Petition Letter
June 16, 2014
Associate Dean (Studies), Dr. J. Hugh Horton
Queen¿¿s University
Dear Sir:
My name is Milan Mitrovic. I am writing this letter to appeal the Faculty¿¿s request that I withdraw from Queen¿¿s University for a minimum of one year. My poor academic performance was not a result from a lack of effort and dedication, but rather the result of extenuating circumstances that significantly impacted my performance.
In October of my first year, I contracted mononucleosis and fell behind in all of my classes, as I was unable to attend them for two and a half weeks. Part of the symptoms of mononucleosis is extreme fatigue, which continued beyond these two and a half weeks of absence. I quickly fell behind schedule, and was not able to exert the additional time and energy required to make up for this period, and keep up with the new material. Fatigue, physical and mental exhaustion continued to affect me during my December exams, where I performed poorly.
Further hindering my ability to commit to academic improvement during this period was my membership on the Queen¿¿s Men¿¿s Varsity Basketball Team. Throughout the school year, we practice six times per week, approximately five hours per day, and travel for away games. As I was still expected to attend all related activities, though I was not always required to participate, this further strained my time as well as my physical health. As a first year student, it was difficult for me to adjust to the increased academic demands in addition to balancing a varsity schedule.
On October 21st, 2013, I suffered a concussion during one of our basketball practices, which in turn did not allow me to attend classes for approximately three weeks. I became extremely sensitive to light and sound, which caused severe headaches. I was advised to avoid situations that triggered these headaches, and had to remove myself from public areas. Many times when I attempted to attend class, I was forced to leave due to the lighting or the level of noise. In addition, it was extremely difficult to focus. Once again, I fell far behind, having missed essential classes of the semester. After the initial period of immediate recovery, I was also required to attend practices and games. I did not perform as well as I could have on my December exams.
I am a hardworking and dedicate student and athlete. Organization is key in my life. Nevertheless, I did not communicate well with my professors. I did not ask for extensions given the circumstances, nor was I afforded privileges. I had many sleepless nights due to the fact that I understood the necessity of raising my GPA, and the consequences of not doing so. I handed in many of my assignments late, which were subject to penalties. Nonetheless, I did improve my GPA between my first and second year. Had I not failed Spanish 112 this past semester, I would not have remained on academic probation. Beyond my medical circumstances, I do realize my wrongdoing and the necessity to structure my time in a more efficient manor, as well as having open communication with my professors and asking for help with the material.
I have done further research to create a viable academic plan for my future. This year I took History 121, Intellectual Origins of the Contemporary West, for which I developed a great passion. I have taken the initiative to speak with the History department in regards to transferring into their program, and they have provided me with a guideline as to which courses I would be allowed to take in my upcoming year. I am aware that I will have to take a fifth academic year in order to fulfill the requirements, as well as manage all of this properly. I plan to take a lighter course load, so as to better balance my time and the demand of a varsity schedule. I believe that I perform better in these courses as they suit my strengths. With that said, I will have to substantially raise my GPA. I am currently enrolled in two summer courses, in order to improve my academic standing. Furthermore, I will make a balanced schedule so as to provide me time to rest and aid recovery, as a proper sleep schedule is critical. I will be able to complete such a program with the continuous help of Linda Williams, the Senior Learning Strategies Advisor. Additionally, I will utilize the universities student resources to help improve my areas of weakness.
It is my sincere hope that you approve this appeal to return this upcoming fall. I sincerely believe that a one year withdrawal is not the answer to improving my academic performance. I am hardworking, dedicated and passionate to learn. Academic success is my priority. I am confident in my ability to produce positive results at Queens this fall, and wish to have a constructive impact as a member of the student body in the upcoming years.
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Milan Mitrovic
Student Number:10072778
Associate Dean (Studies), Dr. J. Hugh Horton
Queen¿¿s University
Dear Sir:
My name is Milan Mitrovic. I am writing this letter to appeal the Faculty¿¿s request that I withdraw from Queen¿¿s University for a minimum of one year. My poor academic performance was not a result from a lack of effort and dedication, but rather the result of extenuating circumstances that significantly impacted my performance.
In October of my first year, I contracted mononucleosis and fell behind in all of my classes, as I was unable to attend them for two and a half weeks. Part of the symptoms of mononucleosis is extreme fatigue, which continued beyond these two and a half weeks of absence. I quickly fell behind schedule, and was not able to exert the additional time and energy required to make up for this period, and keep up with the new material. Fatigue, physical and mental exhaustion continued to affect me during my December exams, where I performed poorly.
Further hindering my ability to commit to academic improvement during this period was my membership on the Queen¿¿s Men¿¿s Varsity Basketball Team. Throughout the school year, we practice six times per week, approximately five hours per day, and travel for away games. As I was still expected to attend all related activities, though I was not always required to participate, this further strained my time as well as my physical health. As a first year student, it was difficult for me to adjust to the increased academic demands in addition to balancing a varsity schedule.
On October 21st, 2013, I suffered a concussion during one of our basketball practices, which in turn did not allow me to attend classes for approximately three weeks. I became extremely sensitive to light and sound, which caused severe headaches. I was advised to avoid situations that triggered these headaches, and had to remove myself from public areas. Many times when I attempted to attend class, I was forced to leave due to the lighting or the level of noise. In addition, it was extremely difficult to focus. Once again, I fell far behind, having missed essential classes of the semester. After the initial period of immediate recovery, I was also required to attend practices and games. I did not perform as well as I could have on my December exams.
I am a hardworking and dedicate student and athlete. Organization is key in my life. Nevertheless, I did not communicate well with my professors. I did not ask for extensions given the circumstances, nor was I afforded privileges. I had many sleepless nights due to the fact that I understood the necessity of raising my GPA, and the consequences of not doing so. I handed in many of my assignments late, which were subject to penalties. Nonetheless, I did improve my GPA between my first and second year. Had I not failed Spanish 112 this past semester, I would not have remained on academic probation. Beyond my medical circumstances, I do realize my wrongdoing and the necessity to structure my time in a more efficient manor, as well as having open communication with my professors and asking for help with the material.
I have done further research to create a viable academic plan for my future. This year I took History 121, Intellectual Origins of the Contemporary West, for which I developed a great passion. I have taken the initiative to speak with the History department in regards to transferring into their program, and they have provided me with a guideline as to which courses I would be allowed to take in my upcoming year. I am aware that I will have to take a fifth academic year in order to fulfill the requirements, as well as manage all of this properly. I plan to take a lighter course load, so as to better balance my time and the demand of a varsity schedule. I believe that I perform better in these courses as they suit my strengths. With that said, I will have to substantially raise my GPA. I am currently enrolled in two summer courses, in order to improve my academic standing. Furthermore, I will make a balanced schedule so as to provide me time to rest and aid recovery, as a proper sleep schedule is critical. I will be able to complete such a program with the continuous help of Linda Williams, the Senior Learning Strategies Advisor. Additionally, I will utilize the universities student resources to help improve my areas of weakness.
It is my sincere hope that you approve this appeal to return this upcoming fall. I sincerely believe that a one year withdrawal is not the answer to improving my academic performance. I am hardworking, dedicated and passionate to learn. Academic success is my priority. I am confident in my ability to produce positive results at Queens this fall, and wish to have a constructive impact as a member of the student body in the upcoming years.
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Milan Mitrovic
Student Number:10072778