College, repeating second year, problems...

hare05

Came out to the family last year, was a bit of a roller-coaster emotionally, fell behind in class, failed several modules.

I'm now sitting here wondering how I'll be able to scrounge up €3750 to cover registration and tuition fees to repeat the year.

I've checked out Student Assistance, Maintenance Grants, etc and it seems I'm not applicable. I know the Dept. of Education can waive fees with proper medical reasons and I know another trans person in Dublin who got all his fees covered when he transitioned in college, but short of coming out to the lecturers, etc I don't see how I can do the same...

Really need help here guys... Does anyone know of other things I can try?

Slang_Tang

You said modules, so you're in UCD? Have you re-enrolled for this year already?

If you did not register this year, that will mean a break in your studies, so you'll be classed as a re-entry student. The deadline for re-entry for next year will probably be around the 1st of July.

I was in the same position this year (re-entering). PM me if you need advice. I'll tell you what I can. It's very daunting, but do-able.

What you went through can be classed as a medical disability. Periods of high stress are very difficult to deal with. Did you see a doctor or a counsellor? If not, you should. Talk to them, get some help; they'll also provide you with medical documentation. This isn't just for college, but for your own sake as well.

I went through difficulties with my family on coming out, so I know how stressful it can be.

hare05

Slang_Tang wrote: »

You said modules, so you're in UCD? Have you re-enrolled for this year already?

If you did not register this year, that will mean a break in your studies, so you'll be classed as a re-entry student. The deadline for re-entry for next year will probably be around the 1st of July.

I was in the same position this year (re-entering). PM me if you need advice. I'll tell you what I can. It's very daunting, but do-able.

What you went through can be classed as a medical disability. Periods of high stress are very difficult to deal with. Did you see a doctor or a counsellor? If not, you should. Talk to them, get some help; they'll also provide you with medical documentation. This isn't just for college, but for your own sake as well.

I went through difficulties with my family on coming out, so I know how stressful it can be.

Not UCD, Carlow IT.

I've got medical certs in from consultant psychiatrists, but they're very bland, 4 lines of text, ultra-confidentiality type stuff.

I'm now looking at the possibility of getting tuition fees waived due to illness, as I said above, but there's no application form for that, and I'm not sure if I apply directly to the college or to an external body, how to approach it or what's required...

It is quite daunting

Slang_Tang

Rather than going to individual lecturers, is there an overall advisor for your course? Someone to guide you through the process?

Don't worry about the medical certs. They don't need detailed descriptions of your condition. As long as you have them and they're dated, that's the main thing. They'll be sufficient, trust me.

hare05

Slang_Tang wrote: »

Rather than going to individual lecturers, is there an overall advisor for your course? Someone to guide you through the process?

Don't worry about the medical certs. They don't need detailed descriptions of your condition. As long as you have them and they're dated, that's the main thing. They'll be sufficient, trust me.

I was thinking the Access office or maybe the head of department for my course, but I'm honestly at a loss as to where to go with this...

Slang_Tang

Talk to someone right away about your problem. Start with the Access Office. Even if it's not right, they'll send you to the right people. You may end up seeing a few people before you find someone that can help you.

The most important thing right now is to start making communication with your college.

Just be completely honest. You have nothing to be ashamed of; you've done nothing wrong.

Go and talk to someone this afternoon or tomorrow. If nothing else, it will help make you feel better.

Best of luck.

(PS: Have you posted in the Carlow IT Boards forum asking for help? There may be someone there who's dealt with repeats, fees, etc.)

Annasopra

hare05 wrote: »

I was thinking the Access office or maybe the head of department for my course, but I'm honestly at a loss as to where to go with this...

Technically - this is a disability condition

I would also suggest talking to the Welfare and/or equality officer in the students union and also the USI LGBT rights officer

WonderWoman!

mango salsa wrote: »

Technically - this is a disability condition

I get the impression some trans people here don't view their situation as a "disability"

BanzaiBk

WonderWoman! wrote: »

I get the impression some trans people here don't view their situation as a "disability"

No but the grants coms and some boards will say it's a disability condition and Hare might very well get his fees waived.

WonderWoman!

BanzaiBk wrote: »

No but the grants coms and some boards will say it's a disability condition and Hare might very well get his fees waived.

Oh ok well then she should apply for it

BanzaiBk

WonderWoman! wrote: »

Oh ok well then she should apply for it

Do you have a welfare officer at your college Hare? If not the USI welfare officer would definitely try to help you. USI welfare officer

Annasopra

WonderWoman! wrote: »

I get the impression some trans people here don't view their situation as a "disability"

No and i'd generally agree but sometimes in legal situations such as employment it's useful because it offers legal protections

WonderWoman!

mango salsa wrote: »

No and i'd generally agree but sometimes in legal situations such as employment it's useful because it offers legal protections

You have a point there I agree !

hare05

Thing is I haven't come out to the college and I don't intend to yet.

Annasopra

hare05 wrote: »

Thing is I haven't come out to the college and I don't intend to yet.

Discussing this one or two people in the college and insisting on complete confidentiality is not coming out to the college.

Give Siobhan Maguire the USILGBTRO a ring and ask for advice

LegacyUser

I'm in a similar situation in UCC . My parents found out I was gay through someone outside my family at the start of my Autumn Exams. This didn't go down well with them and because of the tension and stress I could barely sleep for 3 weeks! I got a GP's letter supporting the situation and am awaiting the outcome of the appeal. Stress stress stress

TylerIE

Your course head of department really has a lot of discretion over what they can and cant do.

Ours had offered to waive fees for someone who was having a very difficult time a few years ago, if they needed to drop out during the year and come back the following year.

As stated above ring Siobhan Maguire, shes great for helping out whenever she can.

Following speaking to her Id also suggest contacting you Head of Department, in confidence, if Siobhan feels same is appropriate. IF you cant get through to her get your SU Welfare officer to go with you to the head of department.

If the above doesnt work out, have you considered repeating "off books". You dont go to class but do your exams at the end of the year just. Your college may also facilitiate this "unofficially" in that you dont register but you still attend the odd class.