The University General Petition web site was developed after identifying the need to provide students, faculty, advisors, and deans a better understanding of the undergraduate general petition process. Graduate students should consult the Graduate College for information on submitting petitions.

What does it mean to petition?

A student can formally request relief if they believe they deserve redress or exception to the University-Wide rules, regulations, or policies regarding academic affairs. This is referred to as a general petition. *(See below for items that are not subject to general petition.)

Students may also formally request redress or exception to college policies of requirements.
(i.e. change in program, substitution of course work, transfer credit, etc.).
This is referred to as a college petition. Students should consult with their college dean's office for information on submitting a college petition.

Content in this site will focus on the "general petition".

When a student files a general petition, he/she needs to understand that the Petition Committee's review is done by circulating the information supplied. The committee members support or denial is based on their review of submitted documents. They want to have pertinent information about the abnormality at the time it occurred. This should include information in writing from the student's perspective, the instructor's perspective and from the perspective of any medical or university personnel involved.

One of the purposes of this web site is to help students know what documents to provide so their petitions can be reviewed. Petitions submitted without sufficient information to be reviewed will be denied.

Among other things, this site will provide answers to questions such as...

• What is the policy on filing a petition?
• Where do I get a petition form?
• Who reviews my petition?
• How long does the petition process take?
• What if my instructor isn't available?
• What else do I have to turn in with my petition?

* The following are not subject to general petition:

1. Cancelled courses for which you were given a grade. This is an administrative error. See the Curriculum & Registration Office to have it corrected.
2. Courses for which you wish to change from grade type P/F to grade type A,B,C,D,E will not be considered. See the dean of the college in which you are majoring if you want a P/F course to satisfy a requirement.
3. Financial matters: The general petition process is for academic policy relief. See the Bursar's Office for fall and spring semester requests; summer and winter session requests, contact the Office of Summer & Winter Sessions.
4. Grade appeals: If you are seeking a higher grade in a course than was awarded, and can not resolve the matter with your instructor, you need to follow the grade appeal process.