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