Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Queen’s Faculty,

I am a third-year Psychology Degree-seeking student in the Arts and Science Online program. I am writing to you today in hopes that I can complete 12 units (four courses) this coming fall semester at John Cabot University in Rome under an International Letter of Permission. I will be attending this accredited American university in Rome as a part of their semester abroad program.

I am an adult student and I decided to return to school a few years after pursuing my first post-secondary diploma when I was faced with some major health issues that forced me to re-evaluate the path I was on. After suffering from severe chronic illness symptoms that began in 2020, I have since been diagnosed with Mould Toxicity. My health was still very fragile when I began my first year at Queen’s, however, I felt that the ASO program’s asynchronous nature suited my circumstances very well. While the ability to work on my degree at my own pace was a blessing during the ebbs and flows of my health challenges, its unforeseen downside is that I have spent the majority of the past few years in complete isolation. My health is not perfect, but I have come a long way from my nearly bedridden state and I have been longing for a sense of community, and connection with peers.

To boost my spirits, I sought out a change of environment and pace when I had originally planned to spend this summer semester at Bader College in the United Kingdom. Shortly after I was accepted, I was notified that the structural issues found at Herstmonceux Castle meant that the possibility of spending the summer semester there was no longer possible. I had reached out to the International Programs Office to see if I qualified for any exchange programs, but being an online student, they informed me that my only option was to take courses at another institution under an ILOP. This led me to investigate my options and stumble upon John Cabot University from the resources listed on the Queen’s International Programs Office website.

John Cabot University requires that semester-abroad students enrol in a minimum of four courses to be a part of the program. I began my application process for JCU in December of 2023, and have since completed lengthy application processes to attend the school, as well as to secure housing and an Italian Visa. Additionally, I have paid full tuition for the four courses, as the deadline to do so was in early July. Since I have been planning this semester abroad for several months, I was quite disheartened to hear about the policy change to ILOPs this past week.

I am certain this semester abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will allow me to step out of my comfort zone, and more importantly step out of the confines of my bedroom, where I have spent too many years feeling unwell. I have yet to take a full course load at Queen’s because my health has not allowed it in the past, but as I regain my strength, I kindly ask that I be allowed to complete the full 12 credits at JCU so that I may meet my graduation requirements within a reasonable time frame.

I thank you kindly in advance for your attention on this matter.

Sincerely,

Caroline Petrucci