ACADEMIC EXCEPTION PETITIONS
Academic exceptions are considered on an individual case by case basis and should not be considered a precedent. Deviations from normal progress are discouraged, but the program recognizes that some particular cases involve extenuating academic or personal circumstances. Petitions for course exceptions/substitutions or exceptions to the Satisfactory Progress Expectations (academic or conduct) should be directed to the Director of Graduate Studies or relevant committee chair (example Curriculum Chair). The following procedures apply to all such 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 appropriate area-group faculty or curriculum chair.
More generally, the Director of Graduate Studies, in consultation with the student’s advisor and possibly the Botany Chair, 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 extraordinary circumstances. Extensions will be granted formally with a note of explanation being placed in the student’s file.
Specific Example – Prelim Exam
A student who fails the Preliminary Examination is normally offered a second opportunity to pass the preliminary examination. Petitions of a decision by the Thesis/Dissertation Committee must be made to the faculty of the Graduate Committee within two weeks or they will be final. They will make the final decision regarding any such petition.
A student who has not satisfied the preliminary examination requirement within 36 months of entering the program will be dropped from the program, except by appeal in writing to the faculty of the Graduate Committee. They will make the final decision.
Specific Example –Extensions
Students who have not completed the degree requirements on schedule may request extensions. Requests for a one-semester (or one year) extension can be made to the faculty of the Graduate Committee. This Committee is authorized to approve such requests upon written justification from the student and their advisor. The student must describe the reasons for the request and provide a proposed timetable for completing all program requirements. The major professor must endorse the request. The request should be made as soon as the need for an extension becomes apparent. The faculty of the Graduate Committee may request additional documentation as needed and may decline the request. (see form in appendix)