Hi there,
This past week, my life took a turn for the worst. I came back from a 1 year suspension, and really studied hard, and looked to get things back on track, finishing a whole academic year with good grades, and not being kicked out (being that I am already on academic probation). In the following summer term, I took a politics class, and was later caught for plagiarism. I had a meeting with the Academic Integrity Office, regarding an essay I wrote for the politics class. In the end, the decision was made that I was to receive a 0 on the essay, and a further reduction of 25% from my final grade. This decision, dropped my final grade significantly. I was unable to meet the 1.7 SGPA at utsg, and was effectively put on a 3 year suspension.
I am at a loss for words, and I am constantly running circles at UofT, trying to get someone to help me in my situation.
I spoke to my registrar, which told me to either petition, or to simply find another school.
My registrar also said that the success rate of petition regarding suspension/plagiarism is not so great.
My question for you is, what does someone in my position need to do in order to get the suspension lifted, so I can resume my education?
I am looking for any and all options, and in the mean time I am looking into petition to the Vice Provost in regards to the suspension.
Looking forward to hearing from you, and I hope there is a chance that you can guide me in the right direction and get this whole situation sorted out.
Thanks in advance!
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hey there,
firstly, i’m so sorry that you’re in this situation. i understand how difficult it is to go through something like this with OSAI.
however, i can’t give you any more or better advice than what you’ve already received from your registrar’s office. if they are advising you against filing a petition, then it’s probably with good reason. they anticipate that it won’t go through, and they don’t want you to waste your time.
i don’t know the context under which they told you to look for another school, but as far as i know, you’re not allowed to study at another university while on suspension. i mean, obviously no one’s gonna stop you, but if you try to transfer those credits over to your uoft degree after your suspension ends, you won’t be able to.
i would try and open your ears a little to what the registrar’s office is telling you. if you’re not jiving with the advisor you’ve been speaking with, maybe you can try speaking with someone else.
however, they have the experience to know how this is likely going to play out, and the wisest thing for you to do at this point is to listen to them. if you’d like to read up a bit more to understand where they’re coming from, i’d recommend this page from the faculty of arts & science.
have a candid conversation with your advisor about what it is you want. if you’re not sure what you want, try and figure it out together with them. try and come up with things you can do outside of school for these three years that will better prepare you for your return from school. maybe you can get some work experience related to your degree, pursue a college certificate, travel, or earn some money to pay for school.
if you’re really adamant about the petition, then you certainly shouldn’t go it alone. you’ll need the help of your registrar’s office to increase your odds of writing a persuasive, successful petition.
either way, staying in contact is paramount.
i know this may not be exactly what you wanted to hear, but i think it’s important that you do hear it. don’t tune out your registrar’s office. stay with them. listen to them. and listen to yourself, and be honest with yourself.
best of luck,
aska