Decision Letter
Submission Number: 10554
Decision Date: August 29, 2023
Associate Dean:
Student Name: NEHA HAIDER
Student Email: 18nh20@queensu.ca
Dear Neha,
On Tuesday, 22 August, the Board of Studies reviewed your appeal of Associate Dean (Academic) Jenn Stephenson’s decision to deny your petition to waive the Requirement to Withdraw for One Year. Board members present that day were Scott-Morgan Straker (Chair), Karine Bertrand (Faculty member), Devon Lin (Faculty member), and Amaiya Walters (Student representative). You attended a portion of the meeting, along with the Associate Dean (Academic) Jenn Stephenson. Pamela Briand (Arts and Science resource staff) was also present. After you and Dr Stephenson left the meeting, the Board carefully considered the information from the oral statements along with the written submissions contained in your file. The Board voted to grant your appeal, so the Requirement to Withdraw for One Year is waived.
In reaching this decision, the Board weighed two factors above all. On the one hand, Associate Dean Stephenson explained clearly that students with chronic extenuating circumstances are expected to manage these circumstances, whether by securing Academic Accommodation, taking a reduced course load, or by dropping courses by the deadline. She further pointed out that you have had two prior petitions granted for the same extenuating circumstance, and that your GPA from your most recent term does not meet the standard you need to be eligible to graduate. On the other hand, the documentation you provided does establish significant extenuating circumstances that affected your academic performance, and the available grades from your Summer 2023 courses provide evidence of your ability to manage your academic commitments successfully. Although the Board found Dr Stephenson’s explanation for her decision to be clear and compelling, it concluded that the evidence you presented meets the standard specified in Appeal Regulation 3.3.1.8, and therefore granted your appeal.
The Board wishes to emphasize in the strongest terms that this decision is not without risk for you. Academic Regulation 13.3.1 states that students returning from a Requirement to Withdraw remain on Academic Probation, even if that requirement is waived on appeal. You will therefore be assessed again once you have completed 18.0 units, and if at that time your cumulative GPA is still below 1.6, you will be required to withdraw for a minimum of three years (Academic Regulation 13.5.1). Students are assessed for progression in May each year. The Board therefore urges you to consult with an Academic Advisor to determine your best options for raising your GPA, and to ensure that you take advantage of all available academic and health supports both at Queen’s and outside the University.
On behalf of the Board of Studies I wish you every success as you pursue your personal and educational goals.
Sincerely,
Scott-Morgan Straker
Chair, Board of Studies
Decision Date: August 29, 2023
Associate Dean:
Student Name: NEHA HAIDER
Student Email: 18nh20@queensu.ca
Dear Neha,
On Tuesday, 22 August, the Board of Studies reviewed your appeal of Associate Dean (Academic) Jenn Stephenson’s decision to deny your petition to waive the Requirement to Withdraw for One Year. Board members present that day were Scott-Morgan Straker (Chair), Karine Bertrand (Faculty member), Devon Lin (Faculty member), and Amaiya Walters (Student representative). You attended a portion of the meeting, along with the Associate Dean (Academic) Jenn Stephenson. Pamela Briand (Arts and Science resource staff) was also present. After you and Dr Stephenson left the meeting, the Board carefully considered the information from the oral statements along with the written submissions contained in your file. The Board voted to grant your appeal, so the Requirement to Withdraw for One Year is waived.
In reaching this decision, the Board weighed two factors above all. On the one hand, Associate Dean Stephenson explained clearly that students with chronic extenuating circumstances are expected to manage these circumstances, whether by securing Academic Accommodation, taking a reduced course load, or by dropping courses by the deadline. She further pointed out that you have had two prior petitions granted for the same extenuating circumstance, and that your GPA from your most recent term does not meet the standard you need to be eligible to graduate. On the other hand, the documentation you provided does establish significant extenuating circumstances that affected your academic performance, and the available grades from your Summer 2023 courses provide evidence of your ability to manage your academic commitments successfully. Although the Board found Dr Stephenson’s explanation for her decision to be clear and compelling, it concluded that the evidence you presented meets the standard specified in Appeal Regulation 3.3.1.8, and therefore granted your appeal.
The Board wishes to emphasize in the strongest terms that this decision is not without risk for you. Academic Regulation 13.3.1 states that students returning from a Requirement to Withdraw remain on Academic Probation, even if that requirement is waived on appeal. You will therefore be assessed again once you have completed 18.0 units, and if at that time your cumulative GPA is still below 1.6, you will be required to withdraw for a minimum of three years (Academic Regulation 13.5.1). Students are assessed for progression in May each year. The Board therefore urges you to consult with an Academic Advisor to determine your best options for raising your GPA, and to ensure that you take advantage of all available academic and health supports both at Queen’s and outside the University.
On behalf of the Board of Studies I wish you every success as you pursue your personal and educational goals.
Sincerely,
Scott-Morgan Straker
Chair, Board of Studies
Generated August 29, 2023 at 11:50:59 AM.