Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Appeal Number: 4792
Decision Date: August 3, 2018
Associate Dean: Jill Atkinson, Ph.D.
Student Name: James MacAloney
Student Email: 16jm17@queensu.ca

Course: MATH 121
Term: Fall/Winter
Year: 2017
Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline

Course: ECON 240
Term: Winter
Year: 2018
Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline


Dear Mr. MacAloney:

I have carefully considered your appeal to drop MATH 121 (FW 2017-18) and ECON 240 (W 2018) and waive the Faculty ruling that you be Required to Withdraw for One Year. After reviewing your file, I have decided to grant your request. You may now resume your studies at Queen's University.

Please read carefully the document to follow this letter. 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.

While failing to seek accommodation is not an extenuating circumstance, it can be hard to do so when you first arrive at university. I therefore commend you for arranging the support you need going forward and will grant this appeal on that basis.

Please note that not receiving grades for two of six term tests is not grounds to remove a failing grade from a transcript. To check your understanding of course material, you can attend tutorials, do the problem sets and visit the Math drop in centre.

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 trust that you will follow through with your academic plan and work with QSAS to ensure appropriate accommodations are in place in the coming year. I encourage you to 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) and you can discuss the most effective way to ensure your GPA meets the 1.60 threshold next year, which may include repeating failed courses. This course of action will help ensure you will be in good academic standing and not at risk of being required to withdraw for 3 years. The Student Academic Success Services 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. Furthermore, 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.

Going forward, you should pause to reflect on your progress and assess whether you are actively engaged and attending classes, completing your readings and assignments during week 7 & 8. If not, you should drop any courses in which you have fallen behind in by the end of week 8 (the drop deadline). Appeals for late drops are generally reserved for those who encounter problems after week 8 or whose problems are more acute and is not meant to manage chronic conditions

Please feel free to contact the Faculty Office for advice or assistance.

Yours sincerely,



Jill Atkinson, Ph.D.
Associate Dean (Studies)

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