Petitions
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Introduction to Petitions
In special circumstances, a student may submit a petition to request an exception to a university policy. Petitions may be submitted for Academic Standing decisions, or for general academic policies or their deadlines. Petitions are special requests, so students must present compelling, exceptional, and (sometimes) documented circumstances in making their request.
University policy and deadlines are established by the Faculty Senate to protect the integrity of the academic experience. Decisions about petitions will be evaluated according to the standards and principles of university policies along with considerations of fairness and equity for all students. Petitions will only be granted upon a demonstration of good cause.
Petitions Process
- Inform yourself thoroughly by reading the academic policy in the bulletin and the actual petition form.
- Meet with an advisor in the office of Undergraduate Advising and Research or your Academic Director to discuss your situation. If applicable, you will be asked to proceed with filing a petition.
- Write your request describing the exceptional circumstances that you are facing. Your explanation should be clear, factual and answer the writing prompt on the petition form.
- Depending on the petition, written support from an instructor, advisor, or other university official may be beneficial or required. Compile documentation to submit with your petition.
- Submit your petition, paying attention to deadlines. Submission offices are indicated in the List of Petitions below. Any Petition received after its deadline may not be considered.
- When petitions are denied, students are urged to speak with an advisor to discuss plans for moving forward. Note that undergraduate advisors cannot reverse decisions, but can help you address the consequences.
Petitions Administered by the Office of Undergraduate Advising and Research
| Request | Petition | Steps | Deadlines | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Add a course after the published deadline | Petition to Change Course Enrollment | Contact a UAR Advisor or your Academic Director | End of week 4 | |
| Withdraw from a course after the published deadline | Petition to Change Course Enrollment | Contact a UAR Advisor or your Academic Director | Last day of classes of current quarter | |
| Change the number of units in a course offered for variable units (e.g. 3-5) after the published deadline | Petition to Change Course Enrollment | Contact a UAR Advisor or your Academic Director | End of week 4 | |
| Repeat a course a second time | Petition to Change Course Enrollment | Contact a UAR Advisor or your Academic Director | Add deadline | |
| Enroll in more than 20 units | Petition to Exceed Maximum Units | Contact a UAR Advisor or your Academic Director | Add deadline |
1) Must be registered for 20 units at time of submission 2) If request is approved, the course will be added to your study list. |
| Submit a study list after the published deadline | Petition to Change Course Enrollment | Contact a UAR Advisor or your Academic Director | End of week 4 | A $200 fee will be assessed |
| Return from an unfiled or expired Leave of Absence (discontinued) | Request to Return and Register in Undergraduate Study | Contact a UAR Advisor or your Academic Director | Must file 12-8 weeks prior to intended quarter of enrollment | See Returning to Stanford webpage |
| Return from an active Leave of Absence at a time different from that indicated on original form | Request to Return and Register in Undergraduate Study | Contact a UAR Advisor or your Academic Director | Must file 12-8 weeks prior to intended quarter of enrollment | See Returning to Stanford webpage |
| Return from a completed Academic Suspension | Request to Return and Register in Undergraduate Study | Contact a UAR Advisor or your Academic Director | Must file 12-8 weeks prior to intended quarter of enrollment | See Returning to Stanford webpage |
| Extend a Leave of Absence | Leave of Absence |
Contact a UAR Advisor or your Academic Director 2) Contact your Residence Dean or Off-campus Residence Dean |
Must file before current leave period expires | See Leaving Stanford webpage |
| Register for a minimum of 8 units (if registered with the Office of Accessible Education) | Request for Reduced Course Load |
Must file before the course withdrawal deadline of current quarter |
1) Must be registered with the Office of Accessible Education 2) Retroactive requests will not be considered |
|
| Appeal an Academic Suspension | Petition to Appeal Academic Suspension | Contact a UAR Advisor, your Academic Director, or the Student Services Officer listed in the Academic Standing letter | Must file by the date indicated in the Suspension letter | Requests after the deadline will not be considered |
Contact
Undergraduate Advising and Research
Sweet Hall, First Floor
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305-3085
[email protected]
Phone 650-723-2426
Fax 650-725-1436
Petitions administered by the Office of the University Registrar
- Graduation Quarter Petition
- Last Units Out-of-Residence
- Leave of Absence
- Procedures and Application for Coterminal Status
- Request for Transfer Credit Evaluation
- Permit to Attend for Services Only
- 13th Quarter Petition