Decision Letter
Appeal Number: 200
Decision Date: July 9, 2014
Associate Dean: J. Hugh Horton, Ph.D.
Student Name: Jennifer Torres
Student Email: 12jt8@queensu.ca
Course: BIO 110
Term: Winter
Year: 2014
Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Ms. Jennifer Torres
12jt8@queensu.ca
Dear Ms. Torres:
I have carefully considered your appeal to drop BIOL 110 (W 2014) past the academic deadline as well as waive the Faculty ruling that you be Required to Withdraw for One Year. After reviewing your file, I have decided to deny your request.
As you already know, the academic requirements in the Faculty of Arts and Science are clearly outlined in the Academic Regulation section of the Calendar. The requirement to withdraw is invoked only where students experience ongoing or extreme academic difficulties. The ruling is designed to provide the student with time away from the university to reflect on and remedy the factors impeding their academic success.
The Academic Regulations stipulate that waiving the requirement to withdraw can be considered only where a student€™s academic performance is affected by extenuating circumstances beyond his or her control. The requirement to withdraw is waived only in rare and exceptional circumstances where documentation makes clear that the difficulties are temporary rather than ongoing or that these difficulties have been dealt with in such a way that the student may make a successful return to the university. While it is clear that you experienced a difficult year at university and that you are eager to return to classes, the appeal did not demonstrate to me that an early return to classes is warranted.
Extenuating circumstances normally involve a significant physical or psychological event that is beyond your control and debilitating to your overall academic performance. Additionally, these kinds of extraordinary situations are normally supported by documentation from a professional. While your appeal does present some extenuating circumstances beyond your control, the supporting documentation from your doctor indicates that the challenges you are facing are not yet resolved and require €œappropriate time and treatment€ to improve. It is also clear that you have not addressed your problems until just recently. Furthermore, I am not convinced that your academic plan will aid you in overcoming your academic difficulties. You are registered in a Bachelor of Arts Economics Plan but you have not attempted any MATH or ECON courses and you do not indicate what your long-term academic goals are.
Keep in mind that you will be eligible to return to the university when a year has lapsed from the time of the initial ruling. Upon your return we hope that you will take advantage of the support services available to you at Queen's. In returning to a regular course of study it will be your responsibility to choose courses carefully, seek out the advice necessary to improve your academic performance, and maintain an average consistent with the requirements for successful completion of your program.
If you wish to appeal the Associate Dean€™s decision to the Board of Studies, you must submit a letter of intent to appeal within 21 days of receiving this decision. Appeal forms are available from this office (F200 Mackintosh-Corry Hall) or on the web: http://www.queensu.ca/artsci/help/forms General information on appeals is available at http://www.queensu.ca/artsci/academics/academic-appeals. You may contact Mr. Harry Smith, Dispute Resolution Mechanisms Coordinator for advice on matters of procedure and on obtaining a representative. His office is located in room 153 Richardson Hall and he can be reached by phone (533-6495) or e-mail (drm@queensu.ca).
Yours sincerely,
J. Hugh Horton, Ph.D.
Associate Dean (Studies)
10065034Torres
Decision Date: July 9, 2014
Associate Dean: J. Hugh Horton, Ph.D.
Student Name: Jennifer Torres
Student Email: 12jt8@queensu.ca
Course: BIO 110
Term: Winter
Year: 2014
Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Ms. Jennifer Torres
12jt8@queensu.ca
Dear Ms. Torres:
I have carefully considered your appeal to drop BIOL 110 (W 2014) past the academic deadline as well as waive the Faculty ruling that you be Required to Withdraw for One Year. After reviewing your file, I have decided to deny your request.
As you already know, the academic requirements in the Faculty of Arts and Science are clearly outlined in the Academic Regulation section of the Calendar. The requirement to withdraw is invoked only where students experience ongoing or extreme academic difficulties. The ruling is designed to provide the student with time away from the university to reflect on and remedy the factors impeding their academic success.
The Academic Regulations stipulate that waiving the requirement to withdraw can be considered only where a student€™s academic performance is affected by extenuating circumstances beyond his or her control. The requirement to withdraw is waived only in rare and exceptional circumstances where documentation makes clear that the difficulties are temporary rather than ongoing or that these difficulties have been dealt with in such a way that the student may make a successful return to the university. While it is clear that you experienced a difficult year at university and that you are eager to return to classes, the appeal did not demonstrate to me that an early return to classes is warranted.
Extenuating circumstances normally involve a significant physical or psychological event that is beyond your control and debilitating to your overall academic performance. Additionally, these kinds of extraordinary situations are normally supported by documentation from a professional. While your appeal does present some extenuating circumstances beyond your control, the supporting documentation from your doctor indicates that the challenges you are facing are not yet resolved and require €œappropriate time and treatment€ to improve. It is also clear that you have not addressed your problems until just recently. Furthermore, I am not convinced that your academic plan will aid you in overcoming your academic difficulties. You are registered in a Bachelor of Arts Economics Plan but you have not attempted any MATH or ECON courses and you do not indicate what your long-term academic goals are.
Keep in mind that you will be eligible to return to the university when a year has lapsed from the time of the initial ruling. Upon your return we hope that you will take advantage of the support services available to you at Queen's. In returning to a regular course of study it will be your responsibility to choose courses carefully, seek out the advice necessary to improve your academic performance, and maintain an average consistent with the requirements for successful completion of your program.
If you wish to appeal the Associate Dean€™s decision to the Board of Studies, you must submit a letter of intent to appeal within 21 days of receiving this decision. Appeal forms are available from this office (F200 Mackintosh-Corry Hall) or on the web: http://www.queensu.ca/artsci/help/forms General information on appeals is available at http://www.queensu.ca/artsci/academics/academic-appeals. You may contact Mr. Harry Smith, Dispute Resolution Mechanisms Coordinator for advice on matters of procedure and on obtaining a representative. His office is located in room 153 Richardson Hall and he can be reached by phone (533-6495) or e-mail (drm@queensu.ca).
Yours sincerely,
J. Hugh Horton, Ph.D.
Associate Dean (Studies)
10065034Torres
Generated July 9, 2014 at 8:52:05 AM.