Decision Letter
Appeal Number: 3589
Decision Date: July 4, 2017
Associate Dean: Johanne Benard, Ph.D.
Student Name: Keer Chen
Student Email: 14kc51@queensu.ca
Dear Ms. Chen:
I have carefully considered your appeal to 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 would be in your best interests.
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 supported by documentation from a professional. The letter from Dr. Irwin confirms that the problems you have been having occurred for the past few weeks (the letter is dated March 31, 2017) which only covers the latter half of the winter term. It does not confirm the severity of your symptoms or the specific impact they had on your studies over the fall and winter terms. Dr. Irwin€™s letter also does not contain any information as to whether or not your health issues have been resolved in such a way that you can make a successful return to your studies next year. Without such confirmation, I unfortunately cannot grant your request.
We have many support services available to help you at Queen's when you return in a year€™s time. Academic counselling is available through an advisor in the Faculty of Arts and Science Student Services Office (main floor Dunning Hall, phone 533-2470). Our academic advisors can help you make decisions and provide you with information concerning your courses and degree program. The Learning Commons in Stauffer Library also provides a range of services, including workshops designed to improve your English skills, study skills and develop strategies for meeting the demands of academic life. I would recommend that you schedule an appointment through this service to see a Learning Strategist, who can help you identify any weaknesses and help you strengthen your study skills. 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 continue to have anxiety issues upon your return, there are many resources available through this office to help you.
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).
Yours sincerely,
Johanne Bénard, Ph.D.
Associate Dean (Studies)
10183166Chen
Decision Date: July 4, 2017
Associate Dean: Johanne Benard, Ph.D.
Student Name: Keer Chen
Student Email: 14kc51@queensu.ca
Dear Ms. Chen:
I have carefully considered your appeal to 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 would be in your best interests.
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 supported by documentation from a professional. The letter from Dr. Irwin confirms that the problems you have been having occurred for the past few weeks (the letter is dated March 31, 2017) which only covers the latter half of the winter term. It does not confirm the severity of your symptoms or the specific impact they had on your studies over the fall and winter terms. Dr. Irwin€™s letter also does not contain any information as to whether or not your health issues have been resolved in such a way that you can make a successful return to your studies next year. Without such confirmation, I unfortunately cannot grant your request.
We have many support services available to help you at Queen's when you return in a year€™s time. Academic counselling is available through an advisor in the Faculty of Arts and Science Student Services Office (main floor Dunning Hall, phone 533-2470). Our academic advisors can help you make decisions and provide you with information concerning your courses and degree program. The Learning Commons in Stauffer Library also provides a range of services, including workshops designed to improve your English skills, study skills and develop strategies for meeting the demands of academic life. I would recommend that you schedule an appointment through this service to see a Learning Strategist, who can help you identify any weaknesses and help you strengthen your study skills. 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 continue to have anxiety issues upon your return, there are many resources available through this office to help you.
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).
Yours sincerely,
Johanne Bénard, Ph.D.
Associate Dean (Studies)
10183166Chen
Generated July 4, 2017 at 1:35:59 PM.