Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 10737
Submitted: June 22, 2023 at 10:01:14 PM
First Name: Femi
Last Name: Abiola
Pronoun: she/her
Preferred Name: Femi
Student Number: 20289476
Email: 20ofa1@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BAH
Plan: POLS
Level of Study: 2
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Code: BIOL 200
Term: Winter
Year: 2023
Petition Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Code: BIOL 212
Term: Winter
Year: 2023
Petition Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Code: POLS 350
Term: Winter
Year: 2023
Petition Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Code: POLS 285
Term: Winter
Year: 2023
Petition Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Code: POLS 262
Term: Winter
Year: 2023
Petition Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Code: POLS 212
Term: Winter
Year: 2023
Petition Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: I am writing this letter to petition for academic consideration based on multiple extenuating circumstances that have greatly impacted my ability to perform academically to the best of my capabilities. These circumstances have been, without exception, beyond my control and have cumulatively affected my health, well-being, and consequently my academic performance.
The onslaught of these events began in my first year with the death of my uncle, followed by the death of my cousin in the second year. The emotional distress caused by these events was profound and their impact on my academic work was significant.
In the course of my study, I contracted COVID-19 three separate times on campus. The physical complications resulting from these infections adversely affected my ability to maintain a consistent study schedule and perform at my best.
My health challenges were further compounded when I lost my insurance coverage for my chronic migraine medication. Securing necessary academic accommodations was a difficult process, exacerbated by the fact that I had to pay $500 upfront, which I was unable to recover.
Additionally, financial hardship struck my family, and I found myself in a position where I had to take on two jobs during the school year, resulting in sleep deprivation and increased stress levels. My academic performance inevitably suffered as a result.
Around this period, I experienced an escalation in my obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, resulting in a severe spiral. The physical and psychological burden of these circumstances led to the development of chronic sleep apnoea.
Furthermore, I was the victim of a physical attack by a fellow student on campus during my donning job, a traumatic experience that left me in shock and distress. The lack of any punitive action taken against the perpetrator further exacerbated my sense of vulnerability and anxiety. This event forced me to quit my donning job, adding to my financial difficulties and leading to a mental breakdown.
In the final month of school, I was hospitalized due to my deteriorating mental health. My physical health also worsened due to the faulty radiator system in my dormitory room, causing significant weight loss.
Each of these incidents has affected my academic performance in a severe and cumulative manner. I have sought professional help where possible, including consultations with healthcare professionals and personal counselors, and have made every effort to manage these circumstances. However, the collective weight of these events has made it impossible for me to achieve my academic potential.
Therefore, I am formally requesting academic consideration in light of these events. I believe that with the appropriate accommodations and consideration, I can successfully complete my academic commitments and fulfill my potential.
I look forward to discussing this further and exploring potential solutions. Thank you for your understanding and consideration.
The onslaught of these events began in my first year with the death of my uncle, followed by the death of my cousin in the second year. The emotional distress caused by these events was profound and their impact on my academic work was significant.
In the course of my study, I contracted COVID-19 three separate times on campus. The physical complications resulting from these infections adversely affected my ability to maintain a consistent study schedule and perform at my best.
My health challenges were further compounded when I lost my insurance coverage for my chronic migraine medication. Securing necessary academic accommodations was a difficult process, exacerbated by the fact that I had to pay $500 upfront, which I was unable to recover.
Additionally, financial hardship struck my family, and I found myself in a position where I had to take on two jobs during the school year, resulting in sleep deprivation and increased stress levels. My academic performance inevitably suffered as a result.
Around this period, I experienced an escalation in my obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, resulting in a severe spiral. The physical and psychological burden of these circumstances led to the development of chronic sleep apnoea.
Furthermore, I was the victim of a physical attack by a fellow student on campus during my donning job, a traumatic experience that left me in shock and distress. The lack of any punitive action taken against the perpetrator further exacerbated my sense of vulnerability and anxiety. This event forced me to quit my donning job, adding to my financial difficulties and leading to a mental breakdown.
In the final month of school, I was hospitalized due to my deteriorating mental health. My physical health also worsened due to the faulty radiator system in my dormitory room, causing significant weight loss.
Each of these incidents has affected my academic performance in a severe and cumulative manner. I have sought professional help where possible, including consultations with healthcare professionals and personal counselors, and have made every effort to manage these circumstances. However, the collective weight of these events has made it impossible for me to achieve my academic potential.
Therefore, I am formally requesting academic consideration in light of these events. I believe that with the appropriate accommodations and consideration, I can successfully complete my academic commitments and fulfill my potential.
I look forward to discussing this further and exploring potential solutions. Thank you for your understanding and consideration.
Documentation
Professional Letter: FA Appeal Doc May 2023.pdf
Documentation Detail: doc from Kelly Mannen to come
Decision Letters
Level 1 Status
Status: DeniedLevel 2
Appeal Type: Level 2
ID: 254
Submitted: November 21, 2023 at 3:44:42 AM
Relevant Petition: 10737
Decision(s) Being Appealed: Drop a course after the academic deadline: BIOL 200, Winter 2023
Drop a course after the academic deadline: BIOL 212, Winter 2023
Drop a course after the academic deadline: POLS 350, Winter 2023
Drop a course after the academic deadline: POLS 285, Winter 2023
Drop a course after the academic deadline: POLS 262 , Winter 2023
Drop a course after the academic deadline: POLS 212, Winter 2023
Drop a course after the academic deadline: BIOL 212, Winter 2023
Drop a course after the academic deadline: POLS 350, Winter 2023
Drop a course after the academic deadline: POLS 285, Winter 2023
Drop a course after the academic deadline: POLS 262 , Winter 2023
Drop a course after the academic deadline: POLS 212, Winter 2023
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:
- Remain unbiased when reviewing your petition.
Appeal Grounds Details: My name is Femi Abiola, and I wish to highlight the severe health challenges I faced, particularly in the latter part of the semester, which significantly impacted my academic performance.
I understand the decision to deny my appeal was based on the belief that there was sufficient time to drop courses before the deadline. However, this perspective does not take into full account the nature and timing of my health deterioration. In the latter part of the semester, specifically after the midpoint, I was afflicted with meningitis. This condition severely compromised my health, leaving me bedridden for an extensive period and worsening progressively, rendering me incapable of making informed decisions regarding my academic commitments.
The onset of meningitis and the subsequent need for prolonged bed rest occurred during a crucial time in the academic calendar, directly impeding my ability to participate meaningfully in classes, engage with coursework, and partake in assessments. This unfortunate timing meant that I was unable to attend classes or fulfill academic obligations when it mattered most.
Up until this point, my academic record has been one of commitment and perseverance, even in the face of various health challenges. I have consistently endeavored to balance my health and academic responsibilities, communicating my challenges where necessary to faculty and staff. However, the sudden and severe impact of meningitis was unprecedented in its scope and utterly beyond my control.
The initial decision to deny my course withdrawal request appears to have been made without full consideration of the severity and timing of my health deterioration. Being confined to bed due to a serious medical condition significantly impaired my ability to fulfill my academic obligations, especially as my health only worsened after almost halfway through the semester, beyond the course withdrawal deadline.
Therefore, I am appealing for your understanding and a reconsideration of my situation. I am requesting leniency in allowing me to withdraw from my second-semester courses, recognizing the extraordinary circumstances that hampered my academic performance.
I understand and respect the university's adherence to its policies and procedures. However, I earnestly request that my exceptional situation, marked by severe and progressively worsening health challenges, be taken into consideration in reviewing my case.
I understand the decision to deny my appeal was based on the belief that there was sufficient time to drop courses before the deadline. However, this perspective does not take into full account the nature and timing of my health deterioration. In the latter part of the semester, specifically after the midpoint, I was afflicted with meningitis. This condition severely compromised my health, leaving me bedridden for an extensive period and worsening progressively, rendering me incapable of making informed decisions regarding my academic commitments.
The onset of meningitis and the subsequent need for prolonged bed rest occurred during a crucial time in the academic calendar, directly impeding my ability to participate meaningfully in classes, engage with coursework, and partake in assessments. This unfortunate timing meant that I was unable to attend classes or fulfill academic obligations when it mattered most.
Up until this point, my academic record has been one of commitment and perseverance, even in the face of various health challenges. I have consistently endeavored to balance my health and academic responsibilities, communicating my challenges where necessary to faculty and staff. However, the sudden and severe impact of meningitis was unprecedented in its scope and utterly beyond my control.
The initial decision to deny my course withdrawal request appears to have been made without full consideration of the severity and timing of my health deterioration. Being confined to bed due to a serious medical condition significantly impaired my ability to fulfill my academic obligations, especially as my health only worsened after almost halfway through the semester, beyond the course withdrawal deadline.
Therefore, I am appealing for your understanding and a reconsideration of my situation. I am requesting leniency in allowing me to withdraw from my second-semester courses, recognizing the extraordinary circumstances that hampered my academic performance.
I understand and respect the university's adherence to its policies and procedures. However, I earnestly request that my exceptional situation, marked by severe and progressively worsening health challenges, be taken into consideration in reviewing my case.
Appeal Letter
Appeal Letter: I am writing to appeal the recent decision to deny my petition for withdrawing from my second-semester courses during my second year. I understand from your decision letter that my petition was not accepted due to insufficient evidence of the impact of my health issues on my academic performance. I respect this perspective but wish to provide additional context and clarification to support my case.
In the final weeks of the semester, I was afflicted with meningitis. This illness resulted in severe health complications, leaving me bedridden for a substantial duration. The timing of this illness, coinciding with the most critical academic period, rendered me incapable of attending classes, completing assignments, or preparing for exams. While I understand that academic policies are in place to ensure fairness and consistency, I believe my situation is exceptional and merits special consideration.
The decision to deny my petition suggests a need for more concrete evidence of the impact of my health condition on my academic responsibilities. I acknowledge this requirement, but I would like to emphasize the sudden onset and severity of my illness, which made it impossible for me to meet the expected academic standards or to communicate my situation in a timely manner.
As you are aware, my academic record up until this incident has been one of consistent effort and commitment. I have faced various health challenges during my time at the university but have always strived to manage these issues while maintaining my academic responsibilities. However, the unexpected nature of meningitis and the subsequent need for intensive medical care was beyond my capacity to foresee or manage effectively.
The primary reason for my appeal is the direct and unavoidable impact that being bedridden had on my ability to engage with my coursework and examinations. This situation was not a result of neglect or lack of effort on my part but was due to a significant medical emergency.I am aware of the university's policies regarding course withdrawals and the importance of adhering to academic deadlines. However, I believe that the exceptional nature of my circumstances justifies a re-evaluation of my petition. The denial of my request places a disproportionate burden on me, considering the unforeseen and severe health challenges I encountered.
In light of these circumstances, I respectfully request that the decision to deny my course withdrawal petition be reconsidered. I am seeking an exception to the standard policy in recognition of the extraordinary and uncontrollable health issues that significantly hindered my academic participation and performance.
I appreciate your time and understanding in reviewing my appeal. I am willing to provide any additional information or engage in further discussion should it be necessary for the reassessment of my case.
Thank you for considering my appeal.
Sincerely,
Femi Abiola
In the final weeks of the semester, I was afflicted with meningitis. This illness resulted in severe health complications, leaving me bedridden for a substantial duration. The timing of this illness, coinciding with the most critical academic period, rendered me incapable of attending classes, completing assignments, or preparing for exams. While I understand that academic policies are in place to ensure fairness and consistency, I believe my situation is exceptional and merits special consideration.
The decision to deny my petition suggests a need for more concrete evidence of the impact of my health condition on my academic responsibilities. I acknowledge this requirement, but I would like to emphasize the sudden onset and severity of my illness, which made it impossible for me to meet the expected academic standards or to communicate my situation in a timely manner.
As you are aware, my academic record up until this incident has been one of consistent effort and commitment. I have faced various health challenges during my time at the university but have always strived to manage these issues while maintaining my academic responsibilities. However, the unexpected nature of meningitis and the subsequent need for intensive medical care was beyond my capacity to foresee or manage effectively.
The primary reason for my appeal is the direct and unavoidable impact that being bedridden had on my ability to engage with my coursework and examinations. This situation was not a result of neglect or lack of effort on my part but was due to a significant medical emergency.I am aware of the university's policies regarding course withdrawals and the importance of adhering to academic deadlines. However, I believe that the exceptional nature of my circumstances justifies a re-evaluation of my petition. The denial of my request places a disproportionate burden on me, considering the unforeseen and severe health challenges I encountered.
In light of these circumstances, I respectfully request that the decision to deny my course withdrawal petition be reconsidered. I am seeking an exception to the standard policy in recognition of the extraordinary and uncontrollable health issues that significantly hindered my academic participation and performance.
I appreciate your time and understanding in reviewing my appeal. I am willing to provide any additional information or engage in further discussion should it be necessary for the reassessment of my case.
Thank you for considering my appeal.
Sincerely,
Femi Abiola
Documentation
History
Originally submitted June 22, 2023 at 10:01:14 PM.
| Field | Reference | Old Value | New Value | Note | User | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| status | N/A | Received | Incomplete | Spring Forsberg | 2023-06-26 1:13:13 PM | |
| status | N/A | Incomplete | In Review | Spring Forsberg | 2023-07-10 1:33:28 PM | |
| status | N/A | In Review | Denied | Spring Forsberg | 2023-07-18 10:08:40 AM | |
| associate_dean | N/A | Jenn Stephenson, Ph.D. | Spring Forsberg | 2023-07-18 10:08:40 AM | ||
| decision_letter | N/A | N/A | Decision letter sent | Spring Forsberg | 2023-07-18 10:10:26 AM | |
| new_appeal_level_2 | N/A | Level 2 | Level 2 Appeal ID: 254 | 20ofa1 | 2023-11-21 3:44:42 AM | |
| status | N/A | Received | Withdrawn | appeal withdrawn due to lack of communication from the student. 2 reminders sent with no response | Libby Hearn | 2024-02-12 10:08:19 AM |