck outside of the country. In addition, the civil unrest triggered by George Floyd’s death at a time when I was wrestling with my identity as an African who had recently been identifying with Black culture was extremely stressful. The ENDSARS protests in Nigeria was another wave of police brutality that resulted in the deaths of my community members.
On the other hand, my mom did not inform me of breast cancer diagnosis until months after. During all of this, I found out that my mom was unable to access cancer treatment, her cancer spreading to her lungs. She’s now suffering from late-stage aggressive, metastasized cancer. All of this resulted in burnouts and periods of depression, which were not chronic and which I am no longer suffering from. I have worked with my therapist to understand the events in my life, and work with my grief instead of letting it control me.
The requirement to withdraw is intended to provide students an opportunity to reflect and address the factors that may be hindering academic success. I can truly assure you that I have, as my therapist has confirmed, reflected and created the strategies to now succeed, with a strong support system in place. I have reflected on my situation as a whole and have since been taking steps to ensure a successful return to my studies. I am ready to take this opportunity to resume my studies. I humbly request a reconsideration due to the exceptional nature of the challenges I faced.
Should the requirement to withdraw be waived, I have worked with my therapist on a plan to successfully resume my studies, and I have also analyzed my choice of academic program. I have decided to reduce my courseload this Fall and transfer to the regular Biology program, which is much more manageable. My plan also includes working with a personal academic planner at the start of each semester with regular check-ins, who will help keep me on track and within required deadlines. I am fully confident of my abilities to return to my studies with my plan in place. I am also looking forward to engaging strongly with my peers and professors.
I am available and willing to meet with the board to provide any clarification necessary. Thank you for your time and attention to my petition. I look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,
Tabitha Onigbinde
20150684
Documentation
Decision Letters
History
Originally submitted June 13, 2023 at 4:40:16 PM.
| Field | Reference | Old Value | New Value | Note | User | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| status | N/A | Received | Incomplete | Spring Forsberg | 2023-06-14 2:30:03 PM | |
| status | N/A | Incomplete | In Review | Spring Forsberg | 2023-06-21 3:55:12 PM | |
| status | N/A | In Review | Denied | Spring Forsberg | 2023-06-28 9:43:35 AM | |
| associate_dean | N/A | Jenn Stephenson, Ph.D. | Spring Forsberg | 2023-06-28 9:43:35 AM | ||
| decision_letter | N/A | N/A | Decision letter sent | Spring Forsberg | 2023-06-28 9:47:19 AM | |
| new_appeal_level_2 | N/A | Level 2 | Level 2 Appeal ID: 207 | 18to2 | 2023-07-14 7:56:09 PM | |
| status | N/A | Received | Granted | Pamela Briand | 2023-09-01 9:02:14 AM | |
| decision_letter | N/A | N/A | Decision letter sent | Pamela Briand | 2023-09-01 9:02:37 AM |