Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 5735
Submitted: May 12, 2019 at 11:03:55 PM
First Name: Yousef
Last Name: Abdel-Kader
Student Number: 20024878
Email: 16yak@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BAH
Plan: HIST
Level of Study: 3
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Code: HIST 267
Term: Winter
Year: 2019
Petition Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Code: HIST 200
Term: Winter
Year: 2019
Petition Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Code: DEVS 240
Term: Winter
Year: 2019
Petition Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Code: SPAN 112
Term: Winter
Year: 2019
Petition Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean of Studies,
My name is Yousef Abdel-Kader, a third-year student at the Faculty of Arts & Science. I am appealing to drop the following courses late: DEVS240, HIST267, HIST200, and SPAN112, which I have taken during the winter semester of the 2018-2019 academic year. Unfortunately, I failed all the four courses, which brought down my GPA to 1.59 likely leading to placement on academic probation.
As a background, I have been suffering from symptoms of ADHD/ADD¿¿for many years¿¿which was exacerbated with episodes of moderate-to-severe depression over the past three years, hence affecting my academic performance (please see doctor¿¿s note attached). I was placed on probation by the end of my first year, but I was able to quickly turn things around in the second year¿¿got out of probation and significantly improved my grades¿¿by following a strict program to enhance physical and mental well-being.
Unfortunately, another episode of depression hit earlier this past academic year. Despite my psychological struggles, I was able to pass most of my courses in the fall semester albeit with low grades (C- average) and had to drop one class without academic penalty. I began the winter semester on a more positive note, but things took a sharp turn quickly as my condition worsened further causing complete lack of motivation, energy, concentration, and attention. I stopped going to classes and exams and even lost track of the drop deadline.
My plan to deal with my condition and improve my academic performance includes seeing my psychologist and therapist on a regular basis, leveraging the social support system available to me this summer, taking a summer course at a community college close to home in the Washington, D.C. area to sharpen academic writing, and taking up internship and volunteering opportunities to shore up self-esteem and sense of purpose. I am hoping that these measures will help me feel better and restore confidence. Upon coming back to Queen¿¿s University next fall, I plan to register for a light course load (24 units in total) and retake the courses I failed in winter 2019. I will also use the academic resources available on campus and expand my social network, which could help me succeed. To address my extenuating circumstances, I plan to seek counselling services on and off campus in Kingston as my doctors in Washington would be inaccessible. As a last resort¿¿in the unlikely event that I still feel unwell by the end of the summer¿¿I may apply for an academic leave of absence for 1-2 semesters until I feel completely recovered and ready to go back with firm motivation.
I am passionate about my studies at Queen¿¿s University and proud to be affiliated to such a renowned institution. I am so determined to finish my degree requirements. To that end, I very much hope that my appeal to drop the above-mentioned courses will be accepted given my extenuating circumstances. I am also hopeful that the above-mentioned plan would help me improve my academic performance and finish my degree in due course.
With many thanks for your understanding and support.
Yours Sincerely,
Yousef Abdel-Kader
My name is Yousef Abdel-Kader, a third-year student at the Faculty of Arts & Science. I am appealing to drop the following courses late: DEVS240, HIST267, HIST200, and SPAN112, which I have taken during the winter semester of the 2018-2019 academic year. Unfortunately, I failed all the four courses, which brought down my GPA to 1.59 likely leading to placement on academic probation.
As a background, I have been suffering from symptoms of ADHD/ADD¿¿for many years¿¿which was exacerbated with episodes of moderate-to-severe depression over the past three years, hence affecting my academic performance (please see doctor¿¿s note attached). I was placed on probation by the end of my first year, but I was able to quickly turn things around in the second year¿¿got out of probation and significantly improved my grades¿¿by following a strict program to enhance physical and mental well-being.
Unfortunately, another episode of depression hit earlier this past academic year. Despite my psychological struggles, I was able to pass most of my courses in the fall semester albeit with low grades (C- average) and had to drop one class without academic penalty. I began the winter semester on a more positive note, but things took a sharp turn quickly as my condition worsened further causing complete lack of motivation, energy, concentration, and attention. I stopped going to classes and exams and even lost track of the drop deadline.
My plan to deal with my condition and improve my academic performance includes seeing my psychologist and therapist on a regular basis, leveraging the social support system available to me this summer, taking a summer course at a community college close to home in the Washington, D.C. area to sharpen academic writing, and taking up internship and volunteering opportunities to shore up self-esteem and sense of purpose. I am hoping that these measures will help me feel better and restore confidence. Upon coming back to Queen¿¿s University next fall, I plan to register for a light course load (24 units in total) and retake the courses I failed in winter 2019. I will also use the academic resources available on campus and expand my social network, which could help me succeed. To address my extenuating circumstances, I plan to seek counselling services on and off campus in Kingston as my doctors in Washington would be inaccessible. As a last resort¿¿in the unlikely event that I still feel unwell by the end of the summer¿¿I may apply for an academic leave of absence for 1-2 semesters until I feel completely recovered and ready to go back with firm motivation.
I am passionate about my studies at Queen¿¿s University and proud to be affiliated to such a renowned institution. I am so determined to finish my degree requirements. To that end, I very much hope that my appeal to drop the above-mentioned courses will be accepted given my extenuating circumstances. I am also hopeful that the above-mentioned plan would help me improve my academic performance and finish my degree in due course.
With many thanks for your understanding and support.
Yours Sincerely,
Yousef Abdel-Kader