Decision Letter
Appeal Number: 9216
Decision Date: June 8, 2022
Associate Dean: Jenn Stephenson, Ph.D.
Student Name: Alia Coombs
Student Email: 19ac98@queensu.ca
Dear Alia Coombs:
I was sorry to read of the challenges you outlined in your letter of appeal, I have carefully considered your request 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.
The requirement to withdraw is invoked when students experience ongoing or extreme academic difficulties. The ruling is not intended to be punitive, rather it is designed to provide the student with time away from the university to reflect on and remedy the factors impeding their academic success.
While it is clear that you experienced a difficult year at university and that you are eager to return to classes, your appeal did not demonstrate to me that your extenuating circumstances are being managed in a way that would allow you to be successful in future classes. The documentation that you supplied indicates that you are impacted by a chronic condition to which you have been engaged in treatment for since September of 2021. However, I see that you have not been able to successfully complete any of the classes that you have taken at Queen??s to date, even during the terms that you attempted a reduced course load. As your documentation also indicates that you are not able to handle a full course load at this time, my sincere hope is that you will take this opportunity to make some changes and access the supports you need to achieve future success.
Upon your return to studies, I would suggest that you consider registering with Queen??s Student Accessibility Services so that you can work with a Counsellor to help you manage the impact of your heath on your academics on an ongoing basis.
Keep in mind that you will be eligible to return to the university when one year has lapsed. Upon your return, we hope that you will take advantage of the support services available to you at Queen's. It will be your responsibility to take steps for the successful completion of your program and to maintain a GPA consistent with the requirements of your plan. These are some strategies that I strongly encourage you to consider:
Choose courses carefully. As you know, achieving a higher grade in a repeated course will improve your GPA. This course of action will help to ensure you will be in good academic standing and not at risk of being required to withdraw for three years.
Reflect on your program choice. Are you in the right plan for your interests and aptitudes? Your Academic Advisement Report in SOLUS will allow you to see your remaining requirements and help you plan out future courses. You can read about the other program/plan options that may interest you in the Academic Calendar at https://www.queensu.ca/academic-calendar/arts-science/schools-departments-programs/.
Seek out the advice necessary to improve your academic performance. The Arts and Science Faculty Office is located in Dunning Hall (main floor). You can also book an appointment with an Academic Advisor online at https://www.queensu.ca/artsci/undergrad-students/student-services/academic-advising or by phone 613-533-2470. Academic advising may also be available through your Plan Department. Student Academic Success Services (SASS) https://sass.queensu.ca/ in Stauffer Library provides a range of services, including workshops designed to improve study skills and develop strategies for meeting the demands of academic life. The Student Wellness Services Centre https://www.queensu.ca/studentwellness/ located in Mitchell Hall, is available to all Queen??s students. SWS offers personal and counselling as well as individual consultation to aid in coping with difficulties of a more personal nature.
Academic Consideration is a process for the university community to provide a compassionate response to assist students experiencing a short-term extenuating circumstance. You can familiarize yourself with your consideration options at: https://www.queensu.ca/artsci/accommodations.
If you wish to appeal the Associate Dean??s decision to the Board of Studies, information and deadlines can be found at www.queensu.ca/artsci/students-at-queens/academic-appeals (click on ??Board of Studies?). You may contact the Office of the University Ombudsperson for information about student rights and responsibilities as well as guidance on policy and procedure (www.queensu.ca/ombuds).
Yours sincerely,
Jenn Stephenson, Ph.D.
Associate Dean (Academic)
Decision Date: June 8, 2022
Associate Dean: Jenn Stephenson, Ph.D.
Student Name: Alia Coombs
Student Email: 19ac98@queensu.ca
Dear Alia Coombs:
I was sorry to read of the challenges you outlined in your letter of appeal, I have carefully considered your request 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.
The requirement to withdraw is invoked when students experience ongoing or extreme academic difficulties. The ruling is not intended to be punitive, rather it is designed to provide the student with time away from the university to reflect on and remedy the factors impeding their academic success.
While it is clear that you experienced a difficult year at university and that you are eager to return to classes, your appeal did not demonstrate to me that your extenuating circumstances are being managed in a way that would allow you to be successful in future classes. The documentation that you supplied indicates that you are impacted by a chronic condition to which you have been engaged in treatment for since September of 2021. However, I see that you have not been able to successfully complete any of the classes that you have taken at Queen??s to date, even during the terms that you attempted a reduced course load. As your documentation also indicates that you are not able to handle a full course load at this time, my sincere hope is that you will take this opportunity to make some changes and access the supports you need to achieve future success.
Upon your return to studies, I would suggest that you consider registering with Queen??s Student Accessibility Services so that you can work with a Counsellor to help you manage the impact of your heath on your academics on an ongoing basis.
Keep in mind that you will be eligible to return to the university when one year has lapsed. Upon your return, we hope that you will take advantage of the support services available to you at Queen's. It will be your responsibility to take steps for the successful completion of your program and to maintain a GPA consistent with the requirements of your plan. These are some strategies that I strongly encourage you to consider:
Choose courses carefully. As you know, achieving a higher grade in a repeated course will improve your GPA. This course of action will help to ensure you will be in good academic standing and not at risk of being required to withdraw for three years.
Reflect on your program choice. Are you in the right plan for your interests and aptitudes? Your Academic Advisement Report in SOLUS will allow you to see your remaining requirements and help you plan out future courses. You can read about the other program/plan options that may interest you in the Academic Calendar at https://www.queensu.ca/academic-calendar/arts-science/schools-departments-programs/.
Seek out the advice necessary to improve your academic performance. The Arts and Science Faculty Office is located in Dunning Hall (main floor). You can also book an appointment with an Academic Advisor online at https://www.queensu.ca/artsci/undergrad-students/student-services/academic-advising or by phone 613-533-2470. Academic advising may also be available through your Plan Department. Student Academic Success Services (SASS) https://sass.queensu.ca/ in Stauffer Library provides a range of services, including workshops designed to improve study skills and develop strategies for meeting the demands of academic life. The Student Wellness Services Centre https://www.queensu.ca/studentwellness/ located in Mitchell Hall, is available to all Queen??s students. SWS offers personal and counselling as well as individual consultation to aid in coping with difficulties of a more personal nature.
Academic Consideration is a process for the university community to provide a compassionate response to assist students experiencing a short-term extenuating circumstance. You can familiarize yourself with your consideration options at: https://www.queensu.ca/artsci/accommodations.
If you wish to appeal the Associate Dean??s decision to the Board of Studies, information and deadlines can be found at www.queensu.ca/artsci/students-at-queens/academic-appeals (click on ??Board of Studies?). You may contact the Office of the University Ombudsperson for information about student rights and responsibilities as well as guidance on policy and procedure (www.queensu.ca/ombuds).
Yours sincerely,
Jenn Stephenson, Ph.D.
Associate Dean (Academic)
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