Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 4327
Submitted: March 23, 2018 at 12:30:04 AM
First Name: Lucas
Last Name: Costello
Student Number: 3833976
Email: lucascostello@gmail.com
Degree Program: BA
Plan: DRAM
Level of Study: 3
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: Dear Dr. Atkinson and Dr. Bénard,
I am writing this appeal today with the hope of resuming my studies at Queen¿¿s University in the Summer semester and to complete my degree as a part time online student by Summer 2019.
In my 18 years away from Queen¿¿s, I have pursued various career paths, including music production and performance, freelance journalism (writing for The Globe & Mail, TVO, Spacing and others), and most recently in politics. My work in politics has included being: a campaign organizer (where I helped candidates win at all levels of government); a Constituency Assistant to a Toronto City Councillor; and most recently as an Outreach Officer for the government caucus here in Calgary. Through all of this work I have better developed my time management skills, my focus on meeting deadlines, and the foresight to ask for help when I need it.
Further, in my time away from Queen¿¿s, I was diagnosed with ADHD and have since sought treatment. This treatment has made previously unrecognized barriers dissolve and lead to a much more productive, mindful, and present life.
Finally, one of my biggest obstacles for a fully self-actualized life, one that I believe includes academic success, was a decades long struggle with alcohol and substance abuse. After several attempts, this year will mark my fifth year of sobriety. I continue to attend support groups on an as needed basis, when faced with challenges that may take me off course.
If my appeal is accepted, I intend to take to my studies with rigor - and to excel in each course I register for.
Thank you for considering my appeal,
Lucas Costello
I am writing this appeal today with the hope of resuming my studies at Queen¿¿s University in the Summer semester and to complete my degree as a part time online student by Summer 2019.
In my 18 years away from Queen¿¿s, I have pursued various career paths, including music production and performance, freelance journalism (writing for The Globe & Mail, TVO, Spacing and others), and most recently in politics. My work in politics has included being: a campaign organizer (where I helped candidates win at all levels of government); a Constituency Assistant to a Toronto City Councillor; and most recently as an Outreach Officer for the government caucus here in Calgary. Through all of this work I have better developed my time management skills, my focus on meeting deadlines, and the foresight to ask for help when I need it.
Further, in my time away from Queen¿¿s, I was diagnosed with ADHD and have since sought treatment. This treatment has made previously unrecognized barriers dissolve and lead to a much more productive, mindful, and present life.
Finally, one of my biggest obstacles for a fully self-actualized life, one that I believe includes academic success, was a decades long struggle with alcohol and substance abuse. After several attempts, this year will mark my fifth year of sobriety. I continue to attend support groups on an as needed basis, when faced with challenges that may take me off course.
If my appeal is accepted, I intend to take to my studies with rigor - and to excel in each course I register for.
Thank you for considering my appeal,
Lucas Costello
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: Dear Dr. Atkinson and Dr. Bénard,
I have spoken with the the Dan School of Drama and Music, Chair of Undergraduate Studies, Jenn Stephenson, and she has confirmed that I have the required number of credits for the DRAM portion of a General BA in Drama. Having also spoken and confirmed with an Academic Advisor, it is clear that I only have to complete 15.0 more elective units in order to complete my BA.
I intend to complete these units by re-enrolling as a Part-Time student and registering for Queen¿¿s online courses - beginning with a total of 3.0 units per term. I know that one course per term will be manageable for me both financially and personally, as I have done equivalent studies and work with professional development courses provided by, or suggested by previous employers. If I find myself with the time and capacity to take on additional courses, I would enroll in no more than 6.0 units per term. However, at 3.0 units per term, with the possibility of taking one course in May/June and one course in July/August - I would like to complete my degree by Summer 2019 at the latest.
As my career has taken me toward a career in frontline politics and organizing, I intend to focus on taking elective courses in Entrepeneurship & Innovation (ENIN) and Employment Relations (EMPR) studies. Ideally, I would be able to resume my studies by enrolling in ENIN 204 as soon as my readmission is approved.
In terms of my past barriers to success as a student, as I mentioned in the above Appeal, I have developed strategies and skills in my working life that will address many of the challenges that I wasn¿¿t able to overcome in my late teens/early twenties. If I discover new challenges upon resuming my studies, I intend to avail myself of the student resources that are available to Part-Time Distance students, whenever the need arises.
Thank you for your consideration,
Lucas Costello
I have spoken with the the Dan School of Drama and Music, Chair of Undergraduate Studies, Jenn Stephenson, and she has confirmed that I have the required number of credits for the DRAM portion of a General BA in Drama. Having also spoken and confirmed with an Academic Advisor, it is clear that I only have to complete 15.0 more elective units in order to complete my BA.
I intend to complete these units by re-enrolling as a Part-Time student and registering for Queen¿¿s online courses - beginning with a total of 3.0 units per term. I know that one course per term will be manageable for me both financially and personally, as I have done equivalent studies and work with professional development courses provided by, or suggested by previous employers. If I find myself with the time and capacity to take on additional courses, I would enroll in no more than 6.0 units per term. However, at 3.0 units per term, with the possibility of taking one course in May/June and one course in July/August - I would like to complete my degree by Summer 2019 at the latest.
As my career has taken me toward a career in frontline politics and organizing, I intend to focus on taking elective courses in Entrepeneurship & Innovation (ENIN) and Employment Relations (EMPR) studies. Ideally, I would be able to resume my studies by enrolling in ENIN 204 as soon as my readmission is approved.
In terms of my past barriers to success as a student, as I mentioned in the above Appeal, I have developed strategies and skills in my working life that will address many of the challenges that I wasn¿¿t able to overcome in my late teens/early twenties. If I discover new challenges upon resuming my studies, I intend to avail myself of the student resources that are available to Part-Time Distance students, whenever the need arises.
Thank you for your consideration,
Lucas Costello
Documentation
Professional Letter Detail: NO DOC
History
Originally submitted March 23, 2018 at 12:30:04 AM.
| Field | Reference | Old Value | New Value | Note | User | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| status | N/A | Received | Prepared for Review | Kerri Andrews | 2018-03-23 10:14:50 AM | |
| status | N/A | Prepared for Review | Received | Kerri Andrews | 2018-03-23 10:25:09 AM | |
| status | N/A | Received | Prepared for Review | Carrie Roosenmaalen | 2018-03-23 2:52:17 PM | |
| status | N/A | Prepared for Review | In Review | Spring Forsberg | 2018-03-26 10:18:12 AM | |
| status | N/A | In Review | Withdrawn | Spring Forsberg | 2018-03-28 11:05:47 AM |