Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 3892
Submitted: October 15, 2017 at 4:29:28 PM
First Name: Lucia
Last Name: Leon-Valdez
Student Number: 10169949
Email: 14llv1@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BAH
Plan: DEVS
Level of Study: 2
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Waive the 21-day or one term deadline
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: To: Dr. Johanne Bénard, Associate Dean of Studies October 13th, 2017
Re: Appeal to remove first year grades from my transcript
Dear Dr. Johanne Bénard,
With this letter I would like to respectfully make an appeal to remove my first year grades (terms Sept. 2015 to June, 2016) from my official Queens transcript. Because of these poor grades I was requested to withdraw from Queens for a year and I was scheduled to return in September of this year. Unfortunately, I was recently diagnosed with a very severe illness that prevented me from returning this year. It is very likely that this illness negatively influenced my ability to study during my first year at Queens and this is the basis for my appeal.
Very briefly, during July and August 2017, I suffered a rapid series of roughly 10 grand mal seizures that required 4 ER visits to Vancouver General Hospital. These were followed by increasingly intense bouts of psychosis and, ultimately, admission to the neurology intensive care unit at VGH (3 weeks) with rapidly declining autonomic and cognitive function. I was eventually diagnosed with a very rare autoimmune disease: anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis (please see details at this Foundation's website: http://www.antinmdafoundation.org). In my case, this was caused by an undiagnosed tumor (teratoma) in one of my ovaries. My immune system made antibodies to neural cells in this tumor, which then blocked neurotransmitter receptors in my brain and caused the aforementioned symptoms. Luckily, this was diagnosed before I sustained permanent neurological damage. Following the removal of my tumor and several rounds of aggressive immunosuppression, my cognitive function has steadily been improving. Baring an unlikely relapse, I am hoping to make a full recovery over the next few months.
Although it is very difficult to pinpoint when my disease first began, teratomas can go undiagnosed for many years and some of the early hallmarks for this particular type of disease are severe insomnia, severe anxiety and difficulty in focusing: all symptoms I experienced during my first year at Queens. I would also like to highlight that the very poor grades I received during my first year were extremely atypical for me as I have always been a strong scholar.
Having survived a potentially terminal illness has only hardened my resolve to graduate with honors from Queens. Although it is unlikely that I will be able to leave Vancouver until some time in 2018, in order to make up for lost time, I would like to begin by taking courses that could be credited towards my degree at Queens at UBC this winter with the long-term plan of fully resuming my studies at Queens by September of 2018. In the interest of being able to make a fresh start at Queens and fulfill my desire to graduate with honors, I would like to respectfully request that my previous grades be purged from my transcript.
I would be happy to provide you any additional documentation you may need to fully evaluate my appeal. Thank you very much for your attention.
Sincerely,
Ms Lucia Leon-Valdez
Re: Appeal to remove first year grades from my transcript
Dear Dr. Johanne Bénard,
With this letter I would like to respectfully make an appeal to remove my first year grades (terms Sept. 2015 to June, 2016) from my official Queens transcript. Because of these poor grades I was requested to withdraw from Queens for a year and I was scheduled to return in September of this year. Unfortunately, I was recently diagnosed with a very severe illness that prevented me from returning this year. It is very likely that this illness negatively influenced my ability to study during my first year at Queens and this is the basis for my appeal.
Very briefly, during July and August 2017, I suffered a rapid series of roughly 10 grand mal seizures that required 4 ER visits to Vancouver General Hospital. These were followed by increasingly intense bouts of psychosis and, ultimately, admission to the neurology intensive care unit at VGH (3 weeks) with rapidly declining autonomic and cognitive function. I was eventually diagnosed with a very rare autoimmune disease: anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis (please see details at this Foundation's website: http://www.antinmdafoundation.org). In my case, this was caused by an undiagnosed tumor (teratoma) in one of my ovaries. My immune system made antibodies to neural cells in this tumor, which then blocked neurotransmitter receptors in my brain and caused the aforementioned symptoms. Luckily, this was diagnosed before I sustained permanent neurological damage. Following the removal of my tumor and several rounds of aggressive immunosuppression, my cognitive function has steadily been improving. Baring an unlikely relapse, I am hoping to make a full recovery over the next few months.
Although it is very difficult to pinpoint when my disease first began, teratomas can go undiagnosed for many years and some of the early hallmarks for this particular type of disease are severe insomnia, severe anxiety and difficulty in focusing: all symptoms I experienced during my first year at Queens. I would also like to highlight that the very poor grades I received during my first year were extremely atypical for me as I have always been a strong scholar.
Having survived a potentially terminal illness has only hardened my resolve to graduate with honors from Queens. Although it is unlikely that I will be able to leave Vancouver until some time in 2018, in order to make up for lost time, I would like to begin by taking courses that could be credited towards my degree at Queens at UBC this winter with the long-term plan of fully resuming my studies at Queens by September of 2018. In the interest of being able to make a fresh start at Queens and fulfill my desire to graduate with honors, I would like to respectfully request that my previous grades be purged from my transcript.
I would be happy to provide you any additional documentation you may need to fully evaluate my appeal. Thank you very much for your attention.
Sincerely,
Ms Lucia Leon-Valdez
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: Academic Plan:
My intention is to resume my studies in my major of Global Development and a minor in World Languages at Queen's in September 2018 in full health. Until then, I hope to begin taking courses at the University of British Columbia beginning January 2018 in preparation for my return to studies. Due to my extenuating circumstances, I have already been approved for a late application as a Visiting Student. A clear transcript will facilitate my acceptance to UBC while ensuring a fair chance at academic good standing in my following years of study.
January to August 2018:
I plan to take a light course load (3 courses) for winter/summer terms at UBC and potentially expand to a full course load (4-5 courses). My attendance in Winter Term does depend on the timing of the appeal process. My courses in the Faculty of Arts would relate directly to my major and minor plans. Specifically, I would take courses in Spanish or Portuguese, Political Science, and History. The corresponding credits would be added to my Bachelor's degree.
To facilitate my return to studies, I will be accessing UBC's academic success programs (including peer-assisted study sessions) and connecting with an undergraduate faculty advisor. I will specifically pursue direction in stress management, study efficiency, and exam preparation. This will refresh existing study skills and prepare me for my return to Queen's, as well as complement the organization skills maintained during my 8-month contract at Stemcell Technologies in 2017. My contract work allowed me to polish my ability to use unfamiliar software, communicate professionally, develop and execute training sessions, collect and maintain extensive data sets. Additionally, I was able to save enough to alleviate financial concerns in the following academic year.
Until my return to Queen's, I will continue with my planned course of treatment dictated by my neurologist. Additionally, I have regular follow-up appointments and medical examinations with my family doctor and neurologist, and any other medical professionals they may consult. I will also maintain regular appointments with my counsellor to manage stress and anxiety through meditation and exercise.
Fall Term, 2018:
I will return to Queen's University to take first year courses in the fields of Global Development (DEVS100), Political Science (POLS 110), and History (HIST122A/122B). For courses in World Languages, I intend to have my level of competency (in French or Spanish) assessed by a Queen's faculty member and take an appropriate course in addition to Portuguese (Port103). By Fall term, I will be prepared to take a course load that best suits my needs. While my ideal plan is to take a full course load (5 courses), I will assess, with the help of an academic counselor, whether I should continue as such or drop a course. I will also discuss my suitability to participate in any student support systems, academic and other.
My academic plan, in combination with regular long-term counselling and medical appointments, will ensure my academic success. All academic and personal support planned will extend to continuing terms as necessary.
My intention is to resume my studies in my major of Global Development and a minor in World Languages at Queen's in September 2018 in full health. Until then, I hope to begin taking courses at the University of British Columbia beginning January 2018 in preparation for my return to studies. Due to my extenuating circumstances, I have already been approved for a late application as a Visiting Student. A clear transcript will facilitate my acceptance to UBC while ensuring a fair chance at academic good standing in my following years of study.
January to August 2018:
I plan to take a light course load (3 courses) for winter/summer terms at UBC and potentially expand to a full course load (4-5 courses). My attendance in Winter Term does depend on the timing of the appeal process. My courses in the Faculty of Arts would relate directly to my major and minor plans. Specifically, I would take courses in Spanish or Portuguese, Political Science, and History. The corresponding credits would be added to my Bachelor's degree.
To facilitate my return to studies, I will be accessing UBC's academic success programs (including peer-assisted study sessions) and connecting with an undergraduate faculty advisor. I will specifically pursue direction in stress management, study efficiency, and exam preparation. This will refresh existing study skills and prepare me for my return to Queen's, as well as complement the organization skills maintained during my 8-month contract at Stemcell Technologies in 2017. My contract work allowed me to polish my ability to use unfamiliar software, communicate professionally, develop and execute training sessions, collect and maintain extensive data sets. Additionally, I was able to save enough to alleviate financial concerns in the following academic year.
Until my return to Queen's, I will continue with my planned course of treatment dictated by my neurologist. Additionally, I have regular follow-up appointments and medical examinations with my family doctor and neurologist, and any other medical professionals they may consult. I will also maintain regular appointments with my counsellor to manage stress and anxiety through meditation and exercise.
Fall Term, 2018:
I will return to Queen's University to take first year courses in the fields of Global Development (DEVS100), Political Science (POLS 110), and History (HIST122A/122B). For courses in World Languages, I intend to have my level of competency (in French or Spanish) assessed by a Queen's faculty member and take an appropriate course in addition to Portuguese (Port103). By Fall term, I will be prepared to take a course load that best suits my needs. While my ideal plan is to take a full course load (5 courses), I will assess, with the help of an academic counselor, whether I should continue as such or drop a course. I will also discuss my suitability to participate in any student support systems, academic and other.
My academic plan, in combination with regular long-term counselling and medical appointments, will ensure my academic success. All academic and personal support planned will extend to continuing terms as necessary.
Documentation
Professional Letter Detail: My documentation (a letter from my family doctor) will be sent separately to the Faculty Office.
Decision Letters
History
Originally submitted October 15, 2017 at 4:29:28 PM.
| Field | Reference | Old Value | New Value | Note | User | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| status | N/A | Received | Prepared for Review | Carrie Roosenmaalen | 2017-10-16 9:40:19 AM | |
| appeal_category | N/A | Spring Forsberg | 2017-10-16 10:48:58 AM | |||
| status | N/A | Prepared for Review | In Review | Haley Everson | 2017-10-26 11:04:39 AM | |
| status | N/A | In Review | Granted | Spring Forsberg | 2017-11-07 1:54:30 PM | |
| associate_dean | N/A | Johanne Benard, Ph.D. | Spring Forsberg | 2017-11-07 1:54:30 PM | ||
| decision_letter | N/A | N/A | Decision letter sent | Spring Forsberg | 2017-11-07 1:55:03 PM |