Report #331

DATE: April 1, 2009
PARTIES: Mr. D. S. (the Student) v. UTSC


Hearing Date(s): March 12, 2009

Committee Members:  
Professor Emeritus Ralph Scane (Senior Chair)
Professor Ellen Hodnett
Professor Chris Koenig-Woodyard
Ms. Anna Okorokov
Mr. John Stewart

Secretary:
Ms. Mette Mai

In Attendance:

For the Student Appellant:
Mr. D. S. (the Student)
Ms. A. S.

For the University of Toronto at Scarborough:
Vice-Dean Professor John Scherk

UTSC – late withdrawal without academic penalty – stresses from the deteriorating health of a family member – mental health disorders – insufficient medical report – awareness of academic difficulties before drop date – no reasonable expectation of alleviated condition – no assistance sought –  appeal dismissed

Request to withdraw late without academic penalty from four courses. The Student’s academic performance had deteriorated, and after failing the four courses, he was suspended for twelve months. The deteriorating performance was attributed to stresses the Student had suffered as a result of the worsening health and eventual death of his aunt. The Student was diagnosed with Dysthymic Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The Committee considered the information of the Student and a medical report detailing the student’s psychiatric diagnosis. The medical report submitted did not express an opinion about how long the condition had existed, the effect it would be expected to have on the Student’s academic performance, or whether the condition might have significantly worsened after the drop date for the courses. The Committee found that the Student’s academic performance was probably adversely affected by his aunt’s deteriorating health and that this exacerbated his existing medical condition. However, the Student’s state after the drop date was unchanged from what it had been before that date. He was aware of his academic difficulties before the drop date, he had no reasonable expectation that his condition would become alleviated during the balance of the term, and he did not seek counselling or help, despite assistance being offered. Appeal dismissed.