Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 10086
Submitted: February 8, 2023 at 5:53:18 PM
First Name: Makayla
Last Name: Kelly
Student Number: 20276836
Email: makayla.kelly@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BSC
Plan: GEOL
Level of Study: 2
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Request to take more than 6.0 units of courses on a letter of permission through another institution
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: I am a student in good standing, and I have been facing some challenges that have made it difficult for me to continue my studies at my current Queens.
In November 2022, I had my first child and have been juggling being a full-time parent and a full-time student. As a single black mom and low-income Student, I am facing significant financial barriers that make it difficult to cover the costs of attending Queens for the upcoming 2023-2024 term. Aside from financial barriers, I have been dealing with postpartum depression.
Returning to campus in my current state will have a negative impact on my academic performance as well as my performance as a mother.
During the 2022/2023 school term, I have been continuing my studies online and being around family has been extremely helpful and has allowed me to continue my studies. Though, it is not possible to take all the classes needed online. To mitigate these challenges and barriers, I would like to petition to take a letter of permission that would allow me to take more than 6 credits. I would like to take 4 courses in the fall of 2023, and 4 courses in the winter of 2024 at another institution. This would allow me to get support from my family so that I can continue my studies at Queens. I would also be able to access support for the unforeseen mental health and well-being issues that I am facing as a result of my unplanned pregnancy.
I am confident that transferring to another institution for my third year will allow me to better manage my responsibilities as a student and a parent, and that it will provide me with the support and resources I need to succeed in my studies. Being able to take a LOP at another institution would mean the difference between getting to graduate as a first-generation university student, and needing to drop out.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to continuing my studies and achieving my goals as a student.
Sincerely,
Makayla Kelly
In November 2022, I had my first child and have been juggling being a full-time parent and a full-time student. As a single black mom and low-income Student, I am facing significant financial barriers that make it difficult to cover the costs of attending Queens for the upcoming 2023-2024 term. Aside from financial barriers, I have been dealing with postpartum depression.
Returning to campus in my current state will have a negative impact on my academic performance as well as my performance as a mother.
During the 2022/2023 school term, I have been continuing my studies online and being around family has been extremely helpful and has allowed me to continue my studies. Though, it is not possible to take all the classes needed online. To mitigate these challenges and barriers, I would like to petition to take a letter of permission that would allow me to take more than 6 credits. I would like to take 4 courses in the fall of 2023, and 4 courses in the winter of 2024 at another institution. This would allow me to get support from my family so that I can continue my studies at Queens. I would also be able to access support for the unforeseen mental health and well-being issues that I am facing as a result of my unplanned pregnancy.
I am confident that transferring to another institution for my third year will allow me to better manage my responsibilities as a student and a parent, and that it will provide me with the support and resources I need to succeed in my studies. Being able to take a LOP at another institution would mean the difference between getting to graduate as a first-generation university student, and needing to drop out.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to continuing my studies and achieving my goals as a student.
Sincerely,
Makayla Kelly
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: hile taking courses at another institution I will be able to access the support needed to succeed in my studies. Taking a lighter course load will also ensure that I am able to meet the requirements in each of my courses while parenting and working on my mental health.
To make up for the courses I miss during the regular term I will take courses in the summer, as I did during the 2022 summer term. This keeps me on track and allows me to do the best that I can under the current circumstances. When I return to campus in my fourth year I will have better resources and be in better financial circumstances to aid my studies on campus with a child.
In the event of unforeseen circumstances in my fourth year, I will make the necessary personal adjustments to ensure my academic success. This could mean reducing my course load, seeking medical or personal counselling, or adjusting my work schedule. I recognize that my priorities may shift, and I am willing to make changes as needed to support my academic objectives.
Balancing school and personal responsibilities can be challenging, and I understand the value of having a support system in place. I'll contact campus resources like student organizations, tutoring services, and counselling. I'll also reach out to a support group for returning students.
To make up for the courses I miss during the regular term I will take courses in the summer, as I did during the 2022 summer term. This keeps me on track and allows me to do the best that I can under the current circumstances. When I return to campus in my fourth year I will have better resources and be in better financial circumstances to aid my studies on campus with a child.
In the event of unforeseen circumstances in my fourth year, I will make the necessary personal adjustments to ensure my academic success. This could mean reducing my course load, seeking medical or personal counselling, or adjusting my work schedule. I recognize that my priorities may shift, and I am willing to make changes as needed to support my academic objectives.
Balancing school and personal responsibilities can be challenging, and I understand the value of having a support system in place. I'll contact campus resources like student organizations, tutoring services, and counselling. I'll also reach out to a support group for returning students.
Documentation
Professional Letter Detail: Letter from family doctor outlining ongoing mental health issues
Documentation Detail: letter of support from Dr. Spencer (Chair of Undergraduate geology)
Decision Letters
Amendment to Appeal 10086
Relevant Petition: 10086
New Information: Dr Spencer (undergraduate chair) confirming he well offer a letter of support if needed
Student Number: 20276836
Documentation
Professional Letter: CA972A08-FCD9-4468-B374-862499E201A5.png

