Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 14519
Submitted: June 24, 2026 at 3:17:36 PM
First Name: Julia
Last Name: Simpson
Pronoun: She/Her
Preferred Name: Julia
Student Number: 20475925
Email: 23rln3@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BSH
Plan: LISC
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: Office of the Associate Dean (Academic)
Queen’s University
June 24, 2026
Dear Dr., Naaman,
I hope this message finds you well. My name is Julia Simpson, and I am a third-year Life Sciences student at Queen’s University. I am writing to you today to respectfully request an exemption from the 6.0-unit regulation for study abroad programs, specifically for an upcoming exchange at the Universitat de Barcelona (UB) for the Winter 2027 semester.
Growing up, my parents always swore I was going to enter the science field or become a lawyer. I was a fiercely independent child that loved to argue my case, was the proud owner of a Magic School Bus chemistry kit and constantly had a new detective book in my repertoire. After getting fantastic grades in high school, I entered university with the same mindset as many other Life Sciences students: medical school was the only outcome of this degree. Then first year happened. My grades began to drop, I was struggling with conceptual understanding, and I started to have the difficult feeling that maybe medical school was not feasible. Rather than allowing this to consume my life, I chose to switch gears, focus on my strengths, find a new path, and study in a way I have never before. Queen’s University forced me to redefine the meaning of success and rather than allowing setbacks determine my academic confidence, I redesigned my study habits, developed alternative approaches when understanding complex concepts, and established improved discipline needed to succeed in this environment. These alterations ultimately allowed me to complete the Winter 2026 semester with near straight A’s. My academic journey thus far has taught me that success is not solely defined by following a predetermined plan, but rather the resilience to adapt, grow, and pursue new opportunities with strong determination. Whether in law, pharmacy, or forensic science as my new possible paths, I aim to bring the same fascination, leadership, communication, and perseverance that has shaped my academic, professional, and personal experiences, while using every challenge as motivation to continue learning rather than a setback. As a Life Sciences major hoping to delve into a science or legal career, expanding my horizons regarding cultural differences between my peers and future clientele is vital. Having the chance to enter a society unlike my own will aid me in further pushing myself outside my comfort zone to explore social communication differences, varying scientific practices, and altered academic expectations. Overall, a unique experience such as this, will help break the norms I am accustomed to and aid in future preparation for communicative and thoughtful client interactions with a newfound social awareness.
As I continue to explore the intersection between fields of science and law through analytical investigation, studying abroad would reflect more than just an academic opportunity. While I completely understand the regulation limiting students to 6.0 units abroad, I personally believe that this restriction would prevent me from benefiting from a rare academic opportunity to challenge myself in a new environment, broaden my global and cultural perspectives, and further develop the adaptability that has already shaped my university experience. This study abroad opportunity presents a unique chance to not only further my passion for science by taking courses that would aid in my degree completion but also allow me to learn about other subjects that I could not explore to the same degree at Queen’s University. Pending the final release of the UB Winter 2027 course catalog, I currently plan to take Design and Evaluation of Bioactive Molecules, Genetic Disorders, Applied Immunology, European Union Law, and Criminal Typology. I hope to immerse myself within a culture unlike my own, learn from new and diverse academic perspectives and return to Queen’s University with a new and alternative understanding of not only my potential as a student, but as a person.
I appreciate your time and consideration of my request of respectfully inquiring for an exemption to the 6.0-unit regulation so that I may fully pursue this rare academic opportunity at UB. I believe that taking additional courses will further enrich my academic journey in a new way and continue to broaden my global and personal perspectives. Thank you for your time and I wish you an amazing summer.
Sincerely,
Julia Simpson
Queen’s University
June 24, 2026
Dear Dr., Naaman,
I hope this message finds you well. My name is Julia Simpson, and I am a third-year Life Sciences student at Queen’s University. I am writing to you today to respectfully request an exemption from the 6.0-unit regulation for study abroad programs, specifically for an upcoming exchange at the Universitat de Barcelona (UB) for the Winter 2027 semester.
Growing up, my parents always swore I was going to enter the science field or become a lawyer. I was a fiercely independent child that loved to argue my case, was the proud owner of a Magic School Bus chemistry kit and constantly had a new detective book in my repertoire. After getting fantastic grades in high school, I entered university with the same mindset as many other Life Sciences students: medical school was the only outcome of this degree. Then first year happened. My grades began to drop, I was struggling with conceptual understanding, and I started to have the difficult feeling that maybe medical school was not feasible. Rather than allowing this to consume my life, I chose to switch gears, focus on my strengths, find a new path, and study in a way I have never before. Queen’s University forced me to redefine the meaning of success and rather than allowing setbacks determine my academic confidence, I redesigned my study habits, developed alternative approaches when understanding complex concepts, and established improved discipline needed to succeed in this environment. These alterations ultimately allowed me to complete the Winter 2026 semester with near straight A’s. My academic journey thus far has taught me that success is not solely defined by following a predetermined plan, but rather the resilience to adapt, grow, and pursue new opportunities with strong determination. Whether in law, pharmacy, or forensic science as my new possible paths, I aim to bring the same fascination, leadership, communication, and perseverance that has shaped my academic, professional, and personal experiences, while using every challenge as motivation to continue learning rather than a setback. As a Life Sciences major hoping to delve into a science or legal career, expanding my horizons regarding cultural differences between my peers and future clientele is vital. Having the chance to enter a society unlike my own will aid me in further pushing myself outside my comfort zone to explore social communication differences, varying scientific practices, and altered academic expectations. Overall, a unique experience such as this, will help break the norms I am accustomed to and aid in future preparation for communicative and thoughtful client interactions with a newfound social awareness.
As I continue to explore the intersection between fields of science and law through analytical investigation, studying abroad would reflect more than just an academic opportunity. While I completely understand the regulation limiting students to 6.0 units abroad, I personally believe that this restriction would prevent me from benefiting from a rare academic opportunity to challenge myself in a new environment, broaden my global and cultural perspectives, and further develop the adaptability that has already shaped my university experience. This study abroad opportunity presents a unique chance to not only further my passion for science by taking courses that would aid in my degree completion but also allow me to learn about other subjects that I could not explore to the same degree at Queen’s University. Pending the final release of the UB Winter 2027 course catalog, I currently plan to take Design and Evaluation of Bioactive Molecules, Genetic Disorders, Applied Immunology, European Union Law, and Criminal Typology. I hope to immerse myself within a culture unlike my own, learn from new and diverse academic perspectives and return to Queen’s University with a new and alternative understanding of not only my potential as a student, but as a person.
I appreciate your time and consideration of my request of respectfully inquiring for an exemption to the 6.0-unit regulation so that I may fully pursue this rare academic opportunity at UB. I believe that taking additional courses will further enrich my academic journey in a new way and continue to broaden my global and personal perspectives. Thank you for your time and I wish you an amazing summer.
Sincerely,
Julia Simpson
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: Office of the Associate Dean (Academic)
Queen’s University
June 24, 2026
Dear Dr., Naaman,
As a dedicated third-year Life Sciences student at Queen’s University, I am respectfully requesting an exemption from the 6.0-unit regulation for study abroad programs. I believe that an exemption from this rule would strongly allow me to engage in a unique opportunity at the Universitat de Barcelona (UB) to explore interdisciplinary studies to further my major, while allowing me to understand new subjects to complement my personal and academic development.
Courses:
1. Design and Evaluation of Bioactive Molecules
2. Genetic Disorders
3. Applied Immunology
4. European Union Law
5. Criminal Typology
Academic Goals:
My primary goals during a study abroad would be to enhance my global and personal perspectives, develop a strong cultural competence, and explore various disciplines in a unique and meaningful way. Studying at UB would provide me with the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone into a new academic and social environment to engage with alternative perspectives, new experiences, and learning approaches different to what I have previously experienced. I strongly believe that exposure to a culture and educational system unlike my own would allow me to develop diverse viewpoints, while strengthening my ability to adapt to new situations and challenges posed abroad.
Academically, I hope to expand my knowledge by taking courses to support the progression of my degree, while exploring interdisciplinary subjects that compliment my interests in forensic science and law. Through specific courses such as Design and Evaluation of Bioactive Molecules, European Union Law, and Criminal Typology, I am able to explore and engage in areas not traditionally taught at Queen’s University. I not only wish to develop a stronger understanding of how different fields intersect but also strengthen my critical thinking and communication skills through learning in an international academic environment.
Plan for Achieving Academic Success:
To ensure academic success during my study abroad experience, I will continue to maintain the structured study habits and discipline I have developed throughout my time at Queen’s University. I plan to attend all lectures and activities while maintaining a consistent study schedule to ensure academic success. Continuing with my regular habits, I will dedicate a set time each day to review course content and design practice problems to reinforce concepts. To remain organized, I will utilize a digital calendar containing any necessary academic information with the assistance of clear planning to ensure effective time management and overall success. By maintaining discipline, consistent habits, and organizational skills, I am extremely confident in my ability to manage an academic workload, alongside a new environment, to continue to perform successfully.
Academic Resources:
To support my academic success during my study abroad, I will continue to utilize Queen’s University resources such as faculty advisors for guidance on proper planning to ensure success and degree progression. At UB, I will continue to be in contact with faculty heads and study abroad advisors for necessary support and guidance.
By following my academic plan, I am extremely confident that I will be able to excel during a study abroad at UB with the unique experience both contributing to my academic and personal development by broadening my global horizons and cultural perspectives. I greatly appreciate you taking the time to consider my request, and I eagerly await a positive response.
Sincerely,
Julia Simpson
Queen’s University
June 24, 2026
Dear Dr., Naaman,
As a dedicated third-year Life Sciences student at Queen’s University, I am respectfully requesting an exemption from the 6.0-unit regulation for study abroad programs. I believe that an exemption from this rule would strongly allow me to engage in a unique opportunity at the Universitat de Barcelona (UB) to explore interdisciplinary studies to further my major, while allowing me to understand new subjects to complement my personal and academic development.
Courses:
1. Design and Evaluation of Bioactive Molecules
2. Genetic Disorders
3. Applied Immunology
4. European Union Law
5. Criminal Typology
Academic Goals:
My primary goals during a study abroad would be to enhance my global and personal perspectives, develop a strong cultural competence, and explore various disciplines in a unique and meaningful way. Studying at UB would provide me with the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone into a new academic and social environment to engage with alternative perspectives, new experiences, and learning approaches different to what I have previously experienced. I strongly believe that exposure to a culture and educational system unlike my own would allow me to develop diverse viewpoints, while strengthening my ability to adapt to new situations and challenges posed abroad.
Academically, I hope to expand my knowledge by taking courses to support the progression of my degree, while exploring interdisciplinary subjects that compliment my interests in forensic science and law. Through specific courses such as Design and Evaluation of Bioactive Molecules, European Union Law, and Criminal Typology, I am able to explore and engage in areas not traditionally taught at Queen’s University. I not only wish to develop a stronger understanding of how different fields intersect but also strengthen my critical thinking and communication skills through learning in an international academic environment.
Plan for Achieving Academic Success:
To ensure academic success during my study abroad experience, I will continue to maintain the structured study habits and discipline I have developed throughout my time at Queen’s University. I plan to attend all lectures and activities while maintaining a consistent study schedule to ensure academic success. Continuing with my regular habits, I will dedicate a set time each day to review course content and design practice problems to reinforce concepts. To remain organized, I will utilize a digital calendar containing any necessary academic information with the assistance of clear planning to ensure effective time management and overall success. By maintaining discipline, consistent habits, and organizational skills, I am extremely confident in my ability to manage an academic workload, alongside a new environment, to continue to perform successfully.
Academic Resources:
To support my academic success during my study abroad, I will continue to utilize Queen’s University resources such as faculty advisors for guidance on proper planning to ensure success and degree progression. At UB, I will continue to be in contact with faculty heads and study abroad advisors for necessary support and guidance.
By following my academic plan, I am extremely confident that I will be able to excel during a study abroad at UB with the unique experience both contributing to my academic and personal development by broadening my global horizons and cultural perspectives. I greatly appreciate you taking the time to consider my request, and I eagerly await a positive response.
Sincerely,
Julia Simpson
Documentation
Professional Letter: 2026 - Julia Simpson - Barcelona Exchange Reference.pdf
Document: Simpson.pdf
Decision Letters
History
Originally submitted June 24, 2026 at 3:17:36 PM.
| Field | Reference | Old Value | New Value | Note | User | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| status | N/A | Received | In Review | Kerri Andrews | 2026-07-03 5:34:19 PM | |
| status | N/A | In Review | Granted | Kerri Andrews | 2026-07-20 10:50:01 AM | |
| associate_dean | N/A | Dorit Naaman (Associate Dean Academic) | Kerri Andrews | 2026-07-20 10:50:01 AM | ||
| decision_letter | N/A | N/A | Decision letter sent | Kerri Andrews | 2026-07-20 10:52:14 AM |