Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 13894
Submitted: January 17, 2026 at 5:30:27 PM
First Name: Catharine
Last Name: Carruthers
Pronoun: she/her
Preferred Name: Cate
Student Number: 20332112
Email: 21cmc20@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BAH
Plan: DEVS & HIST Joint Honours
Level of Study: 4
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Add a course after the academic deadline
Code: HIST 106
Term: Winter
Year: 2026
Petition Category: Add a course after the academic deadline
Instructor's Name: Andrew Jainchill
Section/Class Number: Lecture 2613; Seminar 2615
Province / Region: Eastern Ontario
Exam Centre: Kingston
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: Dear Members of the Petition Committee,
I am writing to request permission to enrol late in HIST 106: The Making of Modern Europe for the Winter term. Extenuating circumstances beyond my control - specifically a series of academic advising and administrative misunderstandings - directly affected my ability to register for a seventh course before the add/drop deadline, leaving me unable to meet my graduation requirements.
At the beginning of this academic year, I was advised that I required seven courses in the Winter term in order to graduate on schedule. I did not receive confirmation of approval for the seventh course until last week, which significantly limited the options available to me. Throughout January, I was actively attempting to secure a suitable course and placed myself on multiple waitlists, prioritizing online options or courses without final exams to ensure that the workload would remain manageable alongside my existing commitments.
I was under the impression that the add/drop period extended until the end of the third week of classes. Unfortunately, I learned only after the deadline had passed that this understanding was incorrect. Because I was still waitlisted for an online course at that time, my enrolment request through SOLUS did not process, and I was left without the required seventh course. This administrative confusion - not a lack of planning or effort - prevented me from acting before the deadline.
Once I became aware of the situation, I immediately sought a practical solution. I contacted Professor Andrew Jainchill, with whom I am currently enrolled in HIST 402, to ask whether it would be possible to join his HIST 106 course. He kindly confirmed that he would support my enrolment (email attached). Given that I am already working with Professor Jainchill this term, this course represents the most appropriate and realistic option for me to complete my degree requirements while maintaining academic success. I am confident that, with his guidance and my familiarity with his teaching, I will be able to integrate into the course without disruption.
The effects of these circumstances have been significant. Without a seventh course, I will be unable to graduate as planned despite having otherwise met all program requirements. I have acted promptly at every stage - seeking advising, applying for approval, monitoring waitlists, and contacting instructors - but the timing of approvals and my misunderstanding of the deadline ultimately placed me in a position I could not reasonably prevent. I have also applied to law schools and am hoping to begin my legal studies this coming fall, which makes timely completion of my undergraduate degree especially important.
I respectfully request that you consider my situation and permit late enrolment in HIST 106. This outcome would allow me to fulfil my degree requirements and continue my studies without unnecessary delay. I appreciate the Committee’s time and consideration and would be happy to provide any further information if required.
Sincerely,
Catharine (Cate) Carruthers
I am writing to request permission to enrol late in HIST 106: The Making of Modern Europe for the Winter term. Extenuating circumstances beyond my control - specifically a series of academic advising and administrative misunderstandings - directly affected my ability to register for a seventh course before the add/drop deadline, leaving me unable to meet my graduation requirements.
At the beginning of this academic year, I was advised that I required seven courses in the Winter term in order to graduate on schedule. I did not receive confirmation of approval for the seventh course until last week, which significantly limited the options available to me. Throughout January, I was actively attempting to secure a suitable course and placed myself on multiple waitlists, prioritizing online options or courses without final exams to ensure that the workload would remain manageable alongside my existing commitments.
I was under the impression that the add/drop period extended until the end of the third week of classes. Unfortunately, I learned only after the deadline had passed that this understanding was incorrect. Because I was still waitlisted for an online course at that time, my enrolment request through SOLUS did not process, and I was left without the required seventh course. This administrative confusion - not a lack of planning or effort - prevented me from acting before the deadline.
Once I became aware of the situation, I immediately sought a practical solution. I contacted Professor Andrew Jainchill, with whom I am currently enrolled in HIST 402, to ask whether it would be possible to join his HIST 106 course. He kindly confirmed that he would support my enrolment (email attached). Given that I am already working with Professor Jainchill this term, this course represents the most appropriate and realistic option for me to complete my degree requirements while maintaining academic success. I am confident that, with his guidance and my familiarity with his teaching, I will be able to integrate into the course without disruption.
The effects of these circumstances have been significant. Without a seventh course, I will be unable to graduate as planned despite having otherwise met all program requirements. I have acted promptly at every stage - seeking advising, applying for approval, monitoring waitlists, and contacting instructors - but the timing of approvals and my misunderstanding of the deadline ultimately placed me in a position I could not reasonably prevent. I have also applied to law schools and am hoping to begin my legal studies this coming fall, which makes timely completion of my undergraduate degree especially important.
I respectfully request that you consider my situation and permit late enrolment in HIST 106. This outcome would allow me to fulfil my degree requirements and continue my studies without unnecessary delay. I appreciate the Committee’s time and consideration and would be happy to provide any further information if required.
Sincerely,
Catharine (Cate) Carruthers
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: If this petition is granted and I am permitted to enrol in HIST 106, I have taken concrete steps to ensure that I can manage my academic responsibilities successfully this term.
Most importantly, I have resigned from my part-time job in order to dedicate my full time and energy to my studies. This decision was made specifically to ensure that the seven-course workload remains realistic and that I can prioritize coursework, lectures, and preparation without the added pressure of employment hours. I am committed to treating my academics as my primary responsibility for the remainder of the year.
I have begun developing a detailed study and work plan that organizes my weekly commitments. This schedule includes dedicated blocks for readings, assignments, and exam preparation for each course, with additional time reserved for HIST 106 so that I can integrate into the class quickly. Because I am already enrolled in HIST 402 with Professor Jainchill, I am familiar with his expectations and will make use of his office hours and course resources whenever needed.
I also plan to make regular use of university academic supports. I will meet with an academic advisor early in the term to review my progress and ensure that my workload remains manageable. If I encounter difficulty with writing, time management, or exam preparation, I will seek assistance through Student Academic Success Services.
I recognize the importance of monitoring my wellbeing alongside my academics. If at any point the workload becomes overwhelming, I am aware of and prepared to access Student Wellness Services, counselling supports, and other campus resources to help me stay on track. I will address any challenges proactively by communicating with instructors and seeking guidance before issues escalate.
This plan reflects my commitment to responsible decision-making and to completing my final term in good academic standing. With these supports and adjustments in place, I am confident that I can succeed if permitted to enrol in HIST 106.
Most importantly, I have resigned from my part-time job in order to dedicate my full time and energy to my studies. This decision was made specifically to ensure that the seven-course workload remains realistic and that I can prioritize coursework, lectures, and preparation without the added pressure of employment hours. I am committed to treating my academics as my primary responsibility for the remainder of the year.
I have begun developing a detailed study and work plan that organizes my weekly commitments. This schedule includes dedicated blocks for readings, assignments, and exam preparation for each course, with additional time reserved for HIST 106 so that I can integrate into the class quickly. Because I am already enrolled in HIST 402 with Professor Jainchill, I am familiar with his expectations and will make use of his office hours and course resources whenever needed.
I also plan to make regular use of university academic supports. I will meet with an academic advisor early in the term to review my progress and ensure that my workload remains manageable. If I encounter difficulty with writing, time management, or exam preparation, I will seek assistance through Student Academic Success Services.
I recognize the importance of monitoring my wellbeing alongside my academics. If at any point the workload becomes overwhelming, I am aware of and prepared to access Student Wellness Services, counselling supports, and other campus resources to help me stay on track. I will address any challenges proactively by communicating with instructors and seeking guidance before issues escalate.
This plan reflects my commitment to responsible decision-making and to completing my final term in good academic standing. With these supports and adjustments in place, I am confident that I can succeed if permitted to enrol in HIST 106.
Documentation
Professional Letter Detail: NO DOC
Document: Instructor Support on page 2.pdf
Documentation Detail: Instructor Support