Decision Letter
Appeal Number: 4618
Decision Date: June 27, 2018
Associate Dean: Johanne Benard, Ph.D.
Student Name: Amir Moradi
Student Email: 17am8@queensu.ca
Dear Mr. Moradi:
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. While it is clear that you experienced a difficult year at university and that you are eager to return to classes, the appeal did not demonstrate to me that an early return to classes is warranted.
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 professional. I am very sorry to hear about your grandmother€™s passing and understand that this loss had a profound impact on you. I also agree that this is a circumstance that was beyond your personal control. However, my concern is that her passing occurred just before final exams in April but it appears that you were struggling in your courses well before this time. Your midyear grades in December show that you failed ASTR 101 and you were failing MATH 121, PHYS 117 and barely passing CHEM 112. There is no evidence supplied to show that you sought any academic help or that your personal challenges are now being managed in such a way that you are able to make a successful return to your studies next year. Without such evidence I am unfortunately not able to waive the requirement to withdraw.
Your MATH 121 grade is currently showing as incomplete and I would encourage you to complete it as soon as possible. If your final grade is posted and results in your GPA increasing to over 0.70 we will reassess your academic record and notify you of any changes to your standing.
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)
20069541Moradi
Decision Date: June 27, 2018
Associate Dean: Johanne Benard, Ph.D.
Student Name: Amir Moradi
Student Email: 17am8@queensu.ca
Dear Mr. Moradi:
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. While it is clear that you experienced a difficult year at university and that you are eager to return to classes, the appeal did not demonstrate to me that an early return to classes is warranted.
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 professional. I am very sorry to hear about your grandmother€™s passing and understand that this loss had a profound impact on you. I also agree that this is a circumstance that was beyond your personal control. However, my concern is that her passing occurred just before final exams in April but it appears that you were struggling in your courses well before this time. Your midyear grades in December show that you failed ASTR 101 and you were failing MATH 121, PHYS 117 and barely passing CHEM 112. There is no evidence supplied to show that you sought any academic help or that your personal challenges are now being managed in such a way that you are able to make a successful return to your studies next year. Without such evidence I am unfortunately not able to waive the requirement to withdraw.
Your MATH 121 grade is currently showing as incomplete and I would encourage you to complete it as soon as possible. If your final grade is posted and results in your GPA increasing to over 0.70 we will reassess your academic record and notify you of any changes to your standing.
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)
20069541Moradi
Generated June 27, 2018 at 3:22:56 PM.