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The Scholastic Committee is charged with reviewing student petitions for exemptions to academic policy, as outlined in several Board of Regents Policies. The Committee will review petitions individually, consider circumstances, and approve or deny each petition in a timely manner. In all cases the Committee will endeavor toward fair application of policy, doing what is in the best interest of the student, and contributing to the resources required for student success.
Committee decisions are final with no opportunity for appeal. If new circumstances come to light after the committee has determined an outcome a student may submit a second petition for review by the committee.
Membership
Members of the committee include the registrar, a student success coach, and a tenure/tenure-track faculty member. Members for the 2011-2012 academic year are Nathan Tesch, Anne Vande Berg, and Dr. Molly Dingel.
Submitting a Petition
Students are responsible for submitting proper documentation. Often that includes the Academic Policy Petition along with supporting documentation. Students are encouraged to submit typed, rather than handwritten, paperwork. All petitions and paperwork should be submitted to the Student Resource Center (Suite 369) or by e-mail to stuserv@r.umn.edu.
Students will be notified of the committee's decision through their official University of Minnesota e-mail account.
Guidelines for Petitions
The chart below outlines suggested documentation for several possible petitions. It is not meant to outline every situation and should be used only as a guide. As each situation is unique we expect every petition and included documentation to be unique.
| Type of Request | Suggested Documentation |
|---|---|
| Adding a course or courses | Your petition explanation should include the reason(s) you were unable to add the course by the semester add deadline. Obtain the instructor's signature in the instructor/Department field prior to committing the petition. |
| Changing grade basis | Evidence in support of an extenuating circumstance that influenced your registration. |
| Changing sections of the course | Obtain the instructor's signature in the instructor/Department field prior to committing the petition. In cases where changing sections will result in changing faculty members both signatures must be obtained prior to submission. Your petition explanation should include the reason(s) you were unable to change sections by the semester add deadline. Include the correct five digit class numbers in your petition. These numbers can be found in the class search on One Stop. |
| One time only late drop | An academic policy petition must be submitted indicating you wish to use your one-time drop option (second up option under "cancel courses" heading). The petition must be submitted prior to end of business on the last business day before finals begin. |
| Request to exceed the 20 credit maximum course load per semester | Evidence demonstrating your success with challenging course loads and multiple responsibilities. |
| Withdrawing from a course or courses | Your petition should include an explanation of why you are unable to drop the course(s) by the deadline; i.e. what happened after the semester top deadline that made it difficult to be successful? Written proof of an extenuating circumstance such as a note from a physician, counselor, family obituary, letter from employer, etc. Be as specific as possible and include dates whenever possible. If you're petitioning to only withdraw from part of your registration (i.e. two out of four courses), include the reasons you should stay registered for some courses and not others (i.e. why did your extenuating circumstances only influence your performance and a few courses?) Include the correct five digit class numbers in your petition. These numbers can be found in the class search on One Stop. |
| Reinstatement after suspension | You will need to petition the committee for reinstatement. Your statement should include reflection on the factors that lead to your suspension, why you wish to return to the University of Minnesota, your long-term goals and objectives, changes you have made that will positively impact your ability to be successful academically, what support you will request from student success coaches and faculty, and any additional information you feel would benefit the committee reviewing your petition. Supporting documentation is often helpful but not required. |
Special Circumstances
Students should be aware that help is available when unexpected situations arise. Many students face extenuating circumstances at some point in their undergraduate careers, which can make it more challenging to keep a healthy balance between academics, personal life, and other commitments. Student Success Coaches are committed to helping students find ways to successfully overcome these challenges and make whatever changes are needed for maintaining personal well-being and academic achievement. In some cases, it may be necessary for students to limit their course load, seek Incomplete grades in courses, take a temporary leave of absence, or gain assistance from one other resources. Students are encouraged to contact their Student Success Coach proactively when unexpected situations arise.