Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 13979
Submitted: January 27, 2026 at 10:21:58 AM
First Name: Quintin
Last Name: Zavislake
Pronoun: He/Him
Student Number: 20273244
Email: 20qz26@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BAH
Plan: ECON
Level of Study: 4
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: Hi Dr. Naaman,
My name is Quin Zavislake, and I am a fifth-year Arts and Science student majoring in Economics. I am writing to petition for permission to take nine credits as a visiting student, rather than the standard six credits currently permitted.
At the beginning of the Fall 2022 semester, my father was diagnosed with stage IV cancer and passed away shortly thereafter. During that time, I spoke with the previous Associate Dean, Dr. Stephenson, and with Student Wellness regarding my academic situation under those extenuating circumstances. Since then, I have returned to good standing and have consistently performed at the high academic standard I hold myself to over the past several years. I am now nearing completion of my undergraduate degree and am planning to graduate soon.
After the current semester, I will have only three core courses remaining to complete my major. Two of these will be taken during the upcoming summer term, leaving one outstanding course. While I love Queen’s and living in Kingston, returning for a single course for an additional term is less than ideal. Financially, it would require paying rent and living expenses in Kingston for one course. Additionally, after a challenging couple of years, I feel that it would be isolating, as I no longer would know any familiar faces at Queen’s.
With this context in mind, I would be extremely grateful for the opportunity to complete my remaining course as a visiting student.
My name is Quin Zavislake, and I am a fifth-year Arts and Science student majoring in Economics. I am writing to petition for permission to take nine credits as a visiting student, rather than the standard six credits currently permitted.
At the beginning of the Fall 2022 semester, my father was diagnosed with stage IV cancer and passed away shortly thereafter. During that time, I spoke with the previous Associate Dean, Dr. Stephenson, and with Student Wellness regarding my academic situation under those extenuating circumstances. Since then, I have returned to good standing and have consistently performed at the high academic standard I hold myself to over the past several years. I am now nearing completion of my undergraduate degree and am planning to graduate soon.
After the current semester, I will have only three core courses remaining to complete my major. Two of these will be taken during the upcoming summer term, leaving one outstanding course. While I love Queen’s and living in Kingston, returning for a single course for an additional term is less than ideal. Financially, it would require paying rent and living expenses in Kingston for one course. Additionally, after a challenging couple of years, I feel that it would be isolating, as I no longer would know any familiar faces at Queen’s.
With this context in mind, I would be extremely grateful for the opportunity to complete my remaining course as a visiting student.
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: I am not making this request without a strong academic plan. I have been working closely with Arts and Science academic advisors, who have helped me fully map out my next two semesters. I am also proceeding with the full support and guidance of the Economics Department. I have met with both the Economics Advisor, Carley Malone, and the Undergraduate Head, Ian Keay, who have been incredibly helpful throughout this process.
I have taken all possible steps to prepare in advance of requesting this petition and Letter of Permission. I have consulted with multiple University of Toronto advisors, as I currently live in Toronto and plan to take courses there. They have provided me with their academic calendar, and I am working with the Economics Department to ensure course equivalencies and prerequisites are met. At present, four viable Economics courses are being offered at U of T during the summer term, with the fall offerings yet to be released. I am planning to take a minimum of two courses in the summer, pending approval if they are considered equivalent to Queen’s courses.
Should this petition be approved, my next steps would be to finalize my academic plan with specific equivalent course approvals. Upon approval, submit the Letter of Permission with my U of T visiting student application
The application deadline is February 23rd, and I have been careful to coordinate each step to ensure a seamless process. If approved, summer enrollment opens on March 2nd, which would be the final step before beginning the courses.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I have sincerely cherished my time at Queen’s and am deeply grateful for the education and experiences I have gained. I look forward to graduating and carrying Queen’s with me into the next chapter.
Warm regards,
Quin Zavislake
I have taken all possible steps to prepare in advance of requesting this petition and Letter of Permission. I have consulted with multiple University of Toronto advisors, as I currently live in Toronto and plan to take courses there. They have provided me with their academic calendar, and I am working with the Economics Department to ensure course equivalencies and prerequisites are met. At present, four viable Economics courses are being offered at U of T during the summer term, with the fall offerings yet to be released. I am planning to take a minimum of two courses in the summer, pending approval if they are considered equivalent to Queen’s courses.
Should this petition be approved, my next steps would be to finalize my academic plan with specific equivalent course approvals. Upon approval, submit the Letter of Permission with my U of T visiting student application
The application deadline is February 23rd, and I have been careful to coordinate each step to ensure a seamless process. If approved, summer enrollment opens on March 2nd, which would be the final step before beginning the courses.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I have sincerely cherished my time at Queen’s and am deeply grateful for the education and experiences I have gained. I look forward to graduating and carrying Queen’s with me into the next chapter.
Warm regards,
Quin Zavislake
Documentation
Professional Letter Detail: NO DOC