Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 2095
Submitted: April 20, 2016 at 1:25:44 PM
First Name: Aliya
Last Name: Bean
Student Number: 10097590
Email: asbean@shaw.ca
Degree Program: BSH
Plan: PSYC
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: I am appealing to take third and fourth year courses on a letter of permission through the University of Calgary.
After being tremendously ill for many months, I was first diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in December of 2014. I have battled endlessly with my illness from this point, seeking countless specialist doctors and trialing several unsuccessful medications. After a year, my symptoms progressed to an unmanageable state, in which I was in constant pain and discomfort, losing an obscene amount of blood, and I was unable to properly attend classes or complete my work. After returning to school in January 2016 after winter break, I quickly came to the realization that not only was I unable to get healthy whilst attempting to complete my degree, but that it was imperative that I take time away from school to focus on healing. I have since moved back to Calgary to take the Winter 2016 semester off, and to begin a new treatment called Entyvio. Entyvio is a biologic drug administered intravenously every eight weeks, and is often prescribed after all alternative oral medications have failed. This drug has thus far proven to be effective.
Ulcerative Colitis has made academic success difficult, if not impossible. I am faced with constant exhaustion and lethargies, and ongoing pain and discomfort. Further, with an irritable bowel disorder comes spontaneous and urgent bathroom breaks, which disrupt my studies, cut into exam time, and create difficulty focusing. I have always been a high-achieving student, with an immense drive to succeed and a true passion for a career in the field of psychology. If I were to continue my studies at Queen¿¿s University whilst still ill, I do not believe I would be able to achieve the grades that I would need in order to pursue the renowned graduate programs I look forward to attending.
After being tremendously ill for many months, I was first diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in December of 2014. I have battled endlessly with my illness from this point, seeking countless specialist doctors and trialing several unsuccessful medications. After a year, my symptoms progressed to an unmanageable state, in which I was in constant pain and discomfort, losing an obscene amount of blood, and I was unable to properly attend classes or complete my work. After returning to school in January 2016 after winter break, I quickly came to the realization that not only was I unable to get healthy whilst attempting to complete my degree, but that it was imperative that I take time away from school to focus on healing. I have since moved back to Calgary to take the Winter 2016 semester off, and to begin a new treatment called Entyvio. Entyvio is a biologic drug administered intravenously every eight weeks, and is often prescribed after all alternative oral medications have failed. This drug has thus far proven to be effective.
Ulcerative Colitis has made academic success difficult, if not impossible. I am faced with constant exhaustion and lethargies, and ongoing pain and discomfort. Further, with an irritable bowel disorder comes spontaneous and urgent bathroom breaks, which disrupt my studies, cut into exam time, and create difficulty focusing. I have always been a high-achieving student, with an immense drive to succeed and a true passion for a career in the field of psychology. If I were to continue my studies at Queen¿¿s University whilst still ill, I do not believe I would be able to achieve the grades that I would need in order to pursue the renowned graduate programs I look forward to attending.
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: My intention is to continue my academic leave until the Fall 2016 term so to focus on the healing and management of my ulcerative colitis. In the fall, I will attend the University of Calgary as a visiting student on a letter of permission, so I will be able to complete the third and fourth year courses required for my degree. I intend on completing all additional elective courses online, so that the majority of my courses are taken through Queen¿¿s. This academic detour would be extraordinarily beneficial in several regards. Firstly, remaining in Calgary will allow for me to remain close to my doctors and support systems, which will aid in ease around receiving proper treatment and providing a more nurturing healing environment. Secondly, it would prevent me from having to fully transfer to the University of Calgary and repeating my first semester of third year. If I were to do so, I would subsequently be forced to graduate with a degree from the University of Calgary as opposed to the Queen¿¿s degree I have worked so hard to earn.
I am truly saddened by my decision to leave the university that I have grown to cherish over the years. Although I wish that I could return to Queen¿¿s in the fall, I believe that the continuation of my studies through the University of Calgary will allow for me not only to get healthy, but to achieve the academic success I know I am capable of.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
I am truly saddened by my decision to leave the university that I have grown to cherish over the years. Although I wish that I could return to Queen¿¿s in the fall, I believe that the continuation of my studies through the University of Calgary will allow for me not only to get healthy, but to achieve the academic success I know I am capable of.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Documentation
Professional Letter: 12986327_10154636763261840_477602610_o-0.jpg
Professional Letter Detail: Off-Campus Physician's Note