Decision Letter
Appeal Number: 3609
Decision Date: July 17, 2017
Associate Dean: Johanne Benard, Ph.D.
Student Name: Deepa Rampersad
Student Email: 14dr26@queensu.ca
Dear Ms. Rampersad:
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 is warranted.
While there is no doubt that you had some significant extenuating circumstances over the past year, your appeal does not supply any kind of confirmation from Dr. Borins that your health challenges have been resolved or are now being managed to the point where you are able to make a successful return to studies in September. Without such confirmation, I unfortunately cannot waive this ruling. Furthermore, I am concerned about the feasibility of your academic plan. To take 200 level ENGL courses, you require a minimum grade of C in ENGL 100; therefore you will not be able to pursue a degree in English Language and Literature until you repeat ENGL 100 and achieve the minimum grade and cumulative GPA required to gain acceptance into the Major, Medial or General Plan.
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 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)
10188145Rampersad
Decision Date: July 17, 2017
Associate Dean: Johanne Benard, Ph.D.
Student Name: Deepa Rampersad
Student Email: 14dr26@queensu.ca
Dear Ms. Rampersad:
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 is warranted.
While there is no doubt that you had some significant extenuating circumstances over the past year, your appeal does not supply any kind of confirmation from Dr. Borins that your health challenges have been resolved or are now being managed to the point where you are able to make a successful return to studies in September. Without such confirmation, I unfortunately cannot waive this ruling. Furthermore, I am concerned about the feasibility of your academic plan. To take 200 level ENGL courses, you require a minimum grade of C in ENGL 100; therefore you will not be able to pursue a degree in English Language and Literature until you repeat ENGL 100 and achieve the minimum grade and cumulative GPA required to gain acceptance into the Major, Medial or General Plan.
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 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)
10188145Rampersad
Generated July 17, 2017 at 9:03:00 AM.