Academic Plan
I am currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Computing - Computer Science program at Queen’s University. Over the past year, I have faced significant personal challenges that have affected my ability to keep up with class lectures. These challenges have made it difficult for me to grasp the course material effectively in a traditional classroom setting. Therefore, I am requesting an exception to the 6.0-unit limit for courses taken via a Letter of Permission. This request is to allow me to take CISC 447 online at Athabasca University (equivalent to COMP 400) to enhance my understanding and retention of the course content.
My immediate academic goal is to successfully complete CISC 447, a core requirement for my degree, by taking the equivalent course (COMP 400) online at Athabasca University. This will prevent any delays in my graduation and ensure that I complete my degree requirements on time. In the long term, I aim to graduate by the end of winter 2025 term while maintaining my academic performance and managing my mental health effectively.
Addressing Mental Health:
Last summer, I visited a therapist in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (international student) and was prescribed medication to manage my anxiety and OCD - my therapist prescribed me meds until December 2023 as part of my treatment.
While I have completed my treatment, I have found it challenging to keep up with my studies, and my anxiety symptoms have resurfaced. In winter of 2024 I had to drop a mandatory in person course at Queen's and take the alternative course online (COMP 347) with Athabasca University.
I am actively working on managing my anxiety with the support of friends and family.
I have explored options to join a therapist at Queen's University, as coordinating sessions with my therapist in Dubai is difficult due to time zone differences. I have booked an appointment over the summer to find someone I am comfortable with speaking and someone to work with on finding the best studying strategy.
Adapting Learning Environment:
I have realized that the online format of courses allows me to better understand and retain the material as well as manage my course load.
My previous successful experiences with online courses at Athabasca University and Queen’s University have shown that this format is more suitable for my current learning needs.
Therefore, I am requesting an exception to the 6.0-unit limit for courses taken via a Letter of Permission to facilitate taking COMP 400 online (CISC 447).
Support and Resources:
I have consulted and obtained support from Dr. Yuanzhu Chen, the Undergraduate Chair of Computing.
I am actively trying to engage with various university resources, student wellness services, and peer mentor programs, to ensure I receive the necessary support. I will further engage as I open up more and try my hardest to find a healthy study habit that will prevent me from drowning.
I continue to manage my mental health with the help of university resources and personal support networks.
I am formally requesting permission to take CISC 447 (equivalent to COMP 400) online at Athabasca University due to my extenuating circumstances and the necessity to manage my mental health effectively. I believe that this adjustment will enable me to successfully complete my degree requirements and graduate on time without compromising my well-being.
Thank you for considering my request.
My immediate academic goal is to successfully complete CISC 447, a core requirement for my degree, by taking the equivalent course (COMP 400) online at Athabasca University. This will prevent any delays in my graduation and ensure that I complete my degree requirements on time. In the long term, I aim to graduate by the end of winter 2025 term while maintaining my academic performance and managing my mental health effectively.
Addressing Mental Health:
Last summer, I visited a therapist in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (international student) and was prescribed medication to manage my anxiety and OCD - my therapist prescribed me meds until December 2023 as part of my treatment.
While I have completed my treatment, I have found it challenging to keep up with my studies, and my anxiety symptoms have resurfaced. In winter of 2024 I had to drop a mandatory in person course at Queen's and take the alternative course online (COMP 347) with Athabasca University.
I am actively working on managing my anxiety with the support of friends and family.
I have explored options to join a therapist at Queen's University, as coordinating sessions with my therapist in Dubai is difficult due to time zone differences. I have booked an appointment over the summer to find someone I am comfortable with speaking and someone to work with on finding the best studying strategy.
Adapting Learning Environment:
I have realized that the online format of courses allows me to better understand and retain the material as well as manage my course load.
My previous successful experiences with online courses at Athabasca University and Queen’s University have shown that this format is more suitable for my current learning needs.
Therefore, I am requesting an exception to the 6.0-unit limit for courses taken via a Letter of Permission to facilitate taking COMP 400 online (CISC 447).
Support and Resources:
I have consulted and obtained support from Dr. Yuanzhu Chen, the Undergraduate Chair of Computing.
I am actively trying to engage with various university resources, student wellness services, and peer mentor programs, to ensure I receive the necessary support. I will further engage as I open up more and try my hardest to find a healthy study habit that will prevent me from drowning.
I continue to manage my mental health with the help of university resources and personal support networks.
I am formally requesting permission to take CISC 447 (equivalent to COMP 400) online at Athabasca University due to my extenuating circumstances and the necessity to manage my mental health effectively. I believe that this adjustment will enable me to successfully complete my degree requirements and graduate on time without compromising my well-being.
Thank you for considering my request.