Faculty and Staff

How to Respond to Undergraduate Student Petitions

Last updated August 24, 2009 3:47:01 PM PDT
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If you advise undergraduates, it is important to know how to respond to questions regarding petitions. Read this checklist to learn about the petition process.

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Department Exceptions

Students select this option when requesting an exception or substitution to graduation requirements for their major or minor.

Tell the student to submit a completed Undergraduate General Student Petition to the Department/ Program Student Affairs Office.

  • Explain that the petition should include the course number(s)and indicate that the course is upper or lower division. Supporting documentation such as syllabi, course descriptions, and written student work may be required.
  • After you receive Department/ Program signatures(in appropriate Approved or Denied boxes), distribute the petition according to the directions on the form.

College Exceptions

Students select this option when requesting exceptions to college graduation requirements, including General Education course substitutions.

Tell students to submit a completed Undergraduate General Student Petition to their College Academic Advising Office.

  • Explain that the petition should include the course number(s) and indicate that the course is upper or lower division.Supporting documentation such as syllabi, course descriptions and written student work may be required.
  • If your department/ program governs the course in question or needs to verify content, obtain the appropriate signatures in the Approved or Denied boxes, then send the entire petition to the student's college.
  • If you're not sure your department/ program needs to take action on the petition, contact the student's college for verification.

University Exceptions

Students select this option when requesting exceptions to University policy, such as changing their grading option after the deadline or waiving senior residency.

Direct students to their College Academic Advising Office to discuss options regarding University Exceptions.

Double Major Petitions

Students who want to declare a double major must speak with their college and academic departments for guidance prior to submitting the petition.

Read about Double Majors on the Academic Senate Web site for full regulations.

Departments receive the Double Major Petition and:

  • Review the student's quarter by quarter plan.
  • Verify that the student meets all requirements for the major.
  • Sign or obtain appropriate department signatures on the petition.
  • Send petition with all copies intact to either the other department listed, or to the student's college advising office for final approval.

Minor Declaration Petitions

Students who want to declare an undergraduate minor should check with their minor department to learn about variations in requirements, including grading options, that must be satisfied.

Direct students to declare a minor using the Major/ Minor tool in TritonLink.

  • Designated academic advisors will process the minor request and either approve or disapprove the request.
  • When reviewing the request, check all of the requirements for your department/ program. You may need to contact students who didn't provide enough information.

EAP (Education Abroad Program) Petitions

Students petition EAP courses to their respective departments and/ or colleges for satisfaction of major or general education and breadth requirements.

Direct students to use the Undergraduate General Student Petition and complete their request to the department or college.

  • Remind students that supporting documentation such as syllabi, course description, or student work must be included with the petition for review.
  • If petitioning to clear a college requirement, direct students to their college Academic Advising Office.
  • If petitioning to clear a department/ program requirement, obtain appropriate signatures in the Approved or Denied box and distribute the petition according to the directions on the form.

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Need an expert? Department exceptions: Shannon Goodison, (858) 534-4628. College exceptions: Contact the appropriate College Dean of Advising: