Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: After my first year, I fell into deep thought regarding what my future goals were, what I was truly passionate about, and what sort of academic journey would be compatible with myself. I analyzed my strengths and tendencies and realized neuroscience is the hidden passion that I had been looking for. It was only in my 3rd-4th year that I realized a more specific form of this passion in computational neuroscience. I have increasingly become interested in developing brian-computer interfaces to help patients with ALS, MS, and cerebral palsy. As such, I extended my interest toward many professors around Canada to pursue a master's degree exploring such technology. I became quickly aware that, despite my knowledge in neuroscience, a computational background was missing.

The path of the biomedical discovery stream was laid out for me and I was thoughtlessly walking it; but it was only too late, after the add/drop deadline, that I realized that my education is mine to take charge of. Due to this, my desire to enroll in NSCi850 breached my thought space. This course, I believe, will help prepare me for my graduate academic career and burgeon the necessary skills required for me to effectively develop brain-computer interfaces.

I extend my deepest apologies for violating common policy, however, my mind was dissonant after the realization that such a course would be of great benefit. I would have regretted walking the path that was laid out to me.

Therefore, I am appealing for dropping PHAR450 and adding NSCI850. I have already been given permission by Michael Kawaja, the associate dean of life sciences and biochemistry, and Gunnar Blohm, the professor for NSCI850. The acceptance of this appeal will not only help prepare me for my graduate career but also keep the flame of my passion lit and informed.

Your's sincerely,

Jae Moon