Petition Letter
Dear Associate Dean,
I am writing to request approval to exceed the 6.0-unit limit for transfer credits through a Letter of Permission.
I recently received a formal diagnosis of ADHD, anxiety, and major depressive disorder (spring 2025). As part of my treatment and wellness plan, I have moved back home, which makes commuting to Queen’s (over two hours each way) a significant barrier to completing required courses in person.
In-person settings present additional barriers. The heightened social and sensory environment of classrooms often triggers severe anxiety symptoms, making it difficult to focus or remain present. Group discussions, debates, and presentations can become overwhelming, as the performance and social pressure in those situations can lead to panic symptoms and cognitive shutdown. Even the process of commuting to and from campus and navigating crowded spaces can significantly worsen my symptoms and hinder my academic performance.
To stay on track for graduation, I am requesting approval to take the following upper 400-level online courses at Athabasca University and have them recognized as equivalents to Queen’s courses:
(First 6.0 Credits)
GOVN 400 → Equivalent to POLS 4UNS
GOVN 444 → Equivalent to POLS 4UNS
(Additional Credits / Reason for Petition)
CMNS 419 → Equivalent to FILM 455
CMNS 420 → Equivalent to (Date course taken out of range / has not been reviewed yet)
Unsure if CMNS 420 is equivalent to Film and Media 400 at Queen’s, as it has not been reviewed up.
These courses will allow me to complete my degree requirements in a way that is compatible with my health circumstances and academic needs. I have attached my psychological assessment and supporting documentation to confirm my diagnoses and the impact on my studies.
I respectfully ask that my situation be considered an extenuating circumstance, as permitted under Queen’s policy, and that I be granted permission to exceed the standard 6.0-unit cap for transfer credits.
Thank you for your time and understanding. I would be happy to provide any additional information.
Sincerely,
Jack Beaulieu
I am writing to request approval to exceed the 6.0-unit limit for transfer credits through a Letter of Permission.
I recently received a formal diagnosis of ADHD, anxiety, and major depressive disorder (spring 2025). As part of my treatment and wellness plan, I have moved back home, which makes commuting to Queen’s (over two hours each way) a significant barrier to completing required courses in person.
In-person settings present additional barriers. The heightened social and sensory environment of classrooms often triggers severe anxiety symptoms, making it difficult to focus or remain present. Group discussions, debates, and presentations can become overwhelming, as the performance and social pressure in those situations can lead to panic symptoms and cognitive shutdown. Even the process of commuting to and from campus and navigating crowded spaces can significantly worsen my symptoms and hinder my academic performance.
To stay on track for graduation, I am requesting approval to take the following upper 400-level online courses at Athabasca University and have them recognized as equivalents to Queen’s courses:
(First 6.0 Credits)
GOVN 400 → Equivalent to POLS 4UNS
GOVN 444 → Equivalent to POLS 4UNS
(Additional Credits / Reason for Petition)
CMNS 419 → Equivalent to FILM 455
CMNS 420 → Equivalent to (Date course taken out of range / has not been reviewed yet)
Unsure if CMNS 420 is equivalent to Film and Media 400 at Queen’s, as it has not been reviewed up.
These courses will allow me to complete my degree requirements in a way that is compatible with my health circumstances and academic needs. I have attached my psychological assessment and supporting documentation to confirm my diagnoses and the impact on my studies.
I respectfully ask that my situation be considered an extenuating circumstance, as permitted under Queen’s policy, and that I be granted permission to exceed the standard 6.0-unit cap for transfer credits.
Thank you for your time and understanding. I would be happy to provide any additional information.
Sincerely,
Jack Beaulieu