Petitions

A petition is a request for an exception to university policy. The petition form, which is completed by the student requesting the exception, includes both an accurate statement of the action being requested as well as an explanation of why the exception to policy is justified. Appropriate signatures, which typically include those of an academic advisor, instructor, and/or department head, must also be obtained. In some cases, documentation from other sources will be required. Submission of a signed petition is not a guarantee of approval.

Petition forms are available in CLA SAAC, 310 Kirby Plaza.
If the required information is not complete on the petition, the petition will be returned to the student.

Guidelines for filing petitions in the College of Liberal Arts

Withdrawal from One Course After the End of the 8th week

(must specify if you are also requesting a tuition refund):

• include all the COURSE INFORMATION (see above)
• advisor's & instructor's signatures
• explain why this course in particular is affected by the "extenuating circumstance"
• documentation to support an extenuating circumstance
  • withdrawal due to illness - letter from physician
  • withdrawal due to conflict with work hours - letter from employer stating the change in hours
  • withdrawal due to family emergency - letter from parent or guardian or other supporting documentation, such as a death certificate of family member
    Note: Performing poorly in a course is not an extenuating circumstance.

Withdrawal from Entire Term

(must specify if you are also requesting a tuition refund):

• advisor's signature
• documentation to support an extenuating circumstance (see above)

Add a Course After the End of the 2nd Week:

• include all COURSE INFORMATION (see above)
• explanation of why course wasn't added before the end of the 2nd week
• instructor's signature

Course Swap

(drop a course and add a course prior to the end of the 8th week)

• include all the COURSE INFORMATION for both courses (see above)
• explanation of why swap is being requested
• instructor's signature of the course being added

Note: You must specify if you are also requesting a tuition refund if there is a credit difference

Time Conflict:

• include all the COURSE INFORMATION for both courses involved (see above)
• permission number of course to be added, if required
• signatures of both instructors involved
• notation regarding which course still needs to be added

Enroll in More Than 20 Credits:

• include all COURSE INFORMATION (see above)
• permission number of course to be added, if required
• advisor’s signature (If the course work pertains to a certain major, the advisor signature of that major is required)
• indicate reason for the heavy course load
• attach a current study list

Liberal Education Program Exception:

• include all COURSE INFORMATION (see above)
• if requesting to accept a transfer course, attach a course syllabus or description
• Dept Head signature of department involved
• Waive Credits within a CLA Major or Minor: refer to the “Amendment to the APAS” form
• attach an APAS indicating the specific area involved in the request
• Dept Head signature of major or minor involved
  Note: waiver of the 120 degree credit requirement will be denied

Waive Credits within a CLA Major or Minor:

• refer to the "Exception to the APAS" form
• attach an APAS indicating the specific area involved in the request
• Dept Head signature of major or minor involved
  Note: waiver of the 120 degree credit requirement will be denied

Re-admittance After Academic Dismissal

• letter stating why student should be considered for re-admittance including academic plan and motivation for returning to school 
• transcript including course work completed since dismissal, if applicable
• meeting with Pam Spencer, 310 Kirby Plaza, is recommended