Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Appeal Number: 8072
Decision Date: September 1, 2021
Associate Dean: Jill Atkinson, Ph.D.
Student Name: William Berry
Student Email: 13wab@queensu.ca


Dear William Berry:

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 the 21-day appeal deadline and have decided to grant that appeal as well waive your ??Requirement to Withdraw for Three Years?. I have also decided to drop MATH 126 (FW 2020/21) and STAT 263 (W 2021). You may now resume your studies at Queen's University.

I have granted this appeal based on the challenges you outlined and I am sorry for your loss. William, if you wish to discuss the loss of your father with a counsellor, students have access to a free counselling service through our Student Wellness Services office at Mitchell Hall, 69 Union Street, and I encourage you to reach out to that office if you feel that would be helpful.

Going forwards, 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 drop date deadline. The drop deadlines, as they have been outlined in the ??Important 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. Repeating courses will improve your GPA. This course of action will mitigate the risk of being required to withdraw for three years when we next assess your transcript in May 2022.
?? Reflect on your 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).
?? 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.
?? 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

Please read carefully the document which will follow this letter. It contains important information concerning your current academic standing. If you have any questions about the information, please contact the Faculty Office to schedule an appointment with an academic advisor.

I wish you well in the upcoming year.

Yours sincerely,


Jill Atkinson, Ph.D.
Associate Dean (Academic)

10111476Berry