Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 13984
Submitted: January 28, 2026 at 12:42:08 PM
First Name: Hannah
Last Name: Burnham
Pronoun: she/her
Preferred Name: Hannah
Student Number: 20293983
Email: 21hcb3@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BAH
Plan: PHIL-P
Level of Study: 4
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Add a course after the academic deadline
Code: PHIL 510
Term: Winter
Year: 2026
Petition Category: Add a course after the academic deadline
Instructor's Name: Paul Fairfield
Section/Class Number: N/A
Province / Region: Eastern Ontario
Exam Centre: Kingston
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: To the Academic Petitions Committee,
I am writing to petition for permission to add an independent study course after the January 20 add deadline for the Winter 2026 term. I am in my final year as a Philosophy Specialist, and completing an independent study this semester is important to my academic goals and success.
The extenuating circumstance prompting this request is an unusual academic event that arose after the add deadline. In an academic meeting with Sheena Wilkinson in the undergraduate philosophy office last week (week of Jan 19th), I learned for the first time that a late-added independent study could be possible this term if a supervisor agreed and the department supported the request. Prior to that meeting, I did not realize this option was available to me, and I therefore could not pursue it before the January 20 deadline. Following that meeting, I immediately began contacting potential supervisors and arranging the required approvals. Professor Paul Fairfield has now agreed to supervise my independent study, and I have already narrowed my topic to Nietzsche (which aligns with his research interests and allows me to begin promptly).
This change directly affects my academic performance this term. I am currently enrolled in a PHIL course that I have come to realize does not align well with my academic direction or strengths, and continuing in it would likely negatively affect the quality of my work and overall performance. By contrast, my independent study last term confirmed that I perform strongly in independent research and writing. An additional independent study this semester would allow me to produce my best work in an area that supports my longer-term goals (including preparation for law school), while working closely with Professor Fairfield in a structured, academic setting.
I am requesting approval to add the independent study as a late course addition in place of the course I plan to drop, keeping my course load unchanged at five courses for the term. I will submit the petition immediately and can provide any additional documentation required (including written confirmation of supervision).
Thank you for considering my request. I would be very grateful for permission to proceed, given the timing of when I learned this option was available and how directly it impacts my ability to succeed this term.
Sincerely,
Hannah Burnham
I am writing to petition for permission to add an independent study course after the January 20 add deadline for the Winter 2026 term. I am in my final year as a Philosophy Specialist, and completing an independent study this semester is important to my academic goals and success.
The extenuating circumstance prompting this request is an unusual academic event that arose after the add deadline. In an academic meeting with Sheena Wilkinson in the undergraduate philosophy office last week (week of Jan 19th), I learned for the first time that a late-added independent study could be possible this term if a supervisor agreed and the department supported the request. Prior to that meeting, I did not realize this option was available to me, and I therefore could not pursue it before the January 20 deadline. Following that meeting, I immediately began contacting potential supervisors and arranging the required approvals. Professor Paul Fairfield has now agreed to supervise my independent study, and I have already narrowed my topic to Nietzsche (which aligns with his research interests and allows me to begin promptly).
This change directly affects my academic performance this term. I am currently enrolled in a PHIL course that I have come to realize does not align well with my academic direction or strengths, and continuing in it would likely negatively affect the quality of my work and overall performance. By contrast, my independent study last term confirmed that I perform strongly in independent research and writing. An additional independent study this semester would allow me to produce my best work in an area that supports my longer-term goals (including preparation for law school), while working closely with Professor Fairfield in a structured, academic setting.
I am requesting approval to add the independent study as a late course addition in place of the course I plan to drop, keeping my course load unchanged at five courses for the term. I will submit the petition immediately and can provide any additional documentation required (including written confirmation of supervision).
Thank you for considering my request. I would be very grateful for permission to proceed, given the timing of when I learned this option was available and how directly it impacts my ability to succeed this term.
Sincerely,
Hannah Burnham
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: If my late add request is approved, I will complete the independent study under Professor Fairfield with a clear structure to ensure strong performance this term. Within the first week of registration, I will confirm a written plan with Professor Fairfield that includes (1) a focused research question, (2) a reading list, (3) interim deadlines, and (4) the final paper requirements. I will set weekly goals for reading and writing, and I will submit a short progress update at regular intervals (or as requested) so that feedback can guide the project before the final submission.
To support my overall academic success, I will drop the course that is not a good fit and maintain my five-course load, allowing me to focus my time and effort on work that aligns with my strengths in research and writing. I will also continue to use departmental advising support as needed (e.g., check-ins with the undergraduate office) to ensure I stay on track with deadlines and degree requirements.
This plan supports my academic goals by helping me produce my strongest work in my final year and build skills directly relevant to my long-term goal of pursuing law school, including sustained research, clear argumentative writing, and independent project management.
To support my overall academic success, I will drop the course that is not a good fit and maintain my five-course load, allowing me to focus my time and effort on work that aligns with my strengths in research and writing. I will also continue to use departmental advising support as needed (e.g., check-ins with the undergraduate office) to ensure I stay on track with deadlines and degree requirements.
This plan supports my academic goals by helping me produce my strongest work in my final year and build skills directly relevant to my long-term goal of pursuing law school, including sustained research, clear argumentative writing, and independent project management.
Documentation
Professional Letter: Screen Shot 2026-01-28 at 12.40.30 PM.png
Documentation Detail: Confirmation Letter from Professor Fairfield that he has agreed to supervise my Independent Study and is okay with the late-add