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Petition Type: New
ID: 11026
Submitted: October 3, 2023 at 10:15:42 AM
First Name: Rachel
Last Name: Starkman
Pronoun: She/Her
Preferred Name: Rachel
Student Number: 20272656
Degree Program: BAH
Plan: POLS
Level of Study: 3

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: Dear Associate Dean,

My Name is Rachel Starkman. I am a third-year student at Queens University pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Political Studies. I am writing to express my interest in studying abroad in London, England, through the IFSA Study Aboard Program in London during the upcoming 2024 Winter Semester.

My motivation to study abroad comes from a multitude of factors. Firstly, I am keen on enhancing my academic experience and overall degree. As a Political Studies student in Canada, it is undeniable that the British Crown and Political system have fast influenced the politics that we see in Canada today. I believe that a semester abroad in London, England, will help me contextualize the power of the crown we feel in Canada. IFSA Study Abroad Program in London offers a British Politics and Brexit course. I am planning to take this course. Though living in London, England, and emerging in the political culture while taking a course on British Politics, I am confident I will return home with a deeper understanding of Politics to apply to the rest of my studies. Studying in London will enhance my academic journey and allow me to experience a different educational approach. Gaining insight from his experience will provide me with valuable skills and perspectives that will enhance my academic performance upon my return to Queen's University.

Additionally, the IFSA Study Abroad Program in London provides a wide range of captivating courses that enable me to broaden my knowledge beyond the courses offered at Queens. These courses' immersive nature distinguishes them, including educational outings and field trips that enhance the curriculum and offer practical learning opportunities. I have completed my core courses and have worked ahead to taking fourth-year courses last year, but I need to fulfill my elective requirements. I plan to take diverse courses offered at the IFSA Study Abroad Program in London to fulfill my elective requirements.

Furthermore, I plan to apply to law school after my undergraduate degree. Having the opportunity to study abroad will diversify my application and help me stand out. I have worked hard to get my GPA to a completive level, but that is not enough to get into Law School. I want to set myself apart, and studying abroad will do that.

I have diligently completed all the essential preparations for this upcoming adventure, meticulously addressing logistical elements such as course selection, living expenses, accommodations, and visa prerequisites. Throughout this process, I have maintained ongoing communication with Eleni Katsarelas, the IFSA program advisor, who has been valuable in guiding me through the application process.

I have already made my course selections for my study abroad experience and have furnished all the necessary documentation. My enthusiasm to embark on this journey with the IFSA program to London knows no bounds. I appreciate your consideration of my application for the winter semester of 2024.

Thank you for your time.
Best,
Rachel Starkman

Academic Plan

Academic Plan: I have worked hard throughout my undergraduate degree thus far to set myself up for success during my study abroad experience. In my second year, I took POLS 250 and POLS 285. I am currently taking POLS 384 and plan to take POLS 350 during my fourth year. This plan satisfies all my Core course requirements, having Core A, C, and D completed with Core B taken when I return from studying abroad. I have also completed option course group C, 18.0 units from POLS at the 200-level. I worked ahead in my second year, taking a fourth-year course with an exchange experience in mind. After this semester, I will have completed 3 out of 4 of my course group B courses. I plan to take an additional third-year course in my fourth year at Queens. The requirement for fourth-year courses to fulfill my degree is 4 courses at the POLS 400 level. I plan to work towards my 48.00 elective credits while on exchange. This plan allows me to take 400-level courses and POLS 350 in my fourth year to complete my degree on time as planned.

While aboard, I plan to take Contemporary British Politics: Brexit and Beyond, Trends Start Here: New Media and Behaviour, The Psychology of Crime and Justice the UK, Fantasy in the Real World: Literature Through the
Sociological Lens, Performing Arts and Social Change in London. These courses cover topics that interest me, and I'm excited to learn about them. However, these courses are not offered at Queens. Enrolling in these distinctive courses will help me broaden my academic and personal horizons, making me more knowledgeable and well-rounded in various areas.

I've carefully planned my academic journey at Queens to include the opportunity to study abroad. This experience holds great significance for me for multiple reasons, as I've explained in my appeal, including preparing for my future and enriching my academic path.

I sincerely appreciate your consideration of my appeal and eagerly anticipate your response. Thank you.

Documentation

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History

Originally submitted October 3, 2023 at 10:15:42 AM.

FieldReferenceOld ValueNew ValueNoteUserDate/Time
statusN/AReceivedIncompleteKerri Andrews2023-10-04 8:41:20 AM
statusN/AIncompleteIn ReviewKerri Andrews2023-10-23 12:35:52 PM
statusN/AIn ReviewGrantedKerri Andrews2023-10-23 12:36:04 PM
associate_deanN/AJenn Stephenson, Ph.D.Kerri Andrews2023-10-23 12:36:04 PM
decision_letterN/AN/ADecision letter sentKerri Andrews2023-10-23 12:36:33 PM