Exceptions to particular university regulations and degree requirements will be considered only if there is no prohibition stated in this catalogue. Where exceptions are specifically prohibited, none will be granted. A student who wants an individual exception must follow the procedure specified in this catalogue for the particular regulation or requirement. If no procedure is specified, it may still be possible to request an exception. Such exceptions, however, are rarely granted.

Requests for exception to established university academic regulations or procedures are generally heard by: (1) the Committee on Academic Policies and Procedures (CAPP); (2) the dean of the academic unit in which the student is seeking a degree; or (3) the dean or director of the office responsible for administering the policy. Students who wish to request an exception should first consult an academic advisor about the appropriate process to follow.

While the university is sensitive to the educational advantages of a flexible curriculum, it is also conscious of a responsibility to ensure equity for all students. Permission to deviate from published regulations is neither automatic nor pro forma; each request is considered on its own merits and in light of the petitioner’s complete academic record.

USC Committee on Academic Policies and Procedures

The Committee on Academic Policy and Procedures (CAPP), a representative group of faculty, students and administrators, reviews or delegates the review of most general petitions.

Registration-related Exceptions

Requests for exception to published registration procedures and enrollment deadlines are heard by the Dean of Academic Records and Registrar. Such requests are generated in the Academic Review Department, SAS 113. Requests denied by the dean are referred to a CAPP panel for review.

Any request to change the official registration for a semester retroactively must be submitted within 24 months of the end of the semester in question. The 24-month period starts with the last day of final examinations for the semester in question. If appropriate, the time limit can be waived by the dean of the academic unit in which the student is seeking a degree.

General Education Petitions

Students may petition to waive individual general education requirements or apply one or more courses not listed in the USC Catalogue toward general education requirements. If the course or courses to be substituted were or will be taken at USC, a General Petition may be initiated in the student’s home department; if taken at another institution, an Articulation Petition may be initiated in the Degree Progress Department (Student Academic Services 010).

Degree Requirement-related Exceptions

Requests for exception to specific degree requirements are generated in the academic unit. Most requests will be forwarded by the advisor to CAPP for review. Some exceptions are made by the dean of the academic unit and are recorded in the student exception process by the academic department.

Articulation Petitions

Students who wish to request changes in their transfer credit evaluations should first discuss their request with the Degree Progress Department (Student Academic Services 010).

A request which cannot be processed by Degree Progress will be forwarded to the Articulation Office for review. Students wishing to appeal the decision may do so using an articulation petition.

The Graduate School

Requests for an exception to the policies and procedures governing Graduate School degree programs will be considered upon submission of a general petition stating the specific request, supported by adequate reasons and information. The signatures and recommendations of the faculty advisor or committee chair and department chair are required.

Graduate and Professional Programs

Requests for exception to the policies and procedures governing graduate degree programs that do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School should be directed to the dean of the degree-conferring unit.