Decision Letter
Appeal Number: 4731
Decision Date: June 27, 2018
Associate Dean: Johanne Benard, Ph.D.
Student Name: Heather MacDonald
Student Email: 12heam1@queensu.ca
Dear Ms. MacDonald:
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.
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 certainly present some extenuating circumstances beyond your control, the supporting documentation supplied is unfortunately not sufficient. The letter from Dr. Murphy confirms that you had not been able to attend classes and required assistance to complete your studies and also confirms were admitted to the hospital on January 20 to 21 and you would be reassessed on February 4. However, this letter does not confirm the full timeline or severity of your illness over the fall and winter terms and it does not describe the specific impact that your illness had on your course work. There is also no explanation supplied as to why you were unable to drop any classes by the fall term or winter term deadlines, or seek any academic accommodation through Accessibility Services. Lastly, there is no indication from your doctor included to confirm that you have fully recovered from your health condition and you are now able to make a success return to your studies. Without such information I cannot waive the requirement to withdraw.
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)
10094400MacDonald
Decision Date: June 27, 2018
Associate Dean: Johanne Benard, Ph.D.
Student Name: Heather MacDonald
Student Email: 12heam1@queensu.ca
Dear Ms. MacDonald:
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.
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 certainly present some extenuating circumstances beyond your control, the supporting documentation supplied is unfortunately not sufficient. The letter from Dr. Murphy confirms that you had not been able to attend classes and required assistance to complete your studies and also confirms were admitted to the hospital on January 20 to 21 and you would be reassessed on February 4. However, this letter does not confirm the full timeline or severity of your illness over the fall and winter terms and it does not describe the specific impact that your illness had on your course work. There is also no explanation supplied as to why you were unable to drop any classes by the fall term or winter term deadlines, or seek any academic accommodation through Accessibility Services. Lastly, there is no indication from your doctor included to confirm that you have fully recovered from your health condition and you are now able to make a success return to your studies. Without such information I cannot waive the requirement to withdraw.
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)
10094400MacDonald
Generated June 27, 2018 at 3:27:06 PM.