Dear Prof. James,

I am writing to formally request to withdraw from two courses: Introduction to Elementary Education (EDU602) and Teaching Methods (EDU 619) primarily because I wish to reduce my course load for the upcoming semester. Both of these courses are not required in my current core requirements, nor do I need to complete them this year. They are necessary for my degree, but I would like to take them further down the road when I have more free time and a lighter schedule.

As mentioned above, the main reason for reducing my course load is that I am finding it extremely difficult to manage six courses. In the beginning of the term, I was perhaps overly optimistic about juggling both my full time studies and my part time job (20 hours/week). I had been doing well with my entire schedule until I recently became ill as well and missed a few classes, and work, so it was a double whammy. I managed to get back on track with my classes, but work has gotten in the way of extra study time. So, I am finding it difficult to keep track of those long papers which a six course load puts me under.

There really is no way that I can reduce my work schedule. Firstly, because this job pays most of my student bills and gives me that little extra spending money that I need to make it by. Most importantly though, this job will build into my practicum which I’m scheduled to partake in as of the following school year. In order for me to qualify for any practicum from this agency, I will have to maintain a part-time work schedule for at least a year. So as you can see, because I really must work part time, I have no other choice but to decrease my course load. However, I am planning on taking the two courses during the summer semester, if they are available, so that I will be able to complete all the courses for the degree program by the following year.

I would also like to request a tuition refund, and I hope I’m not too late to receive the full reimbursement. I am sorry for any inconveniences I have caused by this change in plans. This decision was not taken lightly, and I do appreciate the kind consideration you have shown to me.

Thank you for your attention to these requests. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 277-9144. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely yours,
Jane Carter