Integrative Biology Graduate Program Handbook-Academic Exception Petition
Academic Exception Petition
Academic exceptions are considered on an individual case by case basis and should not be considered a precedent. Deviations from normal progress are highly discouraged, but the program recognizes that there are in some cases extenuating academic and personal circumstances. Petitions for course exceptions/substitutions or exceptions to the Satisfactory Progress Expectations (academic or conduct) shall be directed to the Advisory Committee. Final approval is granted by the Graduate Program Executive Committee. The following procedures apply to all petitions:
- The specific requirement/rule/expectation pertinent to the petition must be identified.
- The student's academic advisor must provide written support for the petition.
- All course work substitutions and equivalencies will be decided by the student’s advisory committee and approved by the Graduate Program Executive Committee.
More generally, the Director of Graduate Studies, in consultation with the student’s advisor, may grant extensions to normal progress requirements for students who face circumstances (similar to tenure extensions) as noted in university regulations, this includes childbirth, adoption, significant responsibilities with respect to elder or dependent care obligations, disability or chronic illness, or circumstances beyond one’s personal control. Where warranted, the petition should provide good evidence of plans and ability to return to conformance with the standard and to acceptably complete the program. The normal extension will be one semester; anything beyond this will be granted only in the event of highly extraordinary circumstances. Extensions will be granted formally with a note of explanation to be placed in the student’s file.