Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Appeal Number: 2355
Decision Date: June 30, 2016
Associate Dean: Sue Blake
Student Name: Thomas Clifford
Student Email: 14tac1@queensu.ca

Course: HIST 250
Term: Fall/Winter
Year: 2015
Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline

Course: FILM 240
Term: Fall
Year: 2015
Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline

Course: LAW 201
Term: Fall
Year: 2015
Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline

Course: HIST 245
Term: Fall
Year: 2015
Category: Request credit (CR) standing in a course or courses
Instructor: Ana Siljak

Course: HIST 201
Term: Winter
Year: 2016
Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline

Course: POLS 262
Term: Winter
Year: 2016
Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline

Course: RELS 212
Term: Winter
Year: 2016
Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline


Dear Mr. Clifford:

I have carefully considered your appeal to drop FILM 240, LAW 201 (F 2015), HIST 201, HIST 250B, POLS 262 and RELS 212 (W 2016) past the academic deadlines, receive Credit standing in HIST 245 (F 2015) as well as waive the Faculty ruling that you be Required to Withdraw for One Year. After reviewing your file, I have decided the following:

1. I will grant your request to drop FILM 240, LAW 201 (F 2015), HIST 201, HIST 250B, POLS 262 and RELS 212 (W 2016) past the academic deadlines. Your current GPA now stands at 1.41.

2. I will waive the requirement to withdraw for one year. You are now eligible to return to studies next year. Please ensure that you carefully read the document to follow this letter as it contains important information concerning your current academic standing. If you have any questions about the information, please contact the Faculty Office to schedule an appointment with an academic advisor.

3. I will deny your request to receive Credit standing in HIST 245. While you have documented extenuating circumstances, there is no evidence provided to show that your grade of D- is lower than your usual or expected academic performance in this course. This grade is fairly consistent with your grades from first year.

If you wish to appeal the Associate Dean€™s decision to the Board of Studies, you must submit an appeal to the Board of Studies within 21 days of the date this decision was sent. Guidelines for appealing to the Board of Studies and the appeal form can be found at: http://www.queensu.ca/artsci/students-at-queens/academic-appeals (click on €œBoard of Studies€) Do not use the on-line application for this process. You may contact Mr. Harry Smith, Office of the Ombudsman for advice on matters of procedure and on obtaining a representative. His office is located in room 421 Robert Sutherland Hall and he can be reached by phone (533-6495) or e-mail (ombuds@queensu.ca).

Upon returning to a regular course of study it is your responsibility to choose courses carefully, seek out the advice necessary to improve your academic performance, and maintain a GPA consistent with the requirements for successful completion of your plan. I hope that you will take advantage of the variety of support services available to you at Queen's. Academic counselling is available through an advisor in the Faculty of Arts and Science Student Services Office (main floor Dunning Hall, phone 533-2470) or through your plan department. The Learning Commons in Stauffer Library also provides a range of services, including workshops designed to improve study skills and develop strategies for meeting the demands of academic life. Further, the Student Wellness Services Centre located in the LaSalle Building at 146 Stuart Street (613-533-2506) offers personal and academic counselling free of charge to all Queen's students, as well as individual consultation to aid in coping with difficulties of a more personal nature.

If you have any questions about this decision, please feel free to contact the Faculty Office for advice or assistance. I wish you success in your future studies.

Yours sincerely,

Sue Blake
Assistant Dean (Studies)


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