Petition Letter
Associate Dean (Studies),
I am writing this letter of appeal as a request for a Letter of Permission to complete 9.0 credits during the winter term of 2016/2017. In addition to the 6.0 credits I am currently taking with Dalhousie University, I would like to take 9.0 credits with Athabasca University the following semester, equivalent to a complete semester of transfer credits, as if I were on exchange.
When applying for university in grade 12, I choose Queen¿¿s University partly due to their amazing exchange program, also known as how my parents met. Throughout first year, I worked hard so my grades would be high enough for acceptance into the program. Unfortunately, my hard work was not enough. Although I was accepted into the exchange program, the exchange office was overwhelmed with applicants, and therefore extremely unorganized. I was given a list of schools to choose from, and a date by which they would like my decision. Despite our many phone calls and emails, the exchange office failed to mention that schools would be given out ¿¿first come, first serve¿, as they felt the response would be too overwhelming on their part. The whole process was not only frustrating, but extremely disappointing.
As a result of these circumstances, I have decided to travel on my own. I completed four online courses with Queen¿¿s University this past summer, and I am currently taking two courses with Dalhousie University, in hopes of getting a well rounded education, and getting ahead in my degree. Second semester, I plan on travelling throughout Europe and would like to continue my education while doing so. Unfortunately, the courses offered online through Queen¿¿s do little to further my studies in my specific field, as none are related to my program. After speaking with an Academic Advisor and the Undergraduate Health Studies Chair, my best option is to take courses that will transfer towards my major as a Health student, through Athabasca University. Athabasca has provided a trusted learning environment for many Queen¿¿s students in the past, especially for other Health Studies majors, leaving the department with a long list of transferable credits that count towards students majors.
Although this plan is not ideal, and I still can¿¿t help but feel frustrated towards the exchange process and lack of organization, I am trying to make the best of the situation for both my mental health, and academic success. Travelling during my university years has been something I have planned on doing since I was a little girl, and that is not something I am ready to give up. Having the ability to take these courses with Athabasca makes much more sense than changing institutions completely, adding another semester to my degree, or taking online courses that I am not stimulated by, nor relate to my major. I hope you are able to see this from my perspective, and that you agree this is the best move for my academic success and personal wellbeing.
I am not sure if any supporting documentation is applicable for my case, but please let me know if there is anything else I can do to help make this possible.
Thank you for your consideration,
Emily Kellway
10139105
I am writing this letter of appeal as a request for a Letter of Permission to complete 9.0 credits during the winter term of 2016/2017. In addition to the 6.0 credits I am currently taking with Dalhousie University, I would like to take 9.0 credits with Athabasca University the following semester, equivalent to a complete semester of transfer credits, as if I were on exchange.
When applying for university in grade 12, I choose Queen¿¿s University partly due to their amazing exchange program, also known as how my parents met. Throughout first year, I worked hard so my grades would be high enough for acceptance into the program. Unfortunately, my hard work was not enough. Although I was accepted into the exchange program, the exchange office was overwhelmed with applicants, and therefore extremely unorganized. I was given a list of schools to choose from, and a date by which they would like my decision. Despite our many phone calls and emails, the exchange office failed to mention that schools would be given out ¿¿first come, first serve¿, as they felt the response would be too overwhelming on their part. The whole process was not only frustrating, but extremely disappointing.
As a result of these circumstances, I have decided to travel on my own. I completed four online courses with Queen¿¿s University this past summer, and I am currently taking two courses with Dalhousie University, in hopes of getting a well rounded education, and getting ahead in my degree. Second semester, I plan on travelling throughout Europe and would like to continue my education while doing so. Unfortunately, the courses offered online through Queen¿¿s do little to further my studies in my specific field, as none are related to my program. After speaking with an Academic Advisor and the Undergraduate Health Studies Chair, my best option is to take courses that will transfer towards my major as a Health student, through Athabasca University. Athabasca has provided a trusted learning environment for many Queen¿¿s students in the past, especially for other Health Studies majors, leaving the department with a long list of transferable credits that count towards students majors.
Although this plan is not ideal, and I still can¿¿t help but feel frustrated towards the exchange process and lack of organization, I am trying to make the best of the situation for both my mental health, and academic success. Travelling during my university years has been something I have planned on doing since I was a little girl, and that is not something I am ready to give up. Having the ability to take these courses with Athabasca makes much more sense than changing institutions completely, adding another semester to my degree, or taking online courses that I am not stimulated by, nor relate to my major. I hope you are able to see this from my perspective, and that you agree this is the best move for my academic success and personal wellbeing.
I am not sure if any supporting documentation is applicable for my case, but please let me know if there is anything else I can do to help make this possible.
Thank you for your consideration,
Emily Kellway
10139105