Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Eren Sait Solmaz
20243065
1017 - 55 Wynford Heights Crescent, North York, ON M3C1L4
20ess1@queensu.ca
03/20/2025

Dean’s Office
Queen’s University
Faculty of Arts and Science

Dear Associate Dean,
I am writing to formally request an exception that would allow me to graduate as planned despite an issue regarding my course credit allocation. Recently, I was informed that my enrollment in GLPH 271 exceeds the maximum permitted number of credits from outside the Faculty of Arts and Science, and therefore, this course is not counting toward my degree requirements. I respectfully ask for the committee’s consideration in allowing this course to count toward my graduation requirements for the reasons outlined below.

1. Misleading Course Progression Information on SOLUS
When selecting my courses, I relied on the SOLUS academic requirements tool, which indicated that I had completed 100% of my degree requirements. At no point was it made clear that GLPH 271 would not count toward my degree progression. Had this been transparent within the system, I would have adjusted my course selection accordingly. I only became aware of the issue upon receiving a notification from the graduation office, at which point it was too late to make changes without delaying my graduation.

2. Interdisciplinary Relevance of GLPH 271 to My Studies
I am pursuing a major in Economics and a minor in Global Development Studies, both of which significantly intersect with global health topics. GLPH 271’s learning outcomes align directly with my academic focus and professional aspirations. The course covers essential topics such as social determinants of health, health advocacy, and resource access—concepts that are highly relevant to my studies in economic development and policy-making.

3. Professional and Academic Value of GLPH 271
Institutions such as the World Bank actively seek professionals with expertise in health economics and population health for development projects. As someone who aims to work in policy-oriented fields involving economic development and public health, having taken GLPH 271 provides me with a foundational understanding that strengthens my ability to contribute to this sector. This course complements my degree and should not be viewed as an extraneous credit but rather as a crucial component of my academic and career trajectory.

4. Job Offer Contingent on Graduation
I have received a job offer from Plus Materials, a plastics import and export company based in the United States. This offer is contingent upon my graduation, and any delay in completing my degree would jeopardize this opportunity. Given that I have fulfilled all other academic requirements, I am eager to transition into the workforce and begin my professional career. I respectfully request the committee’s consideration of this pressing professional obligation. It is incredibly important for me to be able to start paying back student loans, and also support my family, whose yearly taxable net income is below 20,000CAD.

Given the unintended nature of this credit allocation issue and the course’s clear alignment with my degree focus, I kindly request an exception to allow GLPH 271 to count toward my graduation requirements. I have completed all other necessary coursework and requirements, and this issue is the only obstacle preventing me from graduating as planned.

I sincerely appreciate your time and consideration of this matter. I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss this further if needed, and I look forward to your decision. Thank you for your understanding and support.
Sincerely,

Eren Sait Solmaz
20243065