Denied for Retroactive Withdrawl...academic probation :O

[Slowpoke]

Hey all'
Some bad news and good news I guess.
I've been having a LOT of trouble trying to "help myself" these past few years... and b/c there wasn't really anyone to lead me through it, all my med records are all over the place and so I can't use them to support my academic shortcomings.

I *DID* finally get registered with the DRC with the accommodations for extra time and private space for exams, but this was ONLY AFTER I paid $1200 to get a learning disability test done... that took a LONG time to happen, b/c again, I didn't really have anyone to guide me...

So by then, I'd gotten so stressed out and anxious about stuff that I skipped some finals (my dad told me not to go b/c I was so stressed out) and my academic advisor told me not to worry about getting withdrawl forms signed , since I could get retroactive withdrawl. I had to go to the Disability Resource Centre to get the supporting info, which took about 3 months to sort through, and then what happened was that in the meantime I was classified as having failed the year, and now I have to write two appeals: 1> to get the retroactive appeal 2>to be let back in school.

Does this seem uncool to other people? I was so confused so I didn't know what I needed. I didn't think it would take that long to get all the information, if I'd known, it would have just been easier to get the withdrawl forms signed right off the bat, so I wouldn't have failed the courses.

Anyway, the good news is, I'm getting 70s now in the courses that I *did* complete, for the first time in university. I have to agree to all this stuff, which seems really strict. Terms like "agree to reduced courseload" ...which I would have been gladly accepted in the first place had it not come to this point!! The university has a policy that in order to live in residence you have to be taking a "full courseload", which is 3 courses. Mine is 2 for the upcoming year, and I have to appeal for 3 for second semester so I can graduate in time...

So I'm trying to figure out what's going on.... and I'm not quite sure what my advisor in the DRC is doing... b/c she doesn't really keep up with me, or check up on me, which I wish she would, just so I could be reminded of stuff I need to hand in. That's part of my disability.. .and when I get confused I don't really know where to go for help.

So, with my grades up higher, and me being in treatment, hopefully things will work out. I feel like they're saying it's all *MY* fault this happened, when I was trying to figure it all out on my own, I *DID* ask for help, and it was like I got thrown around in circles, and to top it off I was so nervous about going to see people that it made it worse.

"Agree to follow through with treatment", which is a bit ironic, since all along I've been trying to find consistent treatment and an empathetic ear, with someone I feel comfortable around. They make me sound like I'm being difficult, which I'm not, I'm just REALLY REALLY CONFUSED>

I'm considering putting together a "prototypical" logbook for my health stuff, and see if they might try it out for a bit... as in hand it out to student who are going through my kind of stuff.

Anyway, sorry I'm being extremely crusty here... I'm just frustrated and tired of all this.
I'm not one to just take it, so I'm going to try and do something to make it easier for me and others, dammit.

~M

[Garry]

Good girl

I wish you lived closer to me cause thats what Im doing myself in a different form

You know the song

"We're not going to take it"

Its time to stand up for our rights and the rights of others

[MightyMouse]

Well. First and for most I can both commiserate and sympathize with what you are feeling and I am truely sorry that you are so frustrated and feeling persecuted. But you need to do a couple of things. One, quit playing the 'victum' game! you are not a victum and everyone is not out to get you! If you think that I suggest you be tested for Paranoid Personality disorder. Yes. It can be very daunting and confusing dealing with institutions - academic or otherwise - and DRC's; however, this is your education and YOU are the one responsible for it. Maybe they did make it harder on you, maybe not. That is inconsequencial. Go get the help and information you need! If one person can't give it to you ask "Then who can and who do I need to talk to?". Always ask for people's name and number so that they know you are serious and you will hold them accountable if they give you the wrong information. This almost always makes people more helpful.

Two, you can recover from your past semester, with or without teh retroactive widthdrawl! I flunked out of college with a 1.7 GPA and not only did I go back and finish with 2 Bachelors I am currently in a dual masters program. It all depends on how badly you want it. You may not graduate when you 'want' to but isn't the important thing graduating at all. I would rather graduate a semester late then continue battling the school and end up either not graduating or doing so 4 semesters later. Maybe you need to start slower until you build your confidence back up. I know I did. As far as your dorm, the school should be able to provide you with a waiver if they are the ones demanding you take less class hours.

The most important thing: 1) surround yourself with people who support you, care about you, and help to build you up (like this forum) and 2) understand that you have a choice in everything (sorry to get existential on you, but it is the truth). You can do it! It may take more time and effort, but you have it in you to succeed. I mean come on! You are an ADDer! We rule!!!

[Slowpoke]

Whew!
I just got a letter saying that I was allowed to get back in again.
THis is very good news, since I have to be a student at school in order to be allowed to stay in the one bedroom townhouse my boyfriend and I just moved into.
ANyhoo, I should check courses so I can at least get registered in SOMETHING.
THanks for your support everyone!

[joanrdtobe]

Great news Slowpoke...really great news...and happy housewarming too.... Now go sign up for some REALLY cool classes

[MightyMouse]

Wonderful news!! Congradulations! I can't wait to hear about all your successes in the coming semester.

MM

[Wheel1975]

Originally posted by Slowpoke
Hey all'
So by then, I'd gotten so stressed out and anxious about stuff that I

skipped some finals

(my dad told me not to go b/c I was so stressed out) and

my academic advisor told me not to worry about getting withdrawl forms signed , since I could get retroactive withdrawl.
~M

Nothing trips the progress of an ADHD person like BAD well meaning advice!