Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Appeal Number: 7210
Decision Date: February 8, 2021
Associate Dean: Jenn Stephenson, Ph.D.
Student Name: Matthew Kennedy
Student Email: 17mlk@queensu.ca

Course: PHIL 303
Term: Fall
Year: 2020
Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline

Course: PHIL 318
Term: Fall
Year: 2020
Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline

Course: PHIL 405
Term: Fall
Year: 2020
Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline

Course: CLST 131
Term: Fall
Year: 2020
Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline


Dear Matthew Kennedy:

I am sorry to read that you struggled to manage your courses due to challenges related to COVID19. I have carefully considered your appeal to drop PHIL 303, PHIL 318, PHIL 405 and CLST 131 (F 2020) past the academic deadline and after reviewing your file, I have decided to grant your request.

I have exercised some leniency in this decision, acknowledging the challenges that COVID19 has had on your studies and life, but going forward I suggest that you carefully assess whether you are able to manage your studies along with life challenges and if you are not able to manage your studies effectively, you should drop courses by the drop date deadline. Appeals for late drops are generally reserved for those who encounter problems after the drop date or whose problems become more acute and is not meant to manage ongoing challenges.

Matthew, please note that there are resources available to assist you including Student Wellness Services who can help arrange support from a counsellor or, you can request short term accommodations through the Academic Consideration process at following website:
https://www.queensu.ca/artsci/undergrad-students/academic-consideration-for-students

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.

Best of luck as you manage the current challenges that the pandemic presents.

Yours sincerely,


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


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