Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 12204
Submitted: August 27, 2024 at 12:09:09 PM
First Name: Bianca
Last Name: Blackwood
Pronoun: she
Student Number: 20183946
Email: 19bsb1@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BAH
Plan: HIST
Level of Study: 4
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: During the past academic year, I encountered a series of unforeseen personal challenges that were beyond my control. These challenges, specifically related to mental health struggles, began in the summer of 2023 and persisted through the spring of 2024. This extended period of psychological distress significantly impaired my ability to focus on my studies and perform at my usual academic level. Consequently, I struggled to complete assignments, prepare effectively for exams, and enroll in key courses essential to my degree progression.
Recognizing the impact on my well-being, I sought support from a healthcare professional, including consultations with a physician, to address the psychological challenges I was facing. However, the path to recovery was gradual, and it wasn’t until the end of the spring 2024 semester that I began to experience meaningful improvement. This delayed recovery forced me to reduce my course load during the academic year, resulting in my inability to complete several prerequisite courses crucial to my degree requirements.
Despite my best efforts to mitigate the effects of these challenges, my academic performance during the 2023/2024 year did not reflect my true capabilities or dedication to my studies. As a result, I find myself behind in my academic progress, with several critical courses still incomplete.
In addition to these challenges, financial and support system issues necessitated my move back home, where I have a stronger support network and can manage living costs more effectively. Given my current situation, I have identified York University as the most accessible and viable option for completing the necessary courses. However, to meet my degree requirements and make up for the credits I was unable to complete last year, I need to enroll in more than 6.0 units at this institution. This additional coursework is essential to ensure that I remain on track to graduate on time.
I fully understand that enrolling in more than 6.0 units at another institution is an exception to standard policy, and I do not make this request lightly. However, considering the extenuating circumstances that have directly impacted my academic trajectory, I believe this is the most appropriate course of action to achieve my academic goals. I have carefully assessed the demands of this increased course load and am confident that, with my mental health now stabilized and with the support systems I have in place, I will be able to manage the additional workload effectively.
I am deeply committed to my academic success and am determined to overcome the setbacks I faced last year. Being granted permission to enroll in more than 6.0 units at another institution will allow me to recover the time lost and ensure that I graduate on schedule. I sincerely hope you will consider my request favorably, taking into account the extenuating circumstances that have led to this petition.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Recognizing the impact on my well-being, I sought support from a healthcare professional, including consultations with a physician, to address the psychological challenges I was facing. However, the path to recovery was gradual, and it wasn’t until the end of the spring 2024 semester that I began to experience meaningful improvement. This delayed recovery forced me to reduce my course load during the academic year, resulting in my inability to complete several prerequisite courses crucial to my degree requirements.
Despite my best efforts to mitigate the effects of these challenges, my academic performance during the 2023/2024 year did not reflect my true capabilities or dedication to my studies. As a result, I find myself behind in my academic progress, with several critical courses still incomplete.
In addition to these challenges, financial and support system issues necessitated my move back home, where I have a stronger support network and can manage living costs more effectively. Given my current situation, I have identified York University as the most accessible and viable option for completing the necessary courses. However, to meet my degree requirements and make up for the credits I was unable to complete last year, I need to enroll in more than 6.0 units at this institution. This additional coursework is essential to ensure that I remain on track to graduate on time.
I fully understand that enrolling in more than 6.0 units at another institution is an exception to standard policy, and I do not make this request lightly. However, considering the extenuating circumstances that have directly impacted my academic trajectory, I believe this is the most appropriate course of action to achieve my academic goals. I have carefully assessed the demands of this increased course load and am confident that, with my mental health now stabilized and with the support systems I have in place, I will be able to manage the additional workload effectively.
I am deeply committed to my academic success and am determined to overcome the setbacks I faced last year. Being granted permission to enroll in more than 6.0 units at another institution will allow me to recover the time lost and ensure that I graduate on schedule. I sincerely hope you will consider my request favorably, taking into account the extenuating circumstances that have led to this petition.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: A. Course of Study
- Degree Plan Status:
I have 6.0 units remaining to complete my History major requirements and 3.0 units left for my French minor.
- Course Enrollment at York University:
To meet these requirements, I plan to enroll in 6.0 units of History courses and one 3.0-unit French course at York University during the upcoming winter term.
B. Course Load
- Part-Time Enrollment:
I will enroll as a part-time student at York University, taking a total of 9.0 units. After careful consideration of my current situation and course demands, I am confident in my ability to manage this workload effectively. My recent move back home has allowed me to establish a supportive environment, and my mental health challenges have been addressed.
- Previous Academic Work
I do not have any outstanding work from previous sessions, as I intentionally reduced my course load during the 2023/2024 year to manage my mental health. My focus for the upcoming term will be on the new courses at York University.
C. Strategies for Success
- Academic Advising:
I will maintain regular communication with my academic advisor at Queen’s University, Alex Geris, to ensure that my course selections align with my degree requirements and that I stay on track for graduation.
- Utilizing Support Resources:
I will engage with York University's academic support team to access resources such as academic counseling, tutoring services, and mental health support. These resources will help me address any academic challenges and ensure my success.
- Study and Time Management:
I will implement a structured study schedule that allocates specific times for each course, incorporates regular review sessions, and sets deadlines for assignments. By breaking down tasks into manageable parts, I aim to avoid feeling overwhelmed and maintain consistent progress throughout the term.
- Support System:
My return home has bolstered my support network, providing me with a stable and encouraging environment conducive to academic success. I will rely on my family and local community for emotional support and practical assistance as needed.
C. Long-Term Goal:
My ultimate objective is to successfully complete the 9.0 units of coursework at York University during the winter term, fulfill my remaining degree requirements, and graduate at the end of the winter term.
- Degree Plan Status:
I have 6.0 units remaining to complete my History major requirements and 3.0 units left for my French minor.
- Course Enrollment at York University:
To meet these requirements, I plan to enroll in 6.0 units of History courses and one 3.0-unit French course at York University during the upcoming winter term.
B. Course Load
- Part-Time Enrollment:
I will enroll as a part-time student at York University, taking a total of 9.0 units. After careful consideration of my current situation and course demands, I am confident in my ability to manage this workload effectively. My recent move back home has allowed me to establish a supportive environment, and my mental health challenges have been addressed.
- Previous Academic Work
I do not have any outstanding work from previous sessions, as I intentionally reduced my course load during the 2023/2024 year to manage my mental health. My focus for the upcoming term will be on the new courses at York University.
C. Strategies for Success
- Academic Advising:
I will maintain regular communication with my academic advisor at Queen’s University, Alex Geris, to ensure that my course selections align with my degree requirements and that I stay on track for graduation.
- Utilizing Support Resources:
I will engage with York University's academic support team to access resources such as academic counseling, tutoring services, and mental health support. These resources will help me address any academic challenges and ensure my success.
- Study and Time Management:
I will implement a structured study schedule that allocates specific times for each course, incorporates regular review sessions, and sets deadlines for assignments. By breaking down tasks into manageable parts, I aim to avoid feeling overwhelmed and maintain consistent progress throughout the term.
- Support System:
My return home has bolstered my support network, providing me with a stable and encouraging environment conducive to academic success. I will rely on my family and local community for emotional support and practical assistance as needed.
C. Long-Term Goal:
My ultimate objective is to successfully complete the 9.0 units of coursework at York University during the winter term, fulfill my remaining degree requirements, and graduate at the end of the winter term.
Documentation
Professional Letter Detail: NO DOC