Decision Letter
Appeal Number: 3613
Decision Date: July 4, 2017
Associate Dean: Johanne Benard, Ph.D.
Student Name: Robert Babcock
Student Email: 13rmb12@queensu.ca
Dear Mr. Babcock:
I have carefully considered your appeal to waive the Faculty ruling that you be Required to Withdraw for One Year. After reviewing your file, I have decided to deny your request.
As you already know, the academic requirements in the Faculty of Arts and Science are clearly outlined in the Academic Regulation section of the Calendar. The requirement to withdraw is invoked only where students experience ongoing or extreme academic difficulties. The ruling is designed to provide the student with time away from the university to reflect on and remedy the factors impeding their academic success.
The Academic Regulations stipulate that waiving the requirement to withdraw can be considered only where a student€™s academic performance is affected by extenuating circumstances beyond his or her control. The requirement to withdraw is waived only in rare and exceptional circumstances where documentation makes clear that the difficulties are temporary rather than ongoing or that these difficulties have been dealt with in such a way that the student may make a successful return to the university.
Extenuating circumstances normally involve a significant physical or psychological event that is beyond your control and debilitating to your overall academic performance. Additionally, these kinds of extraordinary situations are normally supported by documentation from a healthcare professional. I do recognize that financial issues can be extremely stressful and difficult to resolve but they are not typically the type of circumstances that would warrant waiving the academic regulations. In addition, your appeal fails to supply any adequate supporting documentation to confirm the full timeline of your challenges, how serious or severe they were and what specific impact they had on your studies or your ability to drop courses by the deadlines. I am also not convinced that your academic plan will aid you in overcoming your academic difficulties. For all of these reasons, I unfortunately, cannot grant your request.
For your information, ASUS now offers an opportunity for students to request financial assistance with paying appeal fees. You may submit an application through the ASUS website: http://www.queensasus.com/financial-aid/) More information about the policy can be found at: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/577f0d1ce3df28bc00450caf/t/5833c51f29687f6ddefaa618/1479787809910/Financial+Assistance+Fund+Draft.pdf
Keep in mind that you will be eligible to return to the university when a year has lapsed from the time of the initial ruling. Upon your return we hope that you will take advantage of the support services available to you at Queen's. In returning to a regular course of study it will be your responsibility to choose courses carefully, seek out the advice necessary to improve your academic performance, and maintain an average consistent with the requirements for successful completion of your program.
If you wish to appeal the Associate Dean€™s decision to the Board of Studies, you must submit an appeal to the Board of Studies within 21 days of the date this decision was sent. Guidelines for appealing to the Board of Studies and the appeal form can be found at: http://www.queensu.ca/artsci/students-at-queens/academic-appeals (click on €œBoard of Studies€) Do not use the on-line application for this process. You may contact Mr. Harry Smith, Office of the Ombudsman for advice on matters of procedure and on obtaining a representative. His office is located in room 421 Robert Sutherland Hall and he can be reached by phone (533-6495) or e-mail (ombuds@queensu.ca).
Yours sincerely,
Johanne Bénard, Ph.D.
Associate Dean (Studies)
10134280Babcock
Decision Date: July 4, 2017
Associate Dean: Johanne Benard, Ph.D.
Student Name: Robert Babcock
Student Email: 13rmb12@queensu.ca
Dear Mr. Babcock:
I have carefully considered your appeal to waive the Faculty ruling that you be Required to Withdraw for One Year. After reviewing your file, I have decided to deny your request.
As you already know, the academic requirements in the Faculty of Arts and Science are clearly outlined in the Academic Regulation section of the Calendar. The requirement to withdraw is invoked only where students experience ongoing or extreme academic difficulties. The ruling is designed to provide the student with time away from the university to reflect on and remedy the factors impeding their academic success.
The Academic Regulations stipulate that waiving the requirement to withdraw can be considered only where a student€™s academic performance is affected by extenuating circumstances beyond his or her control. The requirement to withdraw is waived only in rare and exceptional circumstances where documentation makes clear that the difficulties are temporary rather than ongoing or that these difficulties have been dealt with in such a way that the student may make a successful return to the university.
Extenuating circumstances normally involve a significant physical or psychological event that is beyond your control and debilitating to your overall academic performance. Additionally, these kinds of extraordinary situations are normally supported by documentation from a healthcare professional. I do recognize that financial issues can be extremely stressful and difficult to resolve but they are not typically the type of circumstances that would warrant waiving the academic regulations. In addition, your appeal fails to supply any adequate supporting documentation to confirm the full timeline of your challenges, how serious or severe they were and what specific impact they had on your studies or your ability to drop courses by the deadlines. I am also not convinced that your academic plan will aid you in overcoming your academic difficulties. For all of these reasons, I unfortunately, cannot grant your request.
For your information, ASUS now offers an opportunity for students to request financial assistance with paying appeal fees. You may submit an application through the ASUS website: http://www.queensasus.com/financial-aid/) More information about the policy can be found at: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/577f0d1ce3df28bc00450caf/t/5833c51f29687f6ddefaa618/1479787809910/Financial+Assistance+Fund+Draft.pdf
Keep in mind that you will be eligible to return to the university when a year has lapsed from the time of the initial ruling. Upon your return we hope that you will take advantage of the support services available to you at Queen's. In returning to a regular course of study it will be your responsibility to choose courses carefully, seek out the advice necessary to improve your academic performance, and maintain an average consistent with the requirements for successful completion of your program.
If you wish to appeal the Associate Dean€™s decision to the Board of Studies, you must submit an appeal to the Board of Studies within 21 days of the date this decision was sent. Guidelines for appealing to the Board of Studies and the appeal form can be found at: http://www.queensu.ca/artsci/students-at-queens/academic-appeals (click on €œBoard of Studies€) Do not use the on-line application for this process. You may contact Mr. Harry Smith, Office of the Ombudsman for advice on matters of procedure and on obtaining a representative. His office is located in room 421 Robert Sutherland Hall and he can be reached by phone (533-6495) or e-mail (ombuds@queensu.ca).
Yours sincerely,
Johanne Bénard, Ph.D.
Associate Dean (Studies)
10134280Babcock
Generated July 4, 2017 at 1:42:38 PM.