Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Appeal Number: 7868
Decision Date: June 28, 2021
Associate Dean: Jenn Stephenson, Ph.D.
Student Name: Jeremy Varghese
Student Email: 19jjv@queensu.ca

Course: PHYS 104
Term: Fall/Winter
Year: 2021
Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline

Course: CHEM 112
Term: Fall/Winter
Year: 2021
Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline

Course: MATH 120
Term: Fall/Winter
Year: 2021
Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline

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

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

Course: PRAC 110
Term: Winter
Year: 2021
Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline


Dear Jeremy Varghese:

I was sorry to read of the difficulties you experienced this year due, in part, to the challenges related to COVID19. I have carefully considered your appeal to waive your €œRequirement to Withdraw for One Year€. After reviewing your file, I have decided to drop PHYS 104, CHEM 112 and MATH 120 (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.

Please note if you wish to drop courses that are part of your Concurrent Education program, you must contact that Faculty regarding that process.

I have granted this appeal based on the challenges you outlined as well as your strong academic plan and your documentation. Jeremy, let me 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 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)

20202260Varghese

cc: Jamie Kincaid, Faculty of Education