Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Appeal Number: 7860
Decision Date: June 28, 2021
Associate Dean: Jenn Stephenson, Ph.D.
Student Name: Owen Cockerham
Student Email: owen.cockerhan@gmail.com

Course: FILM 110
Term: Fall/Winter
Year: 2021
Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline

Course: CLST 102
Term: Fall
Year: 2020
Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline


Dear Owen Cockerham:

I was sorry to read of the difficulties you experienced this year which no doubt impacted your academic progress. I have carefully considered your appeal to waive your €œRequirement to Withdraw for One Year€. After reviewing your file, I have decided to drop CLST 102, HIST 108, PHIL 151 (F 2020); CLST 103, CLST 150, HIST 106 (W 2021); and PSYC 100, FILM 110 (FW 2020/21) which will therefore remove the Faculty ruling that you be Required to Withdraw for One Year.. You may now resume your studies at Queen's University.

I have granted this appeal based on the challenges you outlined as well as your new diagnosis of ADHD and your strong academic plan and your documentation. Owen, let me also refer you to Queen€™s Student Accessibility Service (QSAS) who may be able to offer additional support and put in place accommodations in your courses next year if you and your health care team feel that accommodations would be helpful.

A good practice for all students is to pause and evaluate your progress in your courses during week 7 of each term and drop courses that you are behind in, or not achieving the grades you desire, by that week 8 each term 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.

As you continue in your course of study it is your responsibility to take steps for the successful completion of your program and maintain a GPA consistent with the requirements of your plan. These are some strategies that I strongly encourage you to consider:

€¢ Choose courses carefully and reflect on your anticipated program of choice. Are you in the right set of courses for your interests and aptitudes
€¢ Continue to seek out the advice necessary to improve your academic performance by meeting with an Academic Advisor in the Faculty of Arts and Science Student Services Office (main floor Dunning Hall, phone 613-533-2470).
€¢ Follow through with your academic plan.
€¢ The Student Academic Success Service (SASS) in Stauffer Library provides a range of services, including workshops designed to improve study skills and develop strategies for meeting the demands of academic life.
€¢ The Student Wellness Services Centre located on the first floor of Mitchell Hall, 69 Union Street, 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.
€¢ If you encounter extenuating circumstances that inhibit your ability to complete course work, consider seeking Academic Consideration. More information is available at: https://www.queensu.ca/artsci/accommodations

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.

I wish you well in the upcoming year.

Yours sincerely,


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

20216733Cockerham