Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 1180
Submitted: June 10, 2015 at 10:07:48 AM
First Name: Rachel
Last Name: Lynn
Student Number: 10058053
Email: 11ral10@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BAH
Plan: ENSC
Level of Study: 4
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Waive the requirement to withdraw for one year
Petition Letter
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
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: Academic Plan
My goal at Queen¿¿s University is to achieve a degree in Environmental Science. I know it has been a slow process but I am determined to achieve this degree. This may mean not achieving an honors degree which I know is a risk. In order to achieve my goals I will continue taking the required courses, however, at a reduced course load. I understand that this will take time but I know it will be worth it. This year I am going to take the remaining second and third year courses that I need so in my fifth year I will be better prepared. In addition, I will begin taking advantage of the resources that Queens has to offer, like the Writing Center. If required, I plan on getting a tutor so that I can get help with any subjects I am struggling with. I will also take advantage of the TA¿¿s for my courses and contact them the second that I need help. Whenever I have a flare up with my anxiety I will go in and speak to Health Services as I now know that I do need help and I cannot just try harder. I need to figure out what services can help me and use them to my advantage. I also plan on speaking to the Undergraduate Office to see what I can do in my academic program. I am afraid of losing all of the courses I have completed by switching programs, but I believe they will be able to guide me in the right direction. When I first got the email it was a reality check. I was stressed upset and confused, but now reflecting I know that I can do this. I feel motivated and know that if I get the help and use the resources offered, I will be able to successfully complete my degree at Queen¿¿s. Queen¿¿s has become a part of me and I know that I am now, after years of struggling, in the right frame of mind to complete my degree and successfully graduate Queen¿¿s. Using my academic plan will be the start of what I believe will be a successful fourth year.
Thank you,
Rachel Lynn
My goal at Queen¿¿s University is to achieve a degree in Environmental Science. I know it has been a slow process but I am determined to achieve this degree. This may mean not achieving an honors degree which I know is a risk. In order to achieve my goals I will continue taking the required courses, however, at a reduced course load. I understand that this will take time but I know it will be worth it. This year I am going to take the remaining second and third year courses that I need so in my fifth year I will be better prepared. In addition, I will begin taking advantage of the resources that Queens has to offer, like the Writing Center. If required, I plan on getting a tutor so that I can get help with any subjects I am struggling with. I will also take advantage of the TA¿¿s for my courses and contact them the second that I need help. Whenever I have a flare up with my anxiety I will go in and speak to Health Services as I now know that I do need help and I cannot just try harder. I need to figure out what services can help me and use them to my advantage. I also plan on speaking to the Undergraduate Office to see what I can do in my academic program. I am afraid of losing all of the courses I have completed by switching programs, but I believe they will be able to guide me in the right direction. When I first got the email it was a reality check. I was stressed upset and confused, but now reflecting I know that I can do this. I feel motivated and know that if I get the help and use the resources offered, I will be able to successfully complete my degree at Queen¿¿s. Queen¿¿s has become a part of me and I know that I am now, after years of struggling, in the right frame of mind to complete my degree and successfully graduate Queen¿¿s. Using my academic plan will be the start of what I believe will be a successful fourth year.
Thank you,
Rachel Lynn
Documentation
Professional Letter: Rachel Lynn Dr. Sondhi letter.pdf