Petition Letter
I am writing to request permission to complete another course through Athabasca University under a Letter of Permission.
Over the past five years at Queen’s, I have experienced several significant health challenges and personal circumstances that have been beyond my control and have greatly affected my academic progress.
In my first year, I struggled with my mental health while adjusting to university. This was made even more difficult because I had experienced the trauma of a carjacking shortly before starting at Queen’s. The combination of these challenges had a significant impact on my ability to adjust to university life and perform at my best academically.
Since then, I have experienced ongoing medical issues that have continued to interrupt my studies. In one year, I underwent two major surgeries, which required long recovery periods and caused me to miss an entire semester. In another year, I became seriously ill again and was in and out of the hospital, causing me to miss another semester. Throughout this time, I worked closely with my healthcare team, attended appointments, followed treatment plans, and did everything I could to continue my education while managing my health.
Because of these ongoing challenges, I had to change my academic plan from a four-year degree to a three-year degree. Although this was not the path I had originally planned, I remained committed to completing my degree and have continued working toward that goal whenever my health has allowed.
I have previously been granted a Letter of Permission to complete a 6.0-unit course through Athabasca University, which allowed me to continue making progress toward my degree while accommodating my medical circumstances. I am now requesting permission to complete another course through Athabasca for the same reason. This flexibility would allow me to continue progressing toward graduation while managing my health.
Despite the setbacks I have faced throughout my time at Queen’s, I have remained committed to my education and have continued working toward completing my degree. I respectfully ask that you consider my documented extenuating circumstances and approve my request.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Sami Morris