Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I'm writing this petition to request approval for above the present six credit limit when studying abroad. My goal is to be able to transfer as many as fifteen credits that I earned during my exchange semester in Europe. I know that the credit limits are there to make things fair and consistent across the faculty and I respect that framework. However, I think that there are good academic, financial, and personal reasons for making an exception in my case.

The first and most important one is that additional transferable credits will enable me to remain fully on track with my Political Science degree. I've deliberately planned my schedule so that my required 300-level courses for the major in POLS are in the Fall, which leaves the Winter semester open for electives. My plan is to spend that winter-term on exchange. If I'm only permitted to take a maximum of six credits abroad, I can't complete all the electives required in my program without creating any imbalances later on or delaying graduation. By allowing me to transfer more credits, the faculty would support a thoroughly thought out plan that would allow me to graduate on time while also keeping my workload balanced.

A second aspect is financial responsibility. Taking only six credits abroad would mean I'd have to return to Queen's later on to complete electives. That would bring extra tuition, student fees and housing costs that could be avoided. Since I'll already be paying for courses and housing when I go abroad, making the most of the amount of credits I can transfer seems most practical. This way, I can reduce duplicate costs and make my education financially sustainable.

The academic opportunities themselves are also compelling to this request. As a freemover student I'm applying via CEA CAPA and on the direct application to universities in cities such as London, Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Barcelona. These schools provide courses in European politics, diplomacy and international relations which relate directly to my Political Science programme and provide me with a perspective that is not available at Queen's. Being limited to six credits would limit my ability to take advantage of these unique courses. With approval for more credits, I can select a fuller range of electives that will meet my program requirements as well as expand my knowledge to be prepared for graduate school and a career in international fields.

In addition to the academic benefits, a heavier course load in a foreign country will help me as a person and professionally. Studying in a different country requires independence, flexibility and being able to navigate different systems. Taking more credits will provide structure to my time abroad and make sure that I am staying deeply engaged with my studies and learning from the culture around me. These experiences will create and build the problem solving skills, resilience and ability to work across cultures, all of which are becoming increasingly important in both academic and professional domains.

I want to emphasize that this petition is not to find an easier path, but a more meaningful one. Limiting myself to six credits would create duplication of effort, unnecessary financial burden and opportunities for intellectual growth that are missed. By transferring more credits, I am able to challenge myself academically, have a broader outlook with a variety of course work, and continue steady progress toward graduation.

I'm sure that I have the preparation and commitment necessary to succeed with a heavier course load abroad. My academic record indicates that I can deal with responsibility, and the motivation for this exchange reflects my resolve to make the most of the opportunities available. This petition is made thoughtfully and respectfully, but with the firm belief as well that granting this request will serve my academic development and long term goals.