Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Academic Plan: A. Course of Study

I am currently enrolled in the Health Studies program under the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies (SKHS) at Queen's University. I have reviewed my Academic Advisement Report in SOLUS and have a clear understanding of my remaining degree requirements. I have received confirmation from my Undergraduate Chair that I am eligible for the courses I am petitioning to add this summer, and I have their support for this petition.

In the interest of maintaining strong academic performance in my major, I made the deliberate decision not to pursue a minor in Economics. While I had initially considered it, I recognized that taking on additional requirements outside of my program could compromise my focus and success in Health Studies. This decision reflects my commitment to completing my degree thoughtfully and on solid footing.

B. Workload and Course Load

For the summer semester, I intend to take a measured course load consisting only of the elective courses required to meet my remaining graduation requirements. I am not planning to overextend myself — my goal is to complete what is necessary to graduate at the end of the summer session without compromising the quality of my work or my health.

I will not be working a job this summer, which means I am able to dedicate my full time and attention to my studies. With no employment obligations, I am confident I can meet the full academic demands of my summer courses.

C. Strategies for Success

1. Health Management
My primary extenuating circumstance was a physical illness mononucleosis and subsequent kidney and spleen complications that lasted from mid-February until recently. My strategy for ensuring this does not affect my academic performance going forward is to maintain regular contact with my family doctor and continue attending all scheduled medical appointments and bloodwork monitoring. I will not take on more than I am medically cleared to handle, and I will communicate proactively with my professors should any unexpected health concerns arise.

2. Academic Support
I have maintained an open line of communication with my academic advisor throughout my illness and intend to continue doing so throughout the summer semester. I will use my advisor as a resource to stay on track with my degree requirements and to flag any concerns early.

3. Realistic Goal-Setting
Dropping the Economics minor was an example of the kind of realistic academic decision-making I am applying going forward. I am focused on graduating successfully in Health Studies, and I will continue to prioritize depth over breadth in my academic commitments. Choosing not to work this summer is another deliberate step in ensuring that nothing competes with my academic focus during this final stretch of my degree.

4. Early Engagement
To offset any late start due to the delayed registration, I intend to reach out to my course instructors as soon as I receive approval, introduce myself, and obtain any course materials or syllabi so that I can begin preparing immediately.

Summary

My petition is grounded in a temporary but serious medical circumstance that has since been resolved. My academic plan is straightforward: complete the required elective courses this summer under a manageable workload, maintain my health through continued medical follow-up, and graduate at the end of the summer semester as planned. With no employment commitments this summer, I am fully available to dedicate myself to my studies. I have the institutional support of both my academic advisor and my Undergraduate Chair, and I am committed to succeeding.