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