Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 9302
Submitted: June 14, 2022 at 5:09:53 PM
First Name: Rachel
Last Name: Ferguson-WULS
Student Number: 20290439
Email: rachelfw0@gmail.com
Degree Program: BAH
Plan: POLS
Level of Study: 1
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Waive the requirement to withdraw for one year
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean,
I am writing to appeal my requirement to withdraw from the Faculty of Arts and Sciences for one year. I am requesting reinstatement for the upcoming year. I appreciate the opportunity to explain my predicament.
I admit that my first year at Queens was really difficult, and as a result, my grades deteriorated greatly. As someone who enjoys learning and thrives on academic affirmation, I refuse to make excuses for my low academic achievement this year. Instead, I seek to understand where I went wrong and what I could have done better. Before I get into the details of my reconsideration request, I'd like to acknowledge and accept responsibility for where I went wrong. My best friend was hospitalized and placed in a medically-induced coma on September 25th, 2021. My entire life seemed to turn upside down after that. I slipped into a deep pit of anxiety and depression, which was unusual for me. For months, I struggled to leave my dorm room; I hardly slept or ate. Finally, it got to the point where my friends started bringing food to my door to ensure I had something to eat that day. I couldn't even recognize myself; everything I loved or enjoyed had lost meaning. I felt so alone and ashamed that I gave up. I couldn't express how I felt to anyone because I couldn't explain it to myself. I had lost all motivation to work, care for myself, try new things, and ask for help. I was terrified. To tell anyone, I was struggling and to demonstrate my weakness, I accepted defeat in myself since I didn't believe I was worthy of improvement. Looking back, the most essential thing I learned this year was that I am worthy and deserve better. For the past two months, I've been seeing a therapist to work on healing, and for the first time in months, I'm slowly beginning to feel like myself again. I see now that instead of ignoring my professors, I should have engaged with them better or taken a leave of absence. I felt I could handle all of my responsibilities, but I couldn't. I battled a lot, and I now see I should have sought help sooner. I don't deserve a second chance because I see everything I could have done differently. I let my trauma and difficulties define who I was and what I was capable of. I now know that I am capable of overcoming any obstacles that may arise, and I would greatly appreciate a second opportunity to Redo the first year and show to myself that what I went through has no bearing on the person I am and aspire to be. I want to work harder next year, continue my studies in Queens, and be an influence or role model to others who are struggling and don't feel worthy or good enough. Since my return from Queens, I've been focusing on building an academic plan and identifying how I can perform better to prevent this from happening again. My parents and I discuss biweekly tutoring sessions to ensure that I stay on top of my work and don't fall behind, as well as weekly counseling sessions to prevent relapse and falling back into a negative place. To stay on track, I want to initiate more conversations with my instructors and TAs.
I love Queens University. My brother graduated in 2019, and it would mean the world to me to achieve the same accomplishment. The last thing I intend to do is make excuses; I accept full responsibility for allowing myself to reach this position and recognize that I could have done things differently. I hope you can see that my low-grade point average does not reflect that I am a poor student. I had a challenging year, and I let my hardships interfere with my academic performance. I would appreciate a second opportunity because I want to learn from this error and emerge stronger. I hope that you will give me another chance. I appreciate your consideration of my appeal.
Yours truly,
Rachel Ferguson-Wuls
I am writing to appeal my requirement to withdraw from the Faculty of Arts and Sciences for one year. I am requesting reinstatement for the upcoming year. I appreciate the opportunity to explain my predicament.
I admit that my first year at Queens was really difficult, and as a result, my grades deteriorated greatly. As someone who enjoys learning and thrives on academic affirmation, I refuse to make excuses for my low academic achievement this year. Instead, I seek to understand where I went wrong and what I could have done better. Before I get into the details of my reconsideration request, I'd like to acknowledge and accept responsibility for where I went wrong. My best friend was hospitalized and placed in a medically-induced coma on September 25th, 2021. My entire life seemed to turn upside down after that. I slipped into a deep pit of anxiety and depression, which was unusual for me. For months, I struggled to leave my dorm room; I hardly slept or ate. Finally, it got to the point where my friends started bringing food to my door to ensure I had something to eat that day. I couldn't even recognize myself; everything I loved or enjoyed had lost meaning. I felt so alone and ashamed that I gave up. I couldn't express how I felt to anyone because I couldn't explain it to myself. I had lost all motivation to work, care for myself, try new things, and ask for help. I was terrified. To tell anyone, I was struggling and to demonstrate my weakness, I accepted defeat in myself since I didn't believe I was worthy of improvement. Looking back, the most essential thing I learned this year was that I am worthy and deserve better. For the past two months, I've been seeing a therapist to work on healing, and for the first time in months, I'm slowly beginning to feel like myself again. I see now that instead of ignoring my professors, I should have engaged with them better or taken a leave of absence. I felt I could handle all of my responsibilities, but I couldn't. I battled a lot, and I now see I should have sought help sooner. I don't deserve a second chance because I see everything I could have done differently. I let my trauma and difficulties define who I was and what I was capable of. I now know that I am capable of overcoming any obstacles that may arise, and I would greatly appreciate a second opportunity to Redo the first year and show to myself that what I went through has no bearing on the person I am and aspire to be. I want to work harder next year, continue my studies in Queens, and be an influence or role model to others who are struggling and don't feel worthy or good enough. Since my return from Queens, I've been focusing on building an academic plan and identifying how I can perform better to prevent this from happening again. My parents and I discuss biweekly tutoring sessions to ensure that I stay on top of my work and don't fall behind, as well as weekly counseling sessions to prevent relapse and falling back into a negative place. To stay on track, I want to initiate more conversations with my instructors and TAs.
I love Queens University. My brother graduated in 2019, and it would mean the world to me to achieve the same accomplishment. The last thing I intend to do is make excuses; I accept full responsibility for allowing myself to reach this position and recognize that I could have done things differently. I hope you can see that my low-grade point average does not reflect that I am a poor student. I had a challenging year, and I let my hardships interfere with my academic performance. I would appreciate a second opportunity because I want to learn from this error and emerge stronger. I hope that you will give me another chance. I appreciate your consideration of my appeal.
Yours truly,
Rachel Ferguson-Wuls
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: Academic Plan - Rachel Ferguson-Wuls
Attending Every Class
Attending class and taking notes will assist me in becoming more acquainted with the study material. I must, therefore, not fall into the habit of skipping class. Whether or not attendance is required. Looking back on this year, when attempting to study or begin an assignment, I discovered that missing lectures meant I would have to learn the information on my own. Attending classes on a regular basis will allow me to keep track of all my work in each course and assist me in better understanding the academic materials. Putting myself in a better position to pass the course and earn the highest possible grade.
Communicating with my professors and advisors.
I believe it is crucial to meet with an academic advisor frequently to ensure I'm on track and where I need to be for my success. I now understand how vital it is to communicate with my instructors and TAs. Looking back on this year, I see that if I had talked with my professors and informed them of what was going on, I would not be in the position I am currently in.
Whether I'm meeting them during office hours for clarity or if I need assistance rather than attempting to figure everything out on my own, I know they are available to assist me. It will also allow me to stay on track with my work and monitor my progress to ensure success.
Joining a club/extracurricular
Another objective I've set for myself is to get more involved at school. Queen has so much to offer, and there are many opportunities for me to gain experience during my studies. I believe that participating in an extracurricular activity will benefit my mental health by allowing me to meet new people and socialize and boost my motivation and productivity. I want to establish a solid work-life balance, and I believe getting more active will help me accomplish this.
Staying on track with my work
It's very easy to fall behind. I will therefore allocate time daily to study and review notes.
Consequently, I will have a good retention rate throughout examinations and when beginning homework. My objective is to set aside one hour every day to review my course, which will be the initial step in maintaining my academic progress and familiarizing myself with each subject.
Specific measures for each goal
Meeting with academic advisors,
weekly tutoring sessions to ensure I stay up-to-date and understand the material in the course
going to office hours regularly,
Communicating with ta and professors to keep up-to-date
using the resources queens has to offer to ensure success
joining a study group
Peer mentoring programs
seeking advice from an academic advisor in Student Services
Asking for help if I need it
Strategies for success
The most important lesson I have learned this year is that I am not alone and that it is acceptable to seek assistance. I have realized that I would not be in this position if I had sought help earlier. I will no longer feel fear or shame if I request support when I need it in the future. The first year was quite difficult; I was overwhelmed by all the change and struggled alone. I now have a robust support system. To achieve this, I will need academic counsellors and a therapist. This is merely the start of my academic plan. I refuse to let my extenuating circumstances this year define me as a student and person. I wish to continue my love of school and learning at Queens. I am motivated and willing to work as hard as necessary to attain these objectives. I am beginning to feel like myself for the first time in months, and I will do whatever it takes to succeed. I intend to meet with a tutor and an academic advisor at least once weekly. I will utilize Office hours to guarantee that I don't get behind and that I'm on target with all my schoolwork and maintain constant contact with my professors to ensure I'm on track.
Attending Every Class
Attending class and taking notes will assist me in becoming more acquainted with the study material. I must, therefore, not fall into the habit of skipping class. Whether or not attendance is required. Looking back on this year, when attempting to study or begin an assignment, I discovered that missing lectures meant I would have to learn the information on my own. Attending classes on a regular basis will allow me to keep track of all my work in each course and assist me in better understanding the academic materials. Putting myself in a better position to pass the course and earn the highest possible grade.
Communicating with my professors and advisors.
I believe it is crucial to meet with an academic advisor frequently to ensure I'm on track and where I need to be for my success. I now understand how vital it is to communicate with my instructors and TAs. Looking back on this year, I see that if I had talked with my professors and informed them of what was going on, I would not be in the position I am currently in.
Whether I'm meeting them during office hours for clarity or if I need assistance rather than attempting to figure everything out on my own, I know they are available to assist me. It will also allow me to stay on track with my work and monitor my progress to ensure success.
Joining a club/extracurricular
Another objective I've set for myself is to get more involved at school. Queen has so much to offer, and there are many opportunities for me to gain experience during my studies. I believe that participating in an extracurricular activity will benefit my mental health by allowing me to meet new people and socialize and boost my motivation and productivity. I want to establish a solid work-life balance, and I believe getting more active will help me accomplish this.
Staying on track with my work
It's very easy to fall behind. I will therefore allocate time daily to study and review notes.
Consequently, I will have a good retention rate throughout examinations and when beginning homework. My objective is to set aside one hour every day to review my course, which will be the initial step in maintaining my academic progress and familiarizing myself with each subject.
Specific measures for each goal
Meeting with academic advisors,
weekly tutoring sessions to ensure I stay up-to-date and understand the material in the course
going to office hours regularly,
Communicating with ta and professors to keep up-to-date
using the resources queens has to offer to ensure success
joining a study group
Peer mentoring programs
seeking advice from an academic advisor in Student Services
Asking for help if I need it
Strategies for success
The most important lesson I have learned this year is that I am not alone and that it is acceptable to seek assistance. I have realized that I would not be in this position if I had sought help earlier. I will no longer feel fear or shame if I request support when I need it in the future. The first year was quite difficult; I was overwhelmed by all the change and struggled alone. I now have a robust support system. To achieve this, I will need academic counsellors and a therapist. This is merely the start of my academic plan. I refuse to let my extenuating circumstances this year define me as a student and person. I wish to continue my love of school and learning at Queens. I am motivated and willing to work as hard as necessary to attain these objectives. I am beginning to feel like myself for the first time in months, and I will do whatever it takes to succeed. I intend to meet with a tutor and an academic advisor at least once weekly. I will utilize Office hours to guarantee that I don't get behind and that I'm on target with all my schoolwork and maintain constant contact with my professors to ensure I'm on track.
Documentation
Professional Letter: AccommodationLetter_POLS_110A_section_002___2219___Jonathan_Rose.pdf
Professional Letter Detail: QSAS accomdations
Document: global news .pdf
Documentation Detail: News article of the extenuating circumstances
Decision Letters
History
Originally submitted June 14, 2022 at 5:09:53 PM.
| Field | Reference | Old Value | New Value | Note | User | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| status | N/A | Received | In Review | Spring Forsberg | 2022-06-15 8:57:47 AM | |
| status | N/A | In Review | Denied | Spring Forsberg | 2022-07-05 9:19:54 AM | |
| associate_dean | N/A | Jenn Stephenson, Ph.D. | Spring Forsberg | 2022-07-05 9:19:54 AM | ||
| decision_letter | N/A | N/A | Decision letter sent | Spring Forsberg | 2022-07-05 9:20:43 AM |