Manage Appeals
Petition Type: 3
ID: 9449
Submitted: July 29, 2022 at 9:32:55 PM
Relevant Petition: 9427
First Name: Paul
Last Name: Chumbe
Student Number: 20250395
Email: 20psc@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BAH
Plan: NA
Level of Study: 1
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Waive the requirement to withdraw for one year
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: Dear Dr Stephenson,
I am writing to appeal the Faculty??s decision that I must withdraw from Queen??s for a minimum of 1 year. The reason for my appeal is based on the challenges presented by my late ADHD diagnosis and the steep learning curve that it entailed.
I was diagnosed with ADHD last year coming out of an unsuccessful year at Queen??s. A downside of my late diagnosis was an unfamiliarity with the supports available for those with similar conditions as well as a lack of insight into the strategies used to cope with my condition. Due to my lack of experience, I naively viewed the medication as a magic pill and was unprepared for my return to studies. I also faced a steep learning curve since the abatement of my more apparent symptoms (inattention) revealed other issues that had previously been drowned out. I also was not immediately aware about the resources available, for example I only found out my condition made me eligible for QSAS academic accommodations late in the fall semester.
I am aware that the appeals process does not consider disabilities that are actively being accommodated. However, I am not appealing based on my condition alone, but due to the unique and unforeseen challenges of being diagnosed and treated during university studies for a condition that is usually uncovered in childhood and the early teens. There is a transition involved upon being diagnosed with a learning disorder, and unfortunately, I was unprepared for and unfamiliar with the challenges that it entailed. However, it has been a year since I was diagnosed, and I now have a better understanding of myself and of my weaknesses and strengths as well as my available resources. As such I am now in a position to take a proactive approach to my academic studies; to anticipate the challenges that I will face and to be ready for them.
I have reached out to my psychiatrist concerning documentation of my condition. As I am still awaiting its arrival via postal, for the time being I have attached the completed form that he previously sent me for QSAS.
Thank you for your consideration,
Paul Chumbe
20250395
I am writing to appeal the Faculty??s decision that I must withdraw from Queen??s for a minimum of 1 year. The reason for my appeal is based on the challenges presented by my late ADHD diagnosis and the steep learning curve that it entailed.
I was diagnosed with ADHD last year coming out of an unsuccessful year at Queen??s. A downside of my late diagnosis was an unfamiliarity with the supports available for those with similar conditions as well as a lack of insight into the strategies used to cope with my condition. Due to my lack of experience, I naively viewed the medication as a magic pill and was unprepared for my return to studies. I also faced a steep learning curve since the abatement of my more apparent symptoms (inattention) revealed other issues that had previously been drowned out. I also was not immediately aware about the resources available, for example I only found out my condition made me eligible for QSAS academic accommodations late in the fall semester.
I am aware that the appeals process does not consider disabilities that are actively being accommodated. However, I am not appealing based on my condition alone, but due to the unique and unforeseen challenges of being diagnosed and treated during university studies for a condition that is usually uncovered in childhood and the early teens. There is a transition involved upon being diagnosed with a learning disorder, and unfortunately, I was unprepared for and unfamiliar with the challenges that it entailed. However, it has been a year since I was diagnosed, and I now have a better understanding of myself and of my weaknesses and strengths as well as my available resources. As such I am now in a position to take a proactive approach to my academic studies; to anticipate the challenges that I will face and to be ready for them.
I have reached out to my psychiatrist concerning documentation of my condition. As I am still awaiting its arrival via postal, for the time being I have attached the completed form that he previously sent me for QSAS.
Thank you for your consideration,
Paul Chumbe
20250395
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: I will now give a brief outline of the strategies that I am using to minimize the effect of these bad habits and tendencies on my academic success.
1. I will register in a maximum of 4 courses this fall. I have noted the respective financial and academic course drop deadlines (Sept 19 and Nov 1 respectively). If at anytime I fall over a week behind, or my graded work falls below 70% then I will drop down to 3 (or 2 if necessary) courses. I will also book an appointment with an Academic Advisor regarding potentially dropping courses and show them my progress so they can advise me if and how many course I should drop.
2. I will do most of my studying in Stauffer Library (6-minute walk from my house) and other areas on campus. This will give me a dedicated study environment and reduce any distractions or temptations that might occur if I was studying in my house.
3. Having discovered that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is recommended for people with ADHD, I will reach out to Student Wellness to receive a referral to an occupational therapist who can provide this service. I will also register in the Upper-Year Peer Mentor Program as a mentee. I believe that this will help me immensely since a mentor can provide accountability as well as advice.
4. I will use the SASS Assignment Planner for larger assignments. By breaking up a large assignment in into mini assignments each with their own due date I intend to avoid last minute cramming and procrastination.
5. Creating a dynamic schedule and structure for each day. Although I have tried to schedule study blocks, I found that my adherence was lacking. Therefore, I tie each study block to some simple tasks. For example, I currently walk to the library at 9:30 AM and stay there till around noon. After lunch I make myself a cup of coffee before studying again. While these details may seem trivial, I find that it is infinitely easier to adhere to a study schedule when it is tied to an easily completed task.
If my appeal is granted, I will likely be placed on Academic Probation, meaning that I will need to achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 1.60 to be allowed to return for subsequent years and 1.90 to be eligible for an Honours degree. The clearest path to that will be by retaking courses that I have previously failed. I currently am enrolled in English 100. I intend to also retake Math 120 during the Fall/Winter semesters. I would prefer to delay retaking PHIL 151 and CISC 124 until the summer semester 2023. According to the Queen??s GPA calculator if I register in the courses detailed below and assuming a B average, I should have a CGPA of at least 1.90. However, my actual results may necessitate registering in CISC 124 and PHIL 151 in the winter semester.
Preliminary 2022/23 Schedule
Although I am currently not registered in a Plan, I intend to register in an English program. Therefore, I am currently taking English 100 which is a requisite course for the program. Upon completing this course successfully, I will reach out to the English Undergraduate chair to inquire whether I may be registered in the plan outside of plan selection period.
Fall 2022 Working Draft
In the past I have overestimated my academic ability. Although I want to take 5 courses. I will prioritize the first 3. This does not mean that I intend to neglect the 4th rather I intend to work diligently in all 4. However, if I find myself falling behind then I will drop Math 110.
1. English 200
2. English 296 (dependent on department??s permission, if permission is not granted, I will retake Phil 151)
3. Math 120
4. Math 110
Spring 2023 Working Draft
As with the Fall schedule my actual course load will vary based on the results of the previous semester and upon talking with an academic advisor. I will also input the results of my Fall Term grades into the GPA calculator to decide whether or not to replace one of the below classes with PHIL 151/CISC 124.
1. English 290 (with permission from the English department)
2. Math 110
3. Math 120
4. English 200
5. English 251
In the Summer of 23 I intend to take Phil 151 and/or CISC 124 to further improve my GPA
1. I will register in a maximum of 4 courses this fall. I have noted the respective financial and academic course drop deadlines (Sept 19 and Nov 1 respectively). If at anytime I fall over a week behind, or my graded work falls below 70% then I will drop down to 3 (or 2 if necessary) courses. I will also book an appointment with an Academic Advisor regarding potentially dropping courses and show them my progress so they can advise me if and how many course I should drop.
2. I will do most of my studying in Stauffer Library (6-minute walk from my house) and other areas on campus. This will give me a dedicated study environment and reduce any distractions or temptations that might occur if I was studying in my house.
3. Having discovered that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is recommended for people with ADHD, I will reach out to Student Wellness to receive a referral to an occupational therapist who can provide this service. I will also register in the Upper-Year Peer Mentor Program as a mentee. I believe that this will help me immensely since a mentor can provide accountability as well as advice.
4. I will use the SASS Assignment Planner for larger assignments. By breaking up a large assignment in into mini assignments each with their own due date I intend to avoid last minute cramming and procrastination.
5. Creating a dynamic schedule and structure for each day. Although I have tried to schedule study blocks, I found that my adherence was lacking. Therefore, I tie each study block to some simple tasks. For example, I currently walk to the library at 9:30 AM and stay there till around noon. After lunch I make myself a cup of coffee before studying again. While these details may seem trivial, I find that it is infinitely easier to adhere to a study schedule when it is tied to an easily completed task.
If my appeal is granted, I will likely be placed on Academic Probation, meaning that I will need to achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 1.60 to be allowed to return for subsequent years and 1.90 to be eligible for an Honours degree. The clearest path to that will be by retaking courses that I have previously failed. I currently am enrolled in English 100. I intend to also retake Math 120 during the Fall/Winter semesters. I would prefer to delay retaking PHIL 151 and CISC 124 until the summer semester 2023. According to the Queen??s GPA calculator if I register in the courses detailed below and assuming a B average, I should have a CGPA of at least 1.90. However, my actual results may necessitate registering in CISC 124 and PHIL 151 in the winter semester.
Preliminary 2022/23 Schedule
Although I am currently not registered in a Plan, I intend to register in an English program. Therefore, I am currently taking English 100 which is a requisite course for the program. Upon completing this course successfully, I will reach out to the English Undergraduate chair to inquire whether I may be registered in the plan outside of plan selection period.
Fall 2022 Working Draft
In the past I have overestimated my academic ability. Although I want to take 5 courses. I will prioritize the first 3. This does not mean that I intend to neglect the 4th rather I intend to work diligently in all 4. However, if I find myself falling behind then I will drop Math 110.
1. English 200
2. English 296 (dependent on department??s permission, if permission is not granted, I will retake Phil 151)
3. Math 120
4. Math 110
Spring 2023 Working Draft
As with the Fall schedule my actual course load will vary based on the results of the previous semester and upon talking with an academic advisor. I will also input the results of my Fall Term grades into the GPA calculator to decide whether or not to replace one of the below classes with PHIL 151/CISC 124.
1. English 290 (with permission from the English department)
2. Math 110
3. Math 120
4. English 200
5. English 251
In the Summer of 23 I intend to take Phil 151 and/or CISC 124 to further improve my GPA
Documentation
Professional Letter: doc merge-0.pdf
Decision Letters
History
Originally submitted July 29, 2022 at 9:32:55 PM.
| Field | Reference | Old Value | New Value | Note | User | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| status | N/A | Received | In Review | Spring Forsberg | 2022-08-03 9:23:33 AM | |
| status | N/A | In Review | Granted | Spring Forsberg | 2022-08-15 11:57:11 AM | |
| associate_dean | N/A | Jenn Stephenson, Ph.D. | Spring Forsberg | 2022-08-15 11:57:11 AM | ||
| decision_letter | N/A | N/A | Decision letter sent | Spring Forsberg | 2022-08-15 11:58:05 AM |