Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dr. Dorit Naaman,

I am writing to you to petition for permission to transfer more than the six-credit maximum currently allowed by faculty regulations. I would like the opportunity to transfer fifteen credits. I recognize that these policies are put in place to ensure fairness, consistency, and academic integrity, which I greatly respect. At the same time, I believe that my situation and goals warrant thoughtful consideration for an exception. I would like to explain why receiving approval to transfer additional credits would meaningfully support both my academic journey and future aspirations.

Allowing me to transfer these additional credits would have several meaningful impacts on my education. First, it would prevent unnecessary duplication of coursework. Without approval, I might take classes abroad similar to classes I would take at Queen’s. This would neither expand my knowledge nor provide new intellectual challenges. Secondly, I want to build on the foundation I have created here at Queen’s. Canadian education has been a great experience, but learning subjects in a new country allows me to adapt to their culture in a unique and meaningful way. With the additional transfer credits, the faculty would be giving me the chance to reach further and push myself academically in new ways.

On a more personal level, being able to transfer these additional credits would also reduce unnecessary financial and emotional stress. Like many students, I am balancing academic responsibilities with financial considerations. Retaking courses I have already completed would mean paying again for material I have somewhat seen, which would not be the best use of limited resources and spots for other students who are required to take these courses. At the same time, it would add to my course load and delay my ability to fully focus on the learning experiences that are most relevant to my goals. By allowing me to transfer these credits, you would be supporting not only my chance to become knowledgeable in new areas but also my ability to pursue my education in a sustainable way.

If I were to only take six credits worth of classes when abroad, this would delay my academic journey severely. In the future I would like to apply for the Certificate of Commerce, which is already an extra four classes to my time here at Queen’s (as two of the six can be applied to my degree as elective credits). I don’t want to fall far behind my peers, and want to continue pursuing a path where I will graduate on time in order to attend grad school directly after I graduate.

I am currently searching for schools to apply to abroad. I believe this experience would elevate me as a person entirely. Not only is it a true new form of independence, but it involves completely immersing myself in a culture, beginning with their education system. I would preferably like to go somewhere in Europe and I have begun the application process to schools in London, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, and Zurich. I plan to take courses that I could bring back to Queen’s as my transfer credits. This way when I continue with my core courses that go along with the Life Sciences degree plan, I am learning them from my home university.

Experiencing another culture is an essential part of studying abroad. I plan on learning the basics of the local language prior to arrival as it shows respect and helps you connect with people. Whilst being in a new country, I plan on approaching cultural differences with curiosity rather than judgment as it creates growth from the experience. I believe that studying abroad will have a great effect on my perspectives and allow me to gain meaningful insight into life outside of Canada. There is no better way to educate yourself than through lived experiences, especially those that challenge you to step outside of your comfort zone. Immersing myself in a new cultural and academic environment would not only broaden my understanding of the world but also strengthen my adaptability, independence, and appreciation for diversity.

Finally, I would like to emphasize my dedication to contributing meaningfully to the community that accepts me. I am not asking for this exception lightly, I am requesting it so that I can fully participate in all that one of these universities and cities has to offer. I want to spend my time engaging in a new culture, collaborating with peers, and taking on the kinds of challenges that will prepare me for the next steps in my academic and professional journey. I am confident that I have the ability, the drive, and the record of academic success to demonstrate that this trust in me would not be misplaced.

Sincerely,

Josie Webb