Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 14569
Submitted: July 20, 2026 at 8:22:29 AM
First Name: Samantha
Last Name: Morris
Pronoun: She
Preferred Name: Sami
Student Number: 20334333
Email: 21sm167@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BA
Plan: EMPR
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:
I am writing to request permission to complete another course through Athabasca University under a Letter of Permission.
Over the past five years at Queen’s, I have experienced several significant health challenges and personal circumstances that have been beyond my control and have greatly affected my academic progress.
In my first year, I struggled with my mental health while adjusting to university. This was made even more difficult because I had experienced the trauma of a carjacking shortly before starting at Queen’s. The combination of these challenges had a significant impact on my ability to adjust to university life and perform at my best academically.
Since then, I have experienced ongoing medical issues that have continued to interrupt my studies. In one year, I underwent two major surgeries, which required long recovery periods and caused me to miss an entire semester. In another year, I became seriously ill again and was in and out of the hospital, causing me to miss another semester. Throughout this time, I worked closely with my healthcare team, attended appointments, followed treatment plans, and did everything I could to continue my education while managing my health.
Because of these ongoing challenges, I had to change my academic plan from a four-year degree to a three-year degree. Although this was not the path I had originally planned, I remained committed to completing my degree and have continued working toward that goal whenever my health has allowed.
I have previously been granted a Letter of Permission to complete a 6.0-unit course through Athabasca University, which allowed me to continue making progress toward my degree while accommodating my medical circumstances. I am now requesting permission to complete another course through Athabasca for the same reason. This flexibility would allow me to continue progressing toward graduation while managing my health.
Despite the setbacks I have faced throughout my time at Queen’s, I have remained committed to my education and have continued working toward completing my degree. I respectfully ask that you consider my documented extenuating circumstances and approve my request.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Sami Morris
I am writing to request permission to complete another course through Athabasca University under a Letter of Permission.
Over the past five years at Queen’s, I have experienced several significant health challenges and personal circumstances that have been beyond my control and have greatly affected my academic progress.
In my first year, I struggled with my mental health while adjusting to university. This was made even more difficult because I had experienced the trauma of a carjacking shortly before starting at Queen’s. The combination of these challenges had a significant impact on my ability to adjust to university life and perform at my best academically.
Since then, I have experienced ongoing medical issues that have continued to interrupt my studies. In one year, I underwent two major surgeries, which required long recovery periods and caused me to miss an entire semester. In another year, I became seriously ill again and was in and out of the hospital, causing me to miss another semester. Throughout this time, I worked closely with my healthcare team, attended appointments, followed treatment plans, and did everything I could to continue my education while managing my health.
Because of these ongoing challenges, I had to change my academic plan from a four-year degree to a three-year degree. Although this was not the path I had originally planned, I remained committed to completing my degree and have continued working toward that goal whenever my health has allowed.
I have previously been granted a Letter of Permission to complete a 6.0-unit course through Athabasca University, which allowed me to continue making progress toward my degree while accommodating my medical circumstances. I am now requesting permission to complete another course through Athabasca for the same reason. This flexibility would allow me to continue progressing toward graduation while managing my health.
Despite the setbacks I have faced throughout my time at Queen’s, I have remained committed to my education and have continued working toward completing my degree. I respectfully ask that you consider my documented extenuating circumstances and approve my request.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Sami Morris
Academic Plan
Academic Plan:
To support my academic success moving forward, I have adjusted my degree plan from a four-year program to a three-year General Bachelor of Arts. This change allows me to complete my degree while managing my ongoing health challenges more effectively.
I also plan to take a reduced course load of two courses per semester. This will allow me to better balance my academic responsibilities with my medical appointments, treatment, and overall health while continuing to make steady progress toward graduation.
I will continue to work closely with my healthcare team to manage my health and access academic supports when needed. I believe these adjustments will allow me to successfully complete my remaining degree requirements.
To support my academic success moving forward, I have adjusted my degree plan from a four-year program to a three-year General Bachelor of Arts. This change allows me to complete my degree while managing my ongoing health challenges more effectively.
I also plan to take a reduced course load of two courses per semester. This will allow me to better balance my academic responsibilities with my medical appointments, treatment, and overall health while continuing to make steady progress toward graduation.
I will continue to work closely with my healthcare team to manage my health and access academic supports when needed. I believe these adjustments will allow me to successfully complete my remaining degree requirements.
Documentation
Professional Letter Detail: NO DOC
Amendment to Appeal 14569
Relevant Petition: 14569
Student Number: 20334333
Documentation
Professional Letter: Export-SM-AG-20260727.pdf