Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Appeal Number: 7486
Decision Date: March 26, 2021
Associate Dean: Jenn Stephenson, Ph.D.
Student Name: Renee Atkinson
Student Email: 19rea1@queensu.ca

Course: SOCY 122
Term: Winter
Year: 2021
Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline

Course: DRAM 100
Term: Fall/Winter
Year: 2020
Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline


Dear Renee Atkinson:

I was sorry to read of the difficulties you outlined in your letter of appeal and I certainly understand that those challenges have impacted your studies. After carefully considering your appeal to drop SOCY 122 and DRAM 100 (FW 2020/21) past the academic deadline, I have decided to grant your request based on the circumstances outlined as well as your documentation.

I have granted this appeal based on the severity of your extenuating circumstances but also due to the wise decision you are making to step away from your studies and focus on your health. I am also pleased to see that you are working closely with mental health professionals. I encourage you to consider registering with QSAS when you resume your studies Renee since a QSAS Advisor can help you manage both your health and academics by putting in some appropriate accommodations to assist you. I do need to warn you however that the appeals process is not meant to be used to manage a chronic condition and an appeal based on the same circumstances may not be granted in the future.

Going forward, I recommend that you pause and evaluate your health during week 7 of the term, and if you have fallen behind or your health is impacting your studies, you should drop courses by the week 8 drop date deadline. The drop deadlines, as they have been outlined in the €œImportant Dates€ section on the Arts and Science web page, have been established by the Faculty of Arts and Science to ensure a fair and equitable treatment of all students at Queen's.

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 during your time away from your studies and we will look forward to your return when you are able to do so.

Yours sincerely,


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

20200408Atkinson