Students who have a concern or dispute related to any academic policy matter in a class (e.g. grading, scheduling, instruction, deadlines etc.) should confer with their instructor to express their concerns, exchange information, and discuss a possible resolution. In the event that a satisfactory solution is not achieved, a student may submit an academic petition.

An academic petition may also be submitted by a student for concerns or disputes within or outside of a specific class if the student believes they are not being treated fairly, or in accordance with announced policies, or who have extenuating circumstances beyond their control that warrant an exception to a policy.

Under all circumstances in which a student would consider submitting an academic petition, it is advisable that they first consult with their student success advisor.

Academic petitions fall into two categories:

Exception Requests

• Completion of degree requirements from a prior catalog year
• Extension of time to complete a degree
• Grade change for a course
• Registration change for a course: Add, Drop, or Withdrawal after the deadline (with or without a request for tuition refund)
• Required course or directed study substitution
• Residency requirement
• Exception to other academic policy

Appeals

• Academic Dismissal
• Co-curricular Dismissal
• Denial of an Exception Request

Academic petitions must be filed no later than 60 days after the student has reasonable notice of the circumstances that give rise to the issues presented in the petition (e.g., within 60 days of a faculty or administrative action affecting the student). Petitions must be filed according to the process defined for CAPS, Seminary, and GS, which is in compliance with Minnesota Statutes Section 122A.09, subdivision 4, paragraph (c).

The Academic Petition form will be made available to the student upon correspondence with the student success advisor. Initial filing of the academic petition must be submitted to the student success advisor who transmits it to the appropriate decision-making person or committee.