There may be circumstances beyond a student’s control that prevent them from completing their coursework for a term. Or, there may be requests for exceptions to policy. Students should consult with their advisor prior to withdrawing or beginning the petition process. Petitions may also be submitted for variance of other college policies.
Petitions
Overview of the Petition Process
There may be circumstances beyond a student’s control that prevent them from completing their coursework for a term. Or, there may be requests for exceptions to policy. The Petition Form must be filled out completely and submitted to your academic advisor with all required documentation and your reason for request. Your advisor will forward the materials to the Petition Committee for review. A written decision will be emailed to the student’s UNH-CPS account.
Documentation
Example situations and documentation could include:
Medical Conditions (Student or Immediate Family Member) Documentation: An original letter from a physician, psychiatrist, or other licensed healthcare professional on the provider’s letterhead with contact information. The letter must specifically state the period of time that the student or family member was receiving treatment and that the student was advised or required to withdraw from school due to medical reasons or to assist with the care of his/her family member.
Death of an immediate family member Documentation: Copy of death certificate or newspaper/online obituary.
Military Duty Documentation: Copy of orders.
Natural Disaster (Unexpected catastrophes such as fire or flood) Documentation: Copy of insurance, fire, police or other similar report from an independent agency.
Institutional Error Documentation: Copies of any documents that you believe support your position (registration form receipts, bills, financial aid awards, correspondence with staff, etc.).
Other Documentation: Speak with your advisor about appropriate documentation options.
Petition Appeals
If a student believes that reconsideration of the decision is warranted due to the availability of additional information, the need to further clarify information previously presented, or the decision of the Petition Committee was made contrary to college policy and/or made without reasonable process, he or she may appeal the decision to the Provost. The student must do so in writing within fifteen (15) working days of the date of the decision. The appeal should clearly state the ground(s) on which the student is asking to have the decision reviewed and any relevant new information. The Petition Committee will forward all materials concerning steps already taken and information received to the Provost. The Provost will review the appeal and will provide to the student a final written decision.
Confidentiality
All confidential information submitted as part of the petition process will be held until the appeal deadline is reached or a decision has been made on an appeal request, whichever comes first. After that time, all documentation not considered essential to the student’s academic record will be destroyed.