Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 13082
Submitted: May 7, 2025 at 2:47:39 PM
First Name: Ryan
Last Name: Gao
Pronoun: Borui
Preferred Name: Ryan
Student Number: 20349935
Email: 21bbg3@queensu.ca
Degree Program: Computing Specialization
Plan: COMP
Level of Study: 2
Code: CISC 121
Term: Winter
Year: 2025
Instructor's Name: Erin Meger
Section/Class Number: 001
Code: CISC 124
Term: Summer
Year: 2024
Instructor's Name: Paul Allison
Section/Class Number: 700
Code: CISC 121
Term: Summer
Year: 2023
Instructor's Name: Paul Allison
Section/Class Number: 700
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: I am writing to sincerely reflect on my academic conduct and to express my commitment to making lasting change. I take full responsibility for the decisions that led to my five Notices of Investigation. I understand that these actions compromised the values of academic integrity and affected the trust that Queen’s University places in its students.
With each incident, I now realize I failed to uphold the standards expected of me, and I deeply regret those choices. My fifth NOI, although a Level II departure, involved a smaller percentage (8%) and occurred in a context where I was trying to do better — but still fell short. I understand that intention does not excuse misconduct, and I own that mistake fully.
Since receiving that fifth NOI, I have not had any further violations. I’ve taken time during my withdrawal period to reflect on my values, seek support, and understand the seriousness of academic integrity. I have reviewed Queen’s policies in detail and consulted academic resources to ensure I am fully equipped to succeed ethically in my future studies.
I acknowledge that my written responses in the past may not have shown enough growth. For that, I apologize. I am continuing to work on communicating more clearly and honestly. I am now committed to using proper citation practices, asking for help when needed, and managing my academic responsibilities with integrity.
I respectfully ask to be allowed to return in Summer 2026. I know I must earn back the university’s trust through my future behavior, and I am ready to do that. I care deeply about continuing my education at Queen’s and contributing positively to the academic community.
Thank you for your consideration.
With each incident, I now realize I failed to uphold the standards expected of me, and I deeply regret those choices. My fifth NOI, although a Level II departure, involved a smaller percentage (8%) and occurred in a context where I was trying to do better — but still fell short. I understand that intention does not excuse misconduct, and I own that mistake fully.
Since receiving that fifth NOI, I have not had any further violations. I’ve taken time during my withdrawal period to reflect on my values, seek support, and understand the seriousness of academic integrity. I have reviewed Queen’s policies in detail and consulted academic resources to ensure I am fully equipped to succeed ethically in my future studies.
I acknowledge that my written responses in the past may not have shown enough growth. For that, I apologize. I am continuing to work on communicating more clearly and honestly. I am now committed to using proper citation practices, asking for help when needed, and managing my academic responsibilities with integrity.
I respectfully ask to be allowed to return in Summer 2026. I know I must earn back the university’s trust through my future behavior, and I am ready to do that. I care deeply about continuing my education at Queen’s and contributing positively to the academic community.
Thank you for your consideration.
Documentation
Professional Letter Detail: NO DOC
Amendment to Appeal 13082
Relevant Petition: 13082
New Information: Subject: Request for Permission for Early Return to Studies – Fall 2026
Dear Members of the Academic Petitions Committee,
I am writing to respectfully request permission to return to studies in the Faculty of Arts and Science in Fall 2026, prior to the completion of my withdrawal period scheduled to end on April 30, 2027.
I fully accept responsibility for the academic integrity violations that led to my withdrawal following multiple Notices of Investigation. I understand that the repeated nature of these incidents raises serious concerns about my readiness to return, and I accept that I must demonstrate not only reflection, but a fundamental and sustained change in how I approach academic work under pressure.
Since my withdrawal, I have engaged in sustained and structured self-directed learning and reflection focused on identifying the behavioural patterns that contributed to past misconduct. I recognize that the core issue was not a lack of understanding of academic integrity rules, but inconsistent application of those standards under academic pressure, time constraints, and uncertainty.
To address this, I have implemented structured and long-term changes to my academic process. I have established a fixed weekly study schedule with defined learning objectives and consistent self-assessment to maintain structure and accountability. I have maintained this system continuously during my time away from studies.
I have also rebuilt foundational knowledge in computing and mathematics through independent study focused on complete solution tracing and independent problem-solving, ensuring that all work is fully understood and reproducible without reliance on external solutions. In addition, I have introduced a formal verification step before completing any academic task, where I check for independent work, proper attribution, and compliance with academic integrity standards.
I have also consulted with academic advising regarding my study structure and return planning, and have incorporated their guidance into my current academic routine. In addition, I have implemented a structured self-monitoring system to track weekly academic progress and ensure consistent adherence to academic integrity expectations over time.
I understand that in cases involving repeated academic integrity concerns, the primary consideration is whether there is a credible and sustained reduction in risk of recurrence under academic pressure. I take this concern seriously, and the systems I have implemented are designed specifically to address the conditions that previously led to poor decision-making.
If granted an early return, I would begin with a reduced course load and prioritize foundational courses such as CISC 121. I would continue engaging with academic advising and student support resources to maintain accountability and ensure appropriate academic planning. I am also willing to comply with any additional conditions the Committee deems necessary, including structured monitoring or academic restrictions.
I respectfully ask the Committee to consider whether the changes I have implemented provide sufficient assurance of reduced risk to permit an early return. I appreciate your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Ryan Gao
Student ID: 20349935
Dear Members of the Academic Petitions Committee,
I am writing to respectfully request permission to return to studies in the Faculty of Arts and Science in Fall 2026, prior to the completion of my withdrawal period scheduled to end on April 30, 2027.
I fully accept responsibility for the academic integrity violations that led to my withdrawal following multiple Notices of Investigation. I understand that the repeated nature of these incidents raises serious concerns about my readiness to return, and I accept that I must demonstrate not only reflection, but a fundamental and sustained change in how I approach academic work under pressure.
Since my withdrawal, I have engaged in sustained and structured self-directed learning and reflection focused on identifying the behavioural patterns that contributed to past misconduct. I recognize that the core issue was not a lack of understanding of academic integrity rules, but inconsistent application of those standards under academic pressure, time constraints, and uncertainty.
To address this, I have implemented structured and long-term changes to my academic process. I have established a fixed weekly study schedule with defined learning objectives and consistent self-assessment to maintain structure and accountability. I have maintained this system continuously during my time away from studies.
I have also rebuilt foundational knowledge in computing and mathematics through independent study focused on complete solution tracing and independent problem-solving, ensuring that all work is fully understood and reproducible without reliance on external solutions. In addition, I have introduced a formal verification step before completing any academic task, where I check for independent work, proper attribution, and compliance with academic integrity standards.
I have also consulted with academic advising regarding my study structure and return planning, and have incorporated their guidance into my current academic routine. In addition, I have implemented a structured self-monitoring system to track weekly academic progress and ensure consistent adherence to academic integrity expectations over time.
I understand that in cases involving repeated academic integrity concerns, the primary consideration is whether there is a credible and sustained reduction in risk of recurrence under academic pressure. I take this concern seriously, and the systems I have implemented are designed specifically to address the conditions that previously led to poor decision-making.
If granted an early return, I would begin with a reduced course load and prioritize foundational courses such as CISC 121. I would continue engaging with academic advising and student support resources to maintain accountability and ensure appropriate academic planning. I am also willing to comply with any additional conditions the Committee deems necessary, including structured monitoring or academic restrictions.
I respectfully ask the Committee to consider whether the changes I have implemented provide sufficient assurance of reduced risk to permit an early return. I appreciate your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Ryan Gao
Student ID: 20349935
Student Number: 20349935
Documentation
Professional Letter Detail: NO DOC