Decision Letter
Appeal Number: 4709
Decision Date: July 4, 2018
Associate Dean: Johanne Benard, Ph.D.
Student Name: Aaron Gregory-Evans
Student Email: 16atge@queensu.ca
Course: ARTF 128
Term: Winter
Year: 2018
Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Instructor: Rebecca Anweiler
Additional Information: In term assignments and course work.
Dear Mr. Gregory-Evans:
I have carefully considered your appeal to drop ARTF 128 (FW 2017/18) as well as waive the Faculty ruling that you be Required to Withdraw for One Year. After reviewing your file, I must unfortunately 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. While your appeal does describe some circumstances that are extenuating circumstances the supporting documentation supplied is not sufficient. Your hospital report does not confirm the full timeline or severity of your health challenges nor does it confirm the specific impact they had on your classes and ARTF 128 in particular. Without proper documentation I cannot justify waiving the requirement to withdraw.
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. I would also encourage you to consult with an academic advisor to discuss all of the academic options and plans available, should you wish to consider a change in your Degree Plan or to discuss some strategies to help raise your GPA. Appointments can be made by calling 613-533-2470.
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)
20059836Gregory-Evans
Decision Date: July 4, 2018
Associate Dean: Johanne Benard, Ph.D.
Student Name: Aaron Gregory-Evans
Student Email: 16atge@queensu.ca
Course: ARTF 128
Term: Winter
Year: 2018
Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Instructor: Rebecca Anweiler
Additional Information: In term assignments and course work.
Dear Mr. Gregory-Evans:
I have carefully considered your appeal to drop ARTF 128 (FW 2017/18) as well as waive the Faculty ruling that you be Required to Withdraw for One Year. After reviewing your file, I must unfortunately 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. While your appeal does describe some circumstances that are extenuating circumstances the supporting documentation supplied is not sufficient. Your hospital report does not confirm the full timeline or severity of your health challenges nor does it confirm the specific impact they had on your classes and ARTF 128 in particular. Without proper documentation I cannot justify waiving the requirement to withdraw.
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. I would also encourage you to consult with an academic advisor to discuss all of the academic options and plans available, should you wish to consider a change in your Degree Plan or to discuss some strategies to help raise your GPA. Appointments can be made by calling 613-533-2470.
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)
20059836Gregory-Evans
Generated July 4, 2018 at 8:33:58 AM.