Petition Letter
Dear Associate Dean,
I am writing to formally petition for an exception to the 6.0-unit maximum for courses taken elsewhere via a Letter of Permission (LOP), as outlined in Academic Regulation 14.1. I am requesting permission to complete 30.0 units at Athabasca University over the next three terms to facilitate my early graduation and subsequent entry into the Queen’s Consecutive Education program in May 2027.
I. Basis for Exception - Extenuating Circumstances and Unique Learning Opportunity: My request is based on a combination of geographic barriers and professional necessity that meet the criteria for an exception under Faculty regulations:
Geographic Barrier and Time Management: Residing in South Frontenac, approximately one hour from campus, requires a daily commute of 2.5 hours when factoring in travel and parking. This geographic distance presents a significant barrier to my ability to maintain on-campus study while managing my household and familial responsibilities.
Unique Academic Delivery: The individualized, asynchronous online delivery provided by Athabasca University offers an exceptional learning experience not available through Queen’s for these specific courses. This flexibility is essential for me to accelerate my degree progress without the logistical constraints of a fixed Kingston-based schedule.
Professional Urgency: As a 24-year-old mature student and recently married, I am eager to enter the teaching profession, a high-need field in Ontario. Granting this exception allows me to graduate a year early, enabling me to begin my professional training at the Queen’s Faculty of Education sooner.
II. Academic Viability and Plan: I have taken the following steps to ensure my plan adheres to all academic standards:
Departmental Support: I have secured the formal support of my Undergraduate Chair, Dr. Paritosh Kumar, and have reached out to applicable departments to confirm that the 30.0 units are academic equivalents in both weight and content.
Alignment with Degree Requirements: I have attached a refined Academic Plan that details how each course fulfills my Major, Minor, and Teaching Subject prerequisites.
Core Credit Commitment: I intend to complete my senior-level core courses (DEVS 302/340 and DEVS 492/493) at Queen’s University to maintain my strong connection to the institution.
III. Eligibility Confirmation: I currently meet all non-petitionable eligibility criteria: I am in Good Academic Standing (GPA > 1.90), have completed at least 6.0 units at Queen’s, and have no more than 3.0 units of incomplete (IN) grades .
Thank you for your consideration of this petition to help me balance my academic goals with my commitment to my family and future career in education.
Sincerely,
Michael Wall
Student ID: 20492303
I am writing to formally petition for an exception to the 6.0-unit maximum for courses taken elsewhere via a Letter of Permission (LOP), as outlined in Academic Regulation 14.1. I am requesting permission to complete 30.0 units at Athabasca University over the next three terms to facilitate my early graduation and subsequent entry into the Queen’s Consecutive Education program in May 2027.
I. Basis for Exception - Extenuating Circumstances and Unique Learning Opportunity: My request is based on a combination of geographic barriers and professional necessity that meet the criteria for an exception under Faculty regulations:
Geographic Barrier and Time Management: Residing in South Frontenac, approximately one hour from campus, requires a daily commute of 2.5 hours when factoring in travel and parking. This geographic distance presents a significant barrier to my ability to maintain on-campus study while managing my household and familial responsibilities.
Unique Academic Delivery: The individualized, asynchronous online delivery provided by Athabasca University offers an exceptional learning experience not available through Queen’s for these specific courses. This flexibility is essential for me to accelerate my degree progress without the logistical constraints of a fixed Kingston-based schedule.
Professional Urgency: As a 24-year-old mature student and recently married, I am eager to enter the teaching profession, a high-need field in Ontario. Granting this exception allows me to graduate a year early, enabling me to begin my professional training at the Queen’s Faculty of Education sooner.
II. Academic Viability and Plan: I have taken the following steps to ensure my plan adheres to all academic standards:
Departmental Support: I have secured the formal support of my Undergraduate Chair, Dr. Paritosh Kumar, and have reached out to applicable departments to confirm that the 30.0 units are academic equivalents in both weight and content.
Alignment with Degree Requirements: I have attached a refined Academic Plan that details how each course fulfills my Major, Minor, and Teaching Subject prerequisites.
Core Credit Commitment: I intend to complete my senior-level core courses (DEVS 302/340 and DEVS 492/493) at Queen’s University to maintain my strong connection to the institution.
III. Eligibility Confirmation: I currently meet all non-petitionable eligibility criteria: I am in Good Academic Standing (GPA > 1.90), have completed at least 6.0 units at Queen’s, and have no more than 3.0 units of incomplete (IN) grades .
Thank you for your consideration of this petition to help me balance my academic goals with my commitment to my family and future career in education.
Sincerely,
Michael Wall
Student ID: 20492303