Academic Petition

Online Academic Petition Form

Academic Petitions Committee 

Petitions must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. Thursday for consideration during the same week.

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 chair of the Academic Petitions Committee or the Registrar.

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 that do not meet the following guidelines will be tabled and sent back to the student for completion.

1. Provide all your student information, don’t leave any blanks.
2. Check the  box associated with the type of petition you are submitting.
3. Obtain all required email approvals and attach to the Petition as follows:
   • Academic Advisor for ALL petitions
   • Department Chair for Waivers of Maximum Units in Major
4. Consider the importance of this petition and attach a  letter that clearly states your purpose and rationale. Hand written letters will not be accepted.
5. Submit the Electronic Ticket with all documentation required attached to it. 
6. 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
7. An appeal of an action may be made under certain conditions. Appeals will NOT be considered without additional considerations and documentation. The decision on an academic appeal is final.
8. 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.
9. Submitted petitions and appeals go directly to the Registrar’s Office.
10. Actions on Academic Petitions and Appeals are sent to the student’s St. Lawrence University email account.