Hello everyone. I’ve lived a pretty tough life, and I was homeless for quite some time immediately after I graduated high school. Also, I was diagnosed with a few mental disorders while I was in high school, but due to a lack of funds, I couldn’t afford prolonged care. Anyhow, I enrolled in the local CC several years ago, and I struggled by managing my mental disorders with alcohol and other substances. While at the CC, I did not disclose my mental disorder because I did not know how to, and I was also very ashamed of my disability and didn’t want to be perceived as a freak. I never graduated from the CC and left as a result of my mental disorders. I earned mostly grades of C in the courses because my mental disorder always destroyed me mentally towards the end of the semester, and I was always unable to complete the semesters.
Fast forward a years, and I have a job that allows for me to have health insurance for once in my life. And, upon the recommendation of a dear friend, I began seeing a psychiatrist and psychologist. I’m now on the proper medication and therapy, and life is becoming more bearable. However, I am in the process of returning to get my associates degree from the CC, and I requested a retroactive withdrawal from the courses that I was unable to complete because of my disability. My doctors have been very helpful in writing me detailed letters stating that I have been suffering from these disorders since high school and how all aspects of my life have been affected by it, mostly school and work. But, the school has initially denied my retroactive withdrawal request, and I would like to know how I should proceed? I have registered with the disability support service since I’ll be returning to the school this upcoming fall semester. Should I consult an ADA attorney? Should I speak to the Dean of students?
I just feel like universities and even smaller colleges do not fully understand mental illnesses, and that still makes me very sad.
Is this going to prevent you from getting your AA? What is your educational goal?
When you say, “fast forward years” – know that if you decide to transfer, your recent grades will usually count for much more than your old grades, especially if you were out of school three or more years.
The school might feel too much time has passed between your withdrawal and today. I would follow it up with the Dean of Students to get more clarification on the issue (and your academic standing at the CC) but be prepared for them to not agree to a retroactive withdrawal at this point.
The good thing is that you still have a couple of years to show your academic chops, now that you’re healthier and more mature, and with a major upward trend in grades still could transfer to a 4-year school.
First speak with a dean, and then, if it is important to you, you could consult an ADA lawyer. There are sometimes free advocates available (my state has the Federation for Children with Special Needs) and lawyers for low income clients. NAMI< the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, might be helpful to you too.
Great that your doctors have been so supportive in providing documentation, and that things are in order now.
I think you have a great case and hope you can pursue the retroactive withdrawal and a clean slate. Good luck!
“But, the school has initially denied” - what’s the "“initial” mean here? Are they continuing to consider, bumped it up? And have you actually spoken to the disabilities folks and gotten their advice?
In general, I agree this return to college will be viewed in the future as separate from the previous.
But, if any classes taken prior met core or major requirements, you should look into permission to retake those, to now show a better grade-- even if they won’t wipe the prior off your transcript. (Many colleges won’t let you retake a “C.” This is a different work-around. Disabilities may be able to help with this.)
Typically, ADA regulations do not apply retroactively. Did you consult ANY health care provider during the period for which you are trying to document illness or disability? If so, submit that if you reapply for retroactive withdrawal.
Also, follow up with the Dean to see if the college provides alternate ways to late withdraw from courses.
Most of all congratulations for getting better!! Good luck going forward.
Do not focus on changing your past. Think to the future and the school(s) you want to attend. Your applications needs to be honest and include your past CC experience but it will also include changes you have made since then. Spend time learning the material you did not learn in the past and relearning what you may have forgotten to get up to speed for your fresh start.
You are the only person coming out of HS who quits school and needs a fresh start. Since it will be at the same school be sure you do the review to be able to keep up with your next courses. A C is a passing grade. Is your reason to desire a loss of credit/grades to have a higher gpa so you can get into a program? Or to relearn the material? You need to discuss with school advisors. Once you are done with school and out in the world your gpa becomes ancient, irrelevant history.
Congratulations on taking the steps to get your illness treated. You have made a lot of progress by doing so.