Petitions & Appeals Process

The Academic Regulations for the Faculty of Arts and Science are designed to ensure that academic standards are upheld and that all students are treated fairly and equitably. The academic petition and appeal process is available to reconsider the suitability of sanctions or penalties imposed upon a student in light of information brought forward by the student concerning such extenuating circumstances.The Faculty does, however, understand that there are occasions in which extenuating circumstances, that is circumstances beyond a student's control-adversely, affect a student's performance at ��˴�Ƭ.

See the Online Appeal form here

Academic petitions and appeals within Arts and Science provide accommodation for extenuating circumstances or allow for review of academic decisions. The processes governing petitions and appeals are set out in the sections on Academic Regulations and Academic Appeals in the academic calendar. Students are responsible for informing themselves of these processes and the information necessary to submit a complete request.

Do you have questions about the petitions and appeal process? Email: asc.appeals@queensu.ca.

Extenuating Circumstances

In general, with the exception of petitions related to grading of term work or final examinations where other criteria will apply, petitions to the Associate Dean (Academic) are only granted where there are significantly extenuating circumstances, beyond the student’s control, that would merit the waiving of a particular Faculty regulation or decision. Extenuating circumstances normally involve a significant physical or psychological event that is beyond a student’s control and debilitating to their academic performance. These kinds of extraordinary situations should be supported by official documentation from a health care practitioner or other relevant professional.

Official Documentation

Official documentation does not need to outline the specifics of the particular condition or matter affecting the student, but it must clearly indicate ways in which the extenuating circumstances directly affected the student’s performance in terms of timing and impact, and should verify that these effects were substantial enough to cause the academic problem. Information on the start, duration and present state of the extenuating condition is critical to helping the instructor, Associate Dean (Academic) or Board of Studies to make an informed decision. Further, a clear statement on whether the condition or circumstances have either improved or are being managed so that they will not have a significant detrimental effect on future academic performance is also essential.

Unresolved Circumstances

The petitions and appeals process does not compensate for extenuating circumstances that the student is unable to resolve, or for which the student is unwilling to actively seek accommodation. In addition, the petitions and appeals process does not compensate for extenuating circumstances that are actively being accommodated, for example where a student’s permanent disabilities are being accommodated through Queen's Accessibility Services. Multiple appeals citing the same extenuating circumstances will be reviewed very closely. This review may include, with the permission of the student, consultation with the appropriate professionals involved to obtain more detailed information.

Student Assistance

Students should schedule an academic advising appointment as a first-step in learning about the appeals process.

Students may contact the Office of the University Ombudsperson for information about student rights and responsibilities and guidance on policy and procedure by visiting their website at /ombuds/, or by e-mail at ombuds@queensu.ca.

The information contained in these pages outlines regulations, policies and procedures for all matters of appeal other than those involving departures from academic integrity. For information on departures from academic integrity, including plagiarism, use of unauthorized material, facilitation, forgery or falsification, please visit the Academic Integrity webpage.

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