Who needs to file a petition?
Petitions can be filed for many different reasons, including but not limited to students who:
- want to add or drop a class, or change the grading option or variable credit hours in a class after the deadline;
- want to initiate a leave of absence (see http://www.cals.cornell.edu/cals/current/advising/options/retloa.cfm for information about returning from leave);
- want to return from a restricted leave of absence issued by the college;
(If your leave was issued by Gannett: Cornell University Health Services, evaluation will be necessary before returning. Contact Gannett Health Center at (607) 255-5155 for instructions. Also notify the CALS Registrar's Office to let them know of your intent to return.) - want to request readmission from an academic action (suspension or dismissal);
- are appealing an action previously taken by the committee;
- wish to request substitution of the distribution requirements
Who reviews and decides on my request?
The Committee on Academic Achievement and Petitions is a college committee of six faculty and two student members. The Director of Counseling and Advising, Lisa Ryan, serves as secretary; both Lisa and the Associate Director of Counseling and Advising, Bonnie Shelley, serve as non-voting members.
How do they come to a decision?
The committee reviews the request and determines whether there is evidence of mitigating and unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the student that would warrant an exception or other action. Each petition request is viewed individually, and a decision is made based on your specific circumstances and reasons for the request.
Can I speak to the faculty members of the Committee directly?
You can speak with Lisa Ryan or Bonnie Shelley in Counseling and Advising who will relay your concerns to the Committee. Set an appointment with Lisa or Bonnie by calling 607-254-5386 during regular business hours.
Are forms available on line?
In order to assure you receive personalized advice for your particular request, petition forms are not available on line. The staff in the Counseling and Advising Office in 140 Roberts Hall are happy to speak with you, and sometimes you don't even need to formally petition. Contact Counseling and Advising by visiting them in person, or call the office at 607-254-5386 to speak with Lisa Ryan, Bonnie Shelley or Pamela Torelli who will let you know your options. If necessary, the proper form can e-mailed to you.
When filing a petition, what is required of me?
- the petition form must be completely filled out
- include a statement explaining the reason for your request
- for distribution substitution requests, supporting documentation is required, such as course description, syllabi, etc.
- for readmission requests, transcripts for coursework completed elsewhere as well as an academic plan for finishing remaining graduation requirements are required
- for course change requests, you'll need the instructor's signature
- all petition requests require your advisor's signature
What if I'm having trouble reaching my advisor and/or instructor for their signature on my form?
Try calling, e-mailing, and stopping by during office hours. Allow at least 2 working days for response. You could also speak to someone else in the department, such as a TA or an administrative assistant to determine if the instructor or your advisor is out of town. You can also ask the instructor or your advisor to send e-mail to Lisa Ryan at lar4@cornell.edu instead of having them sign the paper form.
How long does it take to get an answer from the Committee, and how do I find out the results?
The committee meets weekly during the academic semester, and monthly during the summer. During the academic semester, results for petition forms received in the Counseling and Advising Office by 12noon on Thursday will be available after 12noon on Friday by calling or stopping by the office, and in most cases results will be e-mailed to you as well. Between semesters, call the office at 607-254-5386 to find out when the next meeting will be and when results will be available.