Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Appeal Number: 7120
Decision Date: December 21, 2020
Associate Dean: Jenn Stephenson, Ph.D.
Student Name: Aleksandra Zakrzewska
Student Email: 18akz@queensu.ca

Course: PHARM 100
Term: Summer
Year: 2020
Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline

Course: LAW 207
Term: Fall
Year: 2020
Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline

Course: REL 239
Term: Fall
Year: 2020
Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline


Dear Aleksandra Zakrzewska:

I was sorry to read of the challenges you outlined and understand that these are challenging times. I have carefully considered your appeal to drop PHAR 100 (S 2020) and LAW 207, RELS 239 (F 2020). After reviewing your file I have decided the following:

1. To grant your appeal to drop LAW 207 and RELS 230 (F 2020). I recognize that the circumstances that you outlined inhibited your academic success during this term and your documentation supports this timeline. Let me warn you however that this is a lenient decision since you are registered in six courses this term, which is more than is recommended and it was your responsibility to assess your progress in your courses during week 8 of term and drop courses if you had fallen behind or was feeling overwhelmed.

2. To deny your request to drop PHAR 100 (S 2020). As you know, courses must be dropped on SOLUS within the published deadlines. The Academic Regulations (Appeal of Academic Decisions, IIIb) stress that exceptions to this will only be waived under extenuating circumstances. The integrity of Arts and Science transcripts in general would be greatly diminished if the Faculty were to effect changes to students€™ records without clear and compelling documentation indicating that the student€™s performance was significantly compromised by circumstances beyond his or her control. Extenuating circumstances normally involve a significant physical or psychological event that is beyond your control and debilitating to your overall academic and supported by documentation. The documentation you submitted does not support the summer term timeline.

If you wish to appeal the Associate Dean€™s decision to the Board of Studies, information and deadlines can be found at 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 the Office of the University Ombudsperson for information about student rights and responsibilities as well as guidance on policy and procedure (www.queensu.ca/ombuds).

I am pleased to read that you seeking support and encourage you to follow through with your plan to prioritize your mental health and your wellness. I suggest that consider registering with QSAS if your challenges are ongoing. A QSAS Advisor can help you manage both your health and your academics.

Note that any change in academic registration may impact government or private-firm student financial assistance eligibility and/or funding. Please consult with the Student Awards Office, Office of the University Registrar, Gordon Hall, to understand the potential implications of changes to course or program registration and/or the consequences of not successfully completing the required course load.

Sincerely,


Jenn Stephenson, Ph.D.
Associate Dean (Academic)

20173646 Zakrzewska1