Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 12304
Submitted: September 19, 2024 at 12:18:57 AM
First Name: Maya
Last Name: Brennan
Pronoun: She/Her
Student Number: 20330041
Email: 21mib4@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BAH
Plan: ECON
Level of Study: 3
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Request to take more than 6.0 units of courses on a letter of permission through another institution
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: My name is Maya Brennan, and I am currently a third-year Economics student at Queen’s University. I am writing to request approval to enroll in more than 6.0 units on a Letter of Permission (LOP) during my independent study abroad at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M). Studying abroad has always been a dream of mine, and the opportunity to attend UC3M represents an invaluable chance to immerse myself in both the academic and cultural richness of Madrid. This experience will significantly enhance my academic journey at Queen’s.
I am grateful to be given the opportunity to participate in the Bilateral Exchange Program and have been offered a placement at the University of Hong Kong. However, after careful consideration, I believe that this option is not the best fit for me. The significant distance from home, combined with my unfamiliarity with the local language and culture, would cause me a great deal of mental distress. Without a support system in place, I worry that this environment may hinder my academic and personal success during such a critical time in my studies.
In contrast, Madrid offers a much closer and more supportive environment. As someone of Mexican heritage, I feel significantly more at ease with the local culture in Madrid, and my proficiency in Spanish gives me the confidence to navigate the city and communicate with the locals easily. This familiarity provides me with a sense of security and safety that would be lacking in Hong Kong. Madrid is not only a more welcoming and comfortable setting but also one in which I can thrive both academically and personally. Its cultural and academic environment is uniquely suited to my needs, making it the ideal place for me to complete my exchange experience.
While I understand that current policy limits students to 6.0 units on a LOP during study abroad, I am respectfully requesting an exemption from this rule. Taking only 6.0 units would prevent me from fully engaging with the diverse academic offerings at UC3M and would delay my ability to meet my program’s requirements within the suggested timeframe. The five courses I plan to take are carefully chosen to align with my academic goals and to deepen my understanding of economics in a global context.
Granting this request would allow me to make the most of this once in a lifetime opportunity, ensuring that I fully benefit from the educational and cultural offerings at UC3M. I am confident this experience will profoundly impact my academic and personal growth, and I sincerely hope you will consider allowing me to exceed the 6.0 unit limit for this exceptional academic opportunity.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing back from you.
Sincerely,
Maya Brennan
I am grateful to be given the opportunity to participate in the Bilateral Exchange Program and have been offered a placement at the University of Hong Kong. However, after careful consideration, I believe that this option is not the best fit for me. The significant distance from home, combined with my unfamiliarity with the local language and culture, would cause me a great deal of mental distress. Without a support system in place, I worry that this environment may hinder my academic and personal success during such a critical time in my studies.
In contrast, Madrid offers a much closer and more supportive environment. As someone of Mexican heritage, I feel significantly more at ease with the local culture in Madrid, and my proficiency in Spanish gives me the confidence to navigate the city and communicate with the locals easily. This familiarity provides me with a sense of security and safety that would be lacking in Hong Kong. Madrid is not only a more welcoming and comfortable setting but also one in which I can thrive both academically and personally. Its cultural and academic environment is uniquely suited to my needs, making it the ideal place for me to complete my exchange experience.
While I understand that current policy limits students to 6.0 units on a LOP during study abroad, I am respectfully requesting an exemption from this rule. Taking only 6.0 units would prevent me from fully engaging with the diverse academic offerings at UC3M and would delay my ability to meet my program’s requirements within the suggested timeframe. The five courses I plan to take are carefully chosen to align with my academic goals and to deepen my understanding of economics in a global context.
Granting this request would allow me to make the most of this once in a lifetime opportunity, ensuring that I fully benefit from the educational and cultural offerings at UC3M. I am confident this experience will profoundly impact my academic and personal growth, and I sincerely hope you will consider allowing me to exceed the 6.0 unit limit for this exceptional academic opportunity.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing back from you.
Sincerely,
Maya Brennan
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: As a third-year Economics student at Queen’s University I am on track to complete my degree requirements. During my independent study abroad at UC3M, I plan to enroll in five carefully selected courses that align with my academic goals and requirements. These courses will deepen my understanding of economics, supplementing the foundation I have built at Queen’s. After reviewing my Academic Advisement Report in SOLUS I will confirm with my department head that these courses will fulfill the necessary credits for my degree completion.
Full-time Study Plan:
To maintain my academic progress, I request permission to exceed the 6.0-unit limit on a Letter of Permission and take a full course load (equivalent to five courses) at UC3M. This course load is necessary for me to complete my program within the expected timeline and avoid delays in my academic completion period. Additionally, my fluency in Spanish will enable me to engage fully with those around me, including peers and professors, while minimizing any language barriers that could hinder my success.
Strategies for Success:
To ensure academic success during my time abroad, I will implement the following strategies:
- Time Management and Organization: I will utilize a detailed study schedule to manage my coursework, assignments, and exams, ensuring I remain on top of my academic responsibilities.
- Academic Resources at UC3M: I will take advantage of UC3M’s academic support services, such as tutoring, study groups, and office hours with professors, to enhance my understanding of challenging material.
- Utilizing Language Skills: My proficiency in Spanish will allow me to communicate effectively with faculty and peers, reducing stress and allowing me to fully participate in all aspects of the courses.
- Support System: My familiarity of the language and culture in Madrid will provide me with a strong sense of security and comfort, ensuring that I am able to focus on my studies without the mental distress that might arise in a more distant and unfamiliar setting.
Personal Adjustments:
To ensure my well-being while studying abroad, I will maintain regular contact with my family and support network in case I encounter any personal challenges. Should any difficulties arise, I plan to research local health and wellness services to have handy, as well as Queen’s online mental health resources.
Long-term Goals:
The opportunity to take more than 6.0 units on a Letter of Permission during my independent study abroad will not only help me fulfill my degree requirements but also prepare me for future endeavors in economics. The experience gained from studying at UC3M will enrich my academic profile and provide me with a global perspective that will be invaluable in my future career.
Evaluation of Success:
I will monitor my academic progress throughout the semester by staying in regular contact with my academic advisor at Queen’s, reviewing my performance in each course, and adjusting my study strategies as necessary. I will also periodically reassess my academic plan to ensure that I am meeting both my short-term and long-term academic goals and staying on track with my department's requirements.
Full-time Study Plan:
To maintain my academic progress, I request permission to exceed the 6.0-unit limit on a Letter of Permission and take a full course load (equivalent to five courses) at UC3M. This course load is necessary for me to complete my program within the expected timeline and avoid delays in my academic completion period. Additionally, my fluency in Spanish will enable me to engage fully with those around me, including peers and professors, while minimizing any language barriers that could hinder my success.
Strategies for Success:
To ensure academic success during my time abroad, I will implement the following strategies:
- Time Management and Organization: I will utilize a detailed study schedule to manage my coursework, assignments, and exams, ensuring I remain on top of my academic responsibilities.
- Academic Resources at UC3M: I will take advantage of UC3M’s academic support services, such as tutoring, study groups, and office hours with professors, to enhance my understanding of challenging material.
- Utilizing Language Skills: My proficiency in Spanish will allow me to communicate effectively with faculty and peers, reducing stress and allowing me to fully participate in all aspects of the courses.
- Support System: My familiarity of the language and culture in Madrid will provide me with a strong sense of security and comfort, ensuring that I am able to focus on my studies without the mental distress that might arise in a more distant and unfamiliar setting.
Personal Adjustments:
To ensure my well-being while studying abroad, I will maintain regular contact with my family and support network in case I encounter any personal challenges. Should any difficulties arise, I plan to research local health and wellness services to have handy, as well as Queen’s online mental health resources.
Long-term Goals:
The opportunity to take more than 6.0 units on a Letter of Permission during my independent study abroad will not only help me fulfill my degree requirements but also prepare me for future endeavors in economics. The experience gained from studying at UC3M will enrich my academic profile and provide me with a global perspective that will be invaluable in my future career.
Evaluation of Success:
I will monitor my academic progress throughout the semester by staying in regular contact with my academic advisor at Queen’s, reviewing my performance in each course, and adjusting my study strategies as necessary. I will also periodically reassess my academic plan to ensure that I am meeting both my short-term and long-term academic goals and staying on track with my department's requirements.
Documentation
Professional Letter Detail: NO DOC
Decision Letters
History
Originally submitted September 19, 2024 at 12:18:57 AM.
| Field | Reference | Old Value | New Value | Note | User | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| status | N/A | Received | In Review | Kerri Andrews | 2024-10-02 1:32:46 PM | |
| status | N/A | In Review | Granted | Kerri Andrews | 2024-10-15 10:51:50 AM | |
| associate_dean | N/A | Jenn Stephenson, Ph.D. | Kerri Andrews | 2024-10-15 10:51:50 AM | ||
| decision_letter | N/A | N/A | Decision letter sent | Kerri Andrews | 2024-10-15 10:52:18 AM |

