Academic Petition

Academic Petitions

In extenuating circumstances, a student may request consideration of an exception to one of the University’s academic policies or procedures. Such petitions are heard by the Academic Petitions Committee, which meets weekly when classes are in session during the fall and spring semesters. The committee considers exceptions to University policies, including requests for late add/drop, pass/fail, and withdrawal, waivers of distribution requirements, and waivers of eligibility requirements for participation in Commencement. Appropriate documentation and academic advisor and/or course instructor substantiation of claims to extenuating circumstances must be provided by the petitioning student. Information about the petition procedure is available from the Registrar or the Executive Director for Advising, Retention, and Student Success.

Students will be notified promptly of the Academic Petition Committee's decision. If the petition is not approved, the student may appeal the decision, providing further evidence and/or clarification to the committee. All appeal decisions are final.

Academic Petition Guidelines

Petitions tickets can be found on RegistrarConnect. Petitions that do not meet the following guidelines will be tabled and sent back to the student for completion.

1. Choose the appropriate academic petition.
2. Search for the appropriate course. Be sure to choose the correct section. 
3. Consider the importance of this petition and include a strong rationale that clearly states your purpose. Handwritten letters will not be accepted.
4. Submit the Electronic Ticket with all documentation required attached to it. 
   1. RegistrarConnect now automatically sends an alert to the course instructor and advisor, if applicable, to obtain the proper permissions.
5. In accordance with the type of Academic Petition, attach: supporting statement(s) by faculty/staff member(s), other documentation as the individual case warrants.
   • Explanation for tardiness for Missed Deadline Petitions
   • Explanation of extenuating circumstances for Repeat Course Request Petition
6. An appeal of an action may be made under certain conditions. Appeals will NOT be considered without additional supporting materials and documentation. The decision on an academic appeal is final.
7. It is recommended that you read the Academic Advising Office's information on writing an effective petition and/or consult with the Academic Advising staff as you compose your petition.
8. Submitted petitions and appeals go directly to the Registrar’s Office.
9. Actions on Academic Petitions and Appeals are sent to the student’s St. Lawrence University email account.