Decision Letter
Appeal Number: 137
Decision Date: August 26, 2014
Associate Dean: Johanne Bnard, Ph.D.
Student Name: Daniella-Rozie Skok
Student Email: daniella.skok@queensu.ca
Ms. Daniella€“Rozie Skok
Daniella.skok@queensu.ca
Dear Ms. Skok:
I have carefully considered your appeal to waive the Faculty ruling that you be Required to Withdraw for a Minimum of Three Years. 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. Your appeal does not present compelling extenuating circumstances beyond your control, and you do not provide any strong supporting documentation. Furthermore, I am not convinced that your current academic plan will aid you in overcoming your academic difficulties. According to your file, you were required to withdraw for one year in May 2013. Dr. Pugh granted your appeal on the condition that your status was changed to part-time studies and he advised you to seek regular academic advising through the Faculty Office and repeat your failed courses to help raise your GPA. Unfortunately, it does not appear that you followed his advice fully and your grades from the past academic year and summer term have not shown any sign of improvement. Your Plan GPA and cumulative GPA are both below the minimum threshold required to graduate.
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,
Johanne Bénard, Ph.D.
Associate Dean (Studies)
06337514Skok2
Decision Date: August 26, 2014
Associate Dean: Johanne Bnard, Ph.D.
Student Name: Daniella-Rozie Skok
Student Email: daniella.skok@queensu.ca
Ms. Daniella€“Rozie Skok
Daniella.skok@queensu.ca
Dear Ms. Skok:
I have carefully considered your appeal to waive the Faculty ruling that you be Required to Withdraw for a Minimum of Three Years. 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. Your appeal does not present compelling extenuating circumstances beyond your control, and you do not provide any strong supporting documentation. Furthermore, I am not convinced that your current academic plan will aid you in overcoming your academic difficulties. According to your file, you were required to withdraw for one year in May 2013. Dr. Pugh granted your appeal on the condition that your status was changed to part-time studies and he advised you to seek regular academic advising through the Faculty Office and repeat your failed courses to help raise your GPA. Unfortunately, it does not appear that you followed his advice fully and your grades from the past academic year and summer term have not shown any sign of improvement. Your Plan GPA and cumulative GPA are both below the minimum threshold required to graduate.
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,
Johanne Bénard, Ph.D.
Associate Dean (Studies)
06337514Skok2
Generated August 26, 2014 at 10:52:00 AM.