Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 4726
Submitted: June 12, 2018 at 3:47:19 PM
First Name: Meng
Last Name: Qi
Student Number: 5774319
Email: 7mq@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BSC
Plan: LISC
Level of Study: 2
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Waive the requirement to withdraw for a minimum of three years
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: Appeal Letter
Dear Associate Dean (Studies):
I am appealing the Faculty's decision that I must withdraw from Queen's for a minimum of three years.
The main circumstance that prevented me from passing the academic probation this year was my extremely low GPA. I was required to withdraw from Queen's for a minimum of three years in May 2014. During the years of 2012-2014, I had major depression and I was also having difficulties dealing with loss and grief at that time which led to an unhealthy psychological condition that debilitated my academic performance. Although I was getting treatment from psychiatrist during 2013-2014 academic years, it did not help me make a rational assessment of my academic abilities nor set up realistic goals for myself. I failed most of the courses I took, resulting in an extremely low GPA 0.57 at the time I was required to withdraw for three years. Having a rough start upon return to Queen's was another challenge for me. I had many issues with my student Visa during the summer of 2017 that led to delay in travelling to Canada, which I arrived two weeks after the classes started. Also, I had a foot injury at the beginning of September 2017, it took me a couple of months to recover. Because of those unfortunate events, I was under a lot of physical and emotional stress that I had to reduce my course load to 9 units per semester. It was basically impossible for me to reach the target GPA 1.6 in 18 units. However, with all the challenges I was facing, I still got decent grades for most of the courses I took in the past year and raised my GPA from 0.57 to 1.32.
In the past year, I have been making great efforts to become an effective student to achieve academic success. I also have good self-awareness and know when and how to reach out for help when I need it. The efforts I made include seeing the counsellor regularly, as I know depression can have a long-term effect. Also, I participated in the Prescription Exercise program which helps students maintain and improve mental health by in engage in physical activities with a trainer. Moreover, I have acquired and enhanced many learning skills from different resources on campus such as group workshops, peer mentor program, and the one on one meeting with an advisor from learning strategies.
With all the efforts I made and past successful experience I had, I believe I am in a good condition to continue my study at Queen's. My current GPA is 1.32 and I am taking two summer courses, which are both repeats. I have a good chance to reach the target GPA by the end of summer when I finish these two courses. I am also confident that I will be able to achieve good academic results in the coming year. I really appreciate if you could give a chance to prove it.
Yours sincerely,
Meng Qi
Dear Associate Dean (Studies):
I am appealing the Faculty's decision that I must withdraw from Queen's for a minimum of three years.
The main circumstance that prevented me from passing the academic probation this year was my extremely low GPA. I was required to withdraw from Queen's for a minimum of three years in May 2014. During the years of 2012-2014, I had major depression and I was also having difficulties dealing with loss and grief at that time which led to an unhealthy psychological condition that debilitated my academic performance. Although I was getting treatment from psychiatrist during 2013-2014 academic years, it did not help me make a rational assessment of my academic abilities nor set up realistic goals for myself. I failed most of the courses I took, resulting in an extremely low GPA 0.57 at the time I was required to withdraw for three years. Having a rough start upon return to Queen's was another challenge for me. I had many issues with my student Visa during the summer of 2017 that led to delay in travelling to Canada, which I arrived two weeks after the classes started. Also, I had a foot injury at the beginning of September 2017, it took me a couple of months to recover. Because of those unfortunate events, I was under a lot of physical and emotional stress that I had to reduce my course load to 9 units per semester. It was basically impossible for me to reach the target GPA 1.6 in 18 units. However, with all the challenges I was facing, I still got decent grades for most of the courses I took in the past year and raised my GPA from 0.57 to 1.32.
In the past year, I have been making great efforts to become an effective student to achieve academic success. I also have good self-awareness and know when and how to reach out for help when I need it. The efforts I made include seeing the counsellor regularly, as I know depression can have a long-term effect. Also, I participated in the Prescription Exercise program which helps students maintain and improve mental health by in engage in physical activities with a trainer. Moreover, I have acquired and enhanced many learning skills from different resources on campus such as group workshops, peer mentor program, and the one on one meeting with an advisor from learning strategies.
With all the efforts I made and past successful experience I had, I believe I am in a good condition to continue my study at Queen's. My current GPA is 1.32 and I am taking two summer courses, which are both repeats. I have a good chance to reach the target GPA by the end of summer when I finish these two courses. I am also confident that I will be able to achieve good academic results in the coming year. I really appreciate if you could give a chance to prove it.
Yours sincerely,
Meng Qi
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: Academic Plan
1. Course of Study
I am aware that I will remain on academic probation if my appeal gets gained. Therefore, the primary focus of my study is continuing to increase my GPA to get through the academic probation. I am planning to continue my degree plan in BSc LISC. I have repeated some courses I failed in the past academic year, which proven to be an affected way to raise GPA. I will carry on this strategy to increase my GPA further.
2. Full time versus Part Time Status
As an international student, being full-time status is an essential part of keeping my study permit valued. However, from my experience in the past, take a lighter course load and focus on getting good grades seems to be a valued strategy while I am on academic probation. Considering I will be retaking some courses, I think taking nine or twelve units per term would be realistic. I am not planning to take a part-time job, because I decide to put all my time and effort into study.
3. Strategies for Success
The most valuable lesson I learned from the past few years is that the key to my success is I need to be truthful to myself, have a clear understanding of my current condition, strengths, and limitations, thus set up realistic goals and manage my time accordingly. I have come to peace with the reality that depression may have a long-term effect on me, which is why I should always monitor my condition. I will continue seeing counsellors regularly as well as participating in physical and social activities to help maintain good mental and physical health. In the past year, I have developed and enhanced various learning skills by attending workshops and meeting with an advisor from learning strategies, including time management, effective reading, research techniques, etc. Those skills I acquired will continue to benefit my study. Also, I will actively seek assistance from resources and support services on campus, such as Writing Centre, the Learning Strategies and peer mentor program when I need.
1. Course of Study
I am aware that I will remain on academic probation if my appeal gets gained. Therefore, the primary focus of my study is continuing to increase my GPA to get through the academic probation. I am planning to continue my degree plan in BSc LISC. I have repeated some courses I failed in the past academic year, which proven to be an affected way to raise GPA. I will carry on this strategy to increase my GPA further.
2. Full time versus Part Time Status
As an international student, being full-time status is an essential part of keeping my study permit valued. However, from my experience in the past, take a lighter course load and focus on getting good grades seems to be a valued strategy while I am on academic probation. Considering I will be retaking some courses, I think taking nine or twelve units per term would be realistic. I am not planning to take a part-time job, because I decide to put all my time and effort into study.
3. Strategies for Success
The most valuable lesson I learned from the past few years is that the key to my success is I need to be truthful to myself, have a clear understanding of my current condition, strengths, and limitations, thus set up realistic goals and manage my time accordingly. I have come to peace with the reality that depression may have a long-term effect on me, which is why I should always monitor my condition. I will continue seeing counsellors regularly as well as participating in physical and social activities to help maintain good mental and physical health. In the past year, I have developed and enhanced various learning skills by attending workshops and meeting with an advisor from learning strategies, including time management, effective reading, research techniques, etc. Those skills I acquired will continue to benefit my study. Also, I will actively seek assistance from resources and support services on campus, such as Writing Centre, the Learning Strategies and peer mentor program when I need.
Documentation
Professional Letter Detail: A supporting letter from counsellor Whitney Babcock.
Documentation Detail: A supporting letter from learning strategist Linda Williams.