How to Petition the Committee on Academic Standards

Policy Author:
AVP Student Success

Responsible Office – Department:
Student Success

Effective Date of Policy:
August 23rd, 2021

Purpose

Instruct students on how to petition the Committee of Academic Standards if they have extenuating circumstances affecting their ability to meet the academic expectations

Scope and Applicability of this Policy:

Students, Faculty, Faculty Advisors, Academic Advisement

Policy Narrative:

Students with extenuating circumstances affecting their ability to meet the academic expectations of the University may petition the undergraduate or graduate Committee on Academic Standards (CAS), as appropriate, for consideration. Petitions may be made for:

1. Authorized late drop or late withdrawal from course(s)
2. Further extension of Incomplete grade (beyond a one-semester extension)
3. Academic bankruptcy
4. Course substitutions or curriculum waivers
5. Waiver of financial aid eligibility requirements (via the Financial Aid Office)
6. Credit for Learning from Life Experience or Challenge Examination (in consultation with the credit-granting department)

A petition typically includes a letter of explanation/request from the student, recommendation(s) from the student’s advisor(s) and course instructor(s), as pertinent, and appropriate supporting documentation (e.g., medical). The undergraduate CAS meets on an approximately monthly basis during the fall and spring semesters and the graduate CAS meets as needed.

The Committees on Academic Standards also review all students in poor academic standing (cumulative GPA below 2.00 for undergraduates [1.50 first-semester], 3.00 for graduates) at the end of the fall and spring semesters, meeting in early January and late May/early June to render decisions on academic probation, suspension, or dismissal. Students who anticipate being the subject of CAS review are advised and encouraged to submit any statements on their own behalf prior to these meetings for the committee’s consideration. Faculty are also encouraged to make recommendations to the CAS about their advisees.

Please note that grade appeals are NOT considered by CAS but are handled in accordance with the undergraduate grade appeal procedure or graduate grade appeal procedure, as appropriate.

Procedures:

Petitions should be submitted to the office of the Assistant Vice President for Student Success, RIC 108. The Office of Academic Advisement (RIC ground floor, 716.839.8228) provides advice to students on composing a CAS petition. Questions about the petition process should be directed to the advisement office. Students can and should also consult their faculty advisors.