Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Manage Appeals

Petition Type: New
ID: 13641
Submitted: September 30, 2025 at 12:35:55 PM
First Name: Laila
Last Name: Youngman
Pronoun: She/her
Preferred Name: Laila
Student Number: 20404884
Degree Program: BSH
Plan: LISC
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 Dr. Naaman,

I hope this message finds you well. My name is Laila Youngman, I am a third-year student in Life Sciences at Queen’s. I am writing to respectfully request an exemption from the 6.0-unit limit for study abroad programs, specifically for my upcoming exchange in the winter term at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB).

This exchange presents a unique opportunity for me to not only dive into new areas of study, but discover the various cultural and educational opportunities overseas. Despite being a student studying sciences at Queen's, I currently find myself unsure what exactly I want to do in my career after university. I'm very eager to take courses at UAB that will help me with my degree while also allowing me to learn more about other subjects and study highly interdisciplinary ones. This will present a more comprehensive viewpoint on various academic disciplines, employment opportunities, and global concerns. Specifically, the courses I am interested in taking are Spanish Contemporary Art, Politics of the Developing World, Intercultural Communication, Urban Interventions: Graffiti & Public Sculpture, and Modernism.

I completely understand the regulation limiting students to 6.0 units, however, I believe this restriction would prevent me from fully benefiting from this rare academic opportunity, which would greatly enhance my experience at Queen’s. I have looked into the many course possibilities and have taken the time to select these courses because I want to expand my knowledge in both my major and in new areas. Taking a full 15.0 unit course load will not only allow me to progress academically and expand my learning but also prepare me to thrive in diverse professional environments.

I understand you have many commitments, and I truly appreciate your time in considering my request. I believe the additional courses will greatly enrich my academic journey, and I am grateful for your attention to this matter.

Best wishes for an enjoyable fall,

Laila Youngman

Academic Plan

Academic Plan: To ensure I achieve academic success, I am committed to creating a structured and sustainable approach to my studies while abroad. First, I will focus on effective time management by carefully planning and organizing my workload across the semester so that I can fully engage with each course while avoiding overextension. Building on the strategies that have worked for me at Queen’s, I intend to implement a detailed weekly schedule that designates specific time blocks for lectures and assignments, as well as studying for exams. This routine will provide structure and accountability, helping me stay on top of tasks and manage multiple courses at once.

In addition to personal organization, I will actively seek academic guidance throughout the term and connect with my academic advisors at Queen’s whenever I need to, as well as consult with faculty members at UAB as necessary. This way I will be able to successfully monitor my progress and ensure that I am meeting requirements for both institutions. By maintaining this support system, I can address challenges promptly rather than allowing them to build up.

Equally important, I will prioritize personal well-being and balance, recognizing that academic success depends on both productivity and resilience. I will stay connected with family and friends for encouragement, while also taking advantage of the student support services available at Queen’s and UAB to manage stress and maintain a healthy routine. Through this combination of structured study habits, and attention to personal well-being, I am confident that I can handle the academic demands of my exchange while making the most of this valuable opportunity.

Documentation

Professional Letter Detail: NO DOC