Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 12048
Submitted: June 14, 2024 at 4:54:55 PM
First Name: Binyat
Last Name: Akrem
Pronoun: She/Her
Preferred Name: Binyat
Student Number: 20301422
Email: 21bma1@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BA
Plan: POLS
Level of Study: 3
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Waive the requirement to withdraw for one year
Level 1 Status
Status: DeniedLevel 2
Appeal Type: Level 2
ID: 279
Submitted: July 23, 2024 at 3:36:38 PM
Relevant Petition: 12048
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: I appreciate the thoughtful consideration that went into this decision; however, I believe that my initial petition did not fully capture the complexity of my circumstances and the steps I have taken to address them. My documentation was also fairly general, which my counsellor and I have worked through to ensure that it reflects my experiences and commitment to well being.
Inadequate Consideration of Extenuating Circumstances: The decision to require my withdrawal did not fully account for the severity of my extenuating circumstances. I now understand that my initial petition may have lacked the detailed context of my experiences and profound impact on my mental health that The Associate Dean was looking for. This oversight meant that the decision was based on incomplete information, which did not adequately reflect the challenges I faced.
Improved Mental Health Management: Since the winter term, I have significantly improved my mental health management by resuming therapy sessions and addressing financial constraints that previously hindered my access to consistent care. These steps were not fully considered in the initial decision, which suggests a lack of understanding of the proactive measures I have implemented to stabilize my situation.
Misjudgment of Academic Potential: The decision did not reasonably account for my ability to succeed academically despite past difficulties. I have a clear plan to manage my course load effectively and have demonstrated my resilience by successfully completing previous terms under challenging conditions. The suggestion that I cannot manage my circumstances moving forward is not supported by the evidence of my recent progress and commitment. Since the winter term, I have significantly improved my mental health management by resuming therapy sessions and addressing constraints that previously hindered my access to mental health services. These steps were not fully considered in the initial decision.
Preparedness for Future Challenges: The initial decision overlooked my preparedness to handle future challenges. I would like to highlight that this was absolutely a special scenario. For this situation to affect the coursework of every single class in the winter term, it must call attention to the severity of this case. I have developed coping strategies and a robust support system to ensure that I can manage both my mental health and academic responsibilities effectively. This readiness was not adequately considered, leading to an unreasonable conclusion about my potential for success.
Inadequate Consideration of Extenuating Circumstances: The decision to require my withdrawal did not fully account for the severity of my extenuating circumstances. I now understand that my initial petition may have lacked the detailed context of my experiences and profound impact on my mental health that The Associate Dean was looking for. This oversight meant that the decision was based on incomplete information, which did not adequately reflect the challenges I faced.
Improved Mental Health Management: Since the winter term, I have significantly improved my mental health management by resuming therapy sessions and addressing financial constraints that previously hindered my access to consistent care. These steps were not fully considered in the initial decision, which suggests a lack of understanding of the proactive measures I have implemented to stabilize my situation.
Misjudgment of Academic Potential: The decision did not reasonably account for my ability to succeed academically despite past difficulties. I have a clear plan to manage my course load effectively and have demonstrated my resilience by successfully completing previous terms under challenging conditions. The suggestion that I cannot manage my circumstances moving forward is not supported by the evidence of my recent progress and commitment. Since the winter term, I have significantly improved my mental health management by resuming therapy sessions and addressing constraints that previously hindered my access to mental health services. These steps were not fully considered in the initial decision.
Preparedness for Future Challenges: The initial decision overlooked my preparedness to handle future challenges. I would like to highlight that this was absolutely a special scenario. For this situation to affect the coursework of every single class in the winter term, it must call attention to the severity of this case. I have developed coping strategies and a robust support system to ensure that I can manage both my mental health and academic responsibilities effectively. This readiness was not adequately considered, leading to an unreasonable conclusion about my potential for success.
Appeal Letter
Appeal Letter: Dear Members of the Board of Studies,
In my initial petition, I highlighted efforts to succeed academically despite significant challenges but now recognize that I did not fully convey their severity.
In 2020, I was deeply affected by a traumatic event, resulting in depression, social anxiety, and generalized anxiety, diagnosed in 2021. I also experienced PTSD symptoms identified by a psychologist in 2022. Although I managed my symptoms for about a year, in June 2023, I was assaulted, which severely disrupted my progress. I spent the summer seeking help and justice to ensure I could return to school in the fall. Despite these challenges, I completed four courses in the fall term, demonstrating resilience and determination.
During the winter term, financial constraints forced me to switch from private therapy to public services, where I faced limited availability with a new counsellor. Then, an incident triggered a relapse in PTSD and depression. This incident also shifted my focus to support my family. The lack of regular counselling and the cumulative impact of past events made this episode debilitating. Despite my best efforts, I was unable to keep up with academic responsibilities. I would like to open up and share what has changed in the last few months. The 18th of May marks the anniversary of my childhood friend who passed two years ago, and the following week was my 21st birthday. During this time, I was hit with a combination of grief and appreciation for life causing an altering shift in perspective. That I could either continue to give up or persevere with the strength I have gained. This realization has helped me regain the motivation, confidence, and resilience to return to my studies. I am taking significant steps to address my mental health and academic performance, which I will highlight below.
The Associate Dean's decision indicated that my petition did not demonstrate my extenuating circumstances were managed to ensure future success. However, significant steps I have taken since the winter term were overlooked. I am actively developing coping strategies in my new, stable environment. These efforts reflect my commitment to my education and proactive approach to academic success. I have identified what triggers a depressive episode and implemented measures to manage effectively so that even when symptoms arise, they do not become debilitating. I plan to continue to attend Academic Advising appointments to ensure success. I have addressed financial constraints through budgeting and saving. I resumed therapy sessions with the same counsellor, avoiding limited availability by pre-booking sessions. I implemented this strategy also as a form of accountability.
As much as therapy is helpful, I also now recognize the importance of healthy habits that I had neglected during my hardships. I felt dependent on support and was in crisis mode, forgetting the importance of handling and processing situations independently. I have worked on bringing back self-soothing skills to cope with future instances. Despite what comes my way, I am prepared to tackle it. “You cannot heal in the same environment that made you sick.” This quote resonates deeply with me, and I can proudly say I am finally in a safe space where I can heal and move on from the past. All parties involved are also in a stable environment, providing us all with the necessary space to thrive. I no longer want to live in the shadow of my experiences.
I acknowledge that I took more than the recommended courses during the winter term, driven by a desire to maintain my academic trajectory despite challenges. I must admit that I was afraid I would not meet the requirements for my program without piling on courses. The additional stress contributed to my difficulties, and I now recognize the importance of managing my course load more effectively. My critical thinking and problem-solving skills to properly evaluate my requirements were blurred by all the symptoms I was experiencing simultaneously. I have learned from this experience and will balance my academic responsibilities with my mental health needs in the future. I plan to retake courses I enjoyed helping raise my current GPA.
I understand my initial letter may have appeared incomplete in detailing my experiences and progress, and I hope that this can provide more insight. I am fully committed to overcoming my challenges and succeeding academically. I understand the decision to withdraw is not punitive but meant to be helpful. I firmly believe taking a year off would hinder my academic abilities. I am fully equipped with the skills and healthy habits to succeed. I respectfully request the Board of Studies reconsider the decision to withdraw me for one year. My dedication to my academic goals remains strong, and I am eager to contribute positively to the university community.
Thank you for your understanding and compassion in reviewing my appeal.
In my initial petition, I highlighted efforts to succeed academically despite significant challenges but now recognize that I did not fully convey their severity.
In 2020, I was deeply affected by a traumatic event, resulting in depression, social anxiety, and generalized anxiety, diagnosed in 2021. I also experienced PTSD symptoms identified by a psychologist in 2022. Although I managed my symptoms for about a year, in June 2023, I was assaulted, which severely disrupted my progress. I spent the summer seeking help and justice to ensure I could return to school in the fall. Despite these challenges, I completed four courses in the fall term, demonstrating resilience and determination.
During the winter term, financial constraints forced me to switch from private therapy to public services, where I faced limited availability with a new counsellor. Then, an incident triggered a relapse in PTSD and depression. This incident also shifted my focus to support my family. The lack of regular counselling and the cumulative impact of past events made this episode debilitating. Despite my best efforts, I was unable to keep up with academic responsibilities. I would like to open up and share what has changed in the last few months. The 18th of May marks the anniversary of my childhood friend who passed two years ago, and the following week was my 21st birthday. During this time, I was hit with a combination of grief and appreciation for life causing an altering shift in perspective. That I could either continue to give up or persevere with the strength I have gained. This realization has helped me regain the motivation, confidence, and resilience to return to my studies. I am taking significant steps to address my mental health and academic performance, which I will highlight below.
The Associate Dean's decision indicated that my petition did not demonstrate my extenuating circumstances were managed to ensure future success. However, significant steps I have taken since the winter term were overlooked. I am actively developing coping strategies in my new, stable environment. These efforts reflect my commitment to my education and proactive approach to academic success. I have identified what triggers a depressive episode and implemented measures to manage effectively so that even when symptoms arise, they do not become debilitating. I plan to continue to attend Academic Advising appointments to ensure success. I have addressed financial constraints through budgeting and saving. I resumed therapy sessions with the same counsellor, avoiding limited availability by pre-booking sessions. I implemented this strategy also as a form of accountability.
As much as therapy is helpful, I also now recognize the importance of healthy habits that I had neglected during my hardships. I felt dependent on support and was in crisis mode, forgetting the importance of handling and processing situations independently. I have worked on bringing back self-soothing skills to cope with future instances. Despite what comes my way, I am prepared to tackle it. “You cannot heal in the same environment that made you sick.” This quote resonates deeply with me, and I can proudly say I am finally in a safe space where I can heal and move on from the past. All parties involved are also in a stable environment, providing us all with the necessary space to thrive. I no longer want to live in the shadow of my experiences.
I acknowledge that I took more than the recommended courses during the winter term, driven by a desire to maintain my academic trajectory despite challenges. I must admit that I was afraid I would not meet the requirements for my program without piling on courses. The additional stress contributed to my difficulties, and I now recognize the importance of managing my course load more effectively. My critical thinking and problem-solving skills to properly evaluate my requirements were blurred by all the symptoms I was experiencing simultaneously. I have learned from this experience and will balance my academic responsibilities with my mental health needs in the future. I plan to retake courses I enjoyed helping raise my current GPA.
I understand my initial letter may have appeared incomplete in detailing my experiences and progress, and I hope that this can provide more insight. I am fully committed to overcoming my challenges and succeeding academically. I understand the decision to withdraw is not punitive but meant to be helpful. I firmly believe taking a year off would hinder my academic abilities. I am fully equipped with the skills and healthy habits to succeed. I respectfully request the Board of Studies reconsider the decision to withdraw me for one year. My dedication to my academic goals remains strong, and I am eager to contribute positively to the university community.
Thank you for your understanding and compassion in reviewing my appeal.
Documentation
Document: BA Appeal doc JUL 2024.pdf