Petition Letter
June 9, 2019
Dear Dr. Jenn Stephenson,
I am appealing the Faculty's decision that I must withdraw from Queen's for one year from the Faculty of Arts and Science effective May 21, 2019.
Extenuating circumstances effected my academic performance. I have been diagnosed with Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD), which has impacted my education since elementary school. I used a variety of strategies to manage my condition when I was in elementary and high school but when I got to university these strategies did not seem to be enough. My concentration was greatly affected during lectures and study time which made learning the content difficult. After the first month of classes it become more and more difficult to keep up. The stress of this snowballed into anxiety, which was something new to me. The anxiety sometimes lead to sleeplessness, poor nutrition, stomach aches and missed classes. As a result, I was not able to give full attention to all of my assignments and when it came to exams my anxiety was elevated resulting in lower test scores. This cycle continued throughout the year and I did not understand, acknowledge or seek help for my situation.
At the end of the semester I shared what I was going thorough with my family and my doctor and have taken time to self-reflect. I now know what was causing my situation and that I need to get outside help to learn more strategies that will help me with both my CAPD and anxiety caused by it. My doctor has provided me with information that has helped me make a list of strategies I can use to manage my condition. These include: sitting in front of all classes to eliminate background noise and optimize concentration, recording lectures that are not already available online, speaking to the instructor at the beginning of each semester to make them aware of my condition and request accommodations such as access to their note prior to classes and longer time for tests. When it comes to personal study time I will make sure I am in a quiet place that is free of distraction. I have also made an appointment to see a counsellor to discuss what I have experiencing this past year. On campus, I will access help from academic advisors, peer support, and counsellors. I will also reduce my academic work load by taking three courses, majoring in Economics. I recognized that the Faculty of Science is not the best fit for me and Economics is my field of interest which is why I have already switched to this department. I will also get help from a tutor when needed. Now that my family is aware of my struggles they will support me through frequent phone and skype calls where I can openly discuss my challenges and progress with them.
Realizing how things have compounded to the state I currently find myself in, researching and being advised on useful strategies, creating a manageable academic plan, having an ongoing support team, and knowing that I no longer have to keep my struggles to myself are all reasons why I am confident that I will have a successful semester in the Fall of 2019 should I be permitted to return. I look forward to hearing from you in the hopes of a favourable response.
Yours sincerely,
Ronik Jagpal
Student Number: 20068122
Dear Dr. Jenn Stephenson,
I am appealing the Faculty's decision that I must withdraw from Queen's for one year from the Faculty of Arts and Science effective May 21, 2019.
Extenuating circumstances effected my academic performance. I have been diagnosed with Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD), which has impacted my education since elementary school. I used a variety of strategies to manage my condition when I was in elementary and high school but when I got to university these strategies did not seem to be enough. My concentration was greatly affected during lectures and study time which made learning the content difficult. After the first month of classes it become more and more difficult to keep up. The stress of this snowballed into anxiety, which was something new to me. The anxiety sometimes lead to sleeplessness, poor nutrition, stomach aches and missed classes. As a result, I was not able to give full attention to all of my assignments and when it came to exams my anxiety was elevated resulting in lower test scores. This cycle continued throughout the year and I did not understand, acknowledge or seek help for my situation.
At the end of the semester I shared what I was going thorough with my family and my doctor and have taken time to self-reflect. I now know what was causing my situation and that I need to get outside help to learn more strategies that will help me with both my CAPD and anxiety caused by it. My doctor has provided me with information that has helped me make a list of strategies I can use to manage my condition. These include: sitting in front of all classes to eliminate background noise and optimize concentration, recording lectures that are not already available online, speaking to the instructor at the beginning of each semester to make them aware of my condition and request accommodations such as access to their note prior to classes and longer time for tests. When it comes to personal study time I will make sure I am in a quiet place that is free of distraction. I have also made an appointment to see a counsellor to discuss what I have experiencing this past year. On campus, I will access help from academic advisors, peer support, and counsellors. I will also reduce my academic work load by taking three courses, majoring in Economics. I recognized that the Faculty of Science is not the best fit for me and Economics is my field of interest which is why I have already switched to this department. I will also get help from a tutor when needed. Now that my family is aware of my struggles they will support me through frequent phone and skype calls where I can openly discuss my challenges and progress with them.
Realizing how things have compounded to the state I currently find myself in, researching and being advised on useful strategies, creating a manageable academic plan, having an ongoing support team, and knowing that I no longer have to keep my struggles to myself are all reasons why I am confident that I will have a successful semester in the Fall of 2019 should I be permitted to return. I look forward to hearing from you in the hopes of a favourable response.
Yours sincerely,
Ronik Jagpal
Student Number: 20068122