Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I am requesting an exemption made on Academic Regulation 14 by the Associate Dean to allow me to take 9.0 units instead of 6.0 units on a LOP. Due to extenuating circumstances inhibiting me to finish my academic career on campus.

I am currently a fifth-year student nearing the completion of my Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Gender Studies. In May 2024, I was approved to take 9.0 units on a LOP at an alternative university to complete my degree online. However, a week before starting my online courses at Athabasca University, I was mistakenly registered in a course for which I did not meet the prerequisite requirements (a mistake made on their part). Fortunately, Athabasca University made an exception and allowed me to swap courses. Before making my selection, I confirmed that there was an equivalent course at Queen's University. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, I did not receive the LOP before finalizing the course swap. I assumed that since there was a Queen's equivalent and I already had 9.0 units approved on a LOP, I would be able to secure the necessary permissions. It was only after my new LOP was denied that I learned about the new 6.0 unit regulation. As a result, not taking this course imposes a significant financial penalty on me since I am already registered.

I chose to take online courses at an alternative university because the Gender Studies classes I needed to complete my degree were not offered online at Queen's University. Completing my degree online has become a top priority for several reasons, with my mental health being foremost. Studying from home will allow me to benefit from my family's support as I navigate current challenges contributing to my depression, anxiety, and poor mental health—issues that would worsen if I were forced to complete my degree on campus. Additionally, finding suitable accommodation on campus has been difficult for me, and living at home not only provides mental support but also financial relief. Lastly, since last winter, I have been dealing with a health issue, and being at home allows me to stay close to my specialist doctor, a resource that is not readily available in Kingston.