The following requests may be made by following the appropriate instructions on the proper forms at the end of this section. Make sure to file a separate petition for each request. If none of the categories applies, consult with an Academic Advisor in Academic Services on the appropriate way to submit your request.
To substitute, waive, or re-evaluate GE or graduation requirements; make exceptions; request earlier GE patterns. Select from specific categories listed below.
Return to Earlier GE Pattern (pdf)
Conditions: Completion of all of GE requirements prior to leaving SJSU, or extenuating circumstances beyond student's control that caused break in enrollment.
CORE GE Equivalent Course (Areas B, C, D, & E for non-CSU/California Community Colleges only) (pdf)
Conditions: Course completed OUTSIDE the California Community College or CSU system for CORE.
Written Communication IA/IB (pdf)
Conditions: Equivalent lower division composition course NOT taken at a California Community College or CSU or placement tests that waived first year composition.
Conditions: Equivalent course NOT taken at a California Community College or CSU. See Schedule of Classes to Challenge a Course for Credit.
Conditions: Equivalent course NOT taken at a California Community College or CSU. See Testing Office for Waiver Exam.
Conditions: Equivalent college course beyond intermediate algebra NOT taken at a California Community College or CSU.
CORE Intensive Science Plan (pdf)
Conditions: More advanced college science courses taken in preparation of other majors.
Written Communication II (100W) Requirement (pdf)
Conditions: Completion of upper division composition course or demonstration of exceptional writing ability.
Conditions: Completion or partial completion of American Institutions requirements at other colleges.
Conditions: Extenuating circumstances that prevent completion of requirement. See Kinesiology Department for challenge procedure.
Modifications of Requirements based on Disability (pdf)
Conditions: Verified disability that interferes with ability to complete traditional requirements. See Disability Resource Center.
Conditions: Completion of GE interdisciplinary, honors, or core programs. Reconsideration of equivalent courses requires request forms for specific requirements. See other forms listed above.
WST (Writing Skills Test) (Petition not available on-line)
Conditions: Passage of comparable screening exam or upper division coursework at another university. Visiting students must consult instructions on form. Also see Written Communication II Request form. See Undergraduate Studies Office for form.
Non-Matriculated, Open University Students Taking Advanced GE Courses for Non-GE Credit (pdf)
Only for undergraduate, Open University students who are not matriculated at SJSU and do not plan to matriculate here.
EPT (English Placement Test) (pdf)
Conditions: Passage of equivalent writing placement test or completion of lower division composition course with a C or better. Also see Written Communication 1A/1B Request (pdf) form.
Conditions: Only for undergraduate students who have been formally admitted to and enrolled at SJSU for at least one semester. Requires evidence of a college course equivalent to intermediate algebra or above with a C or better, or a test equivalent to the ELM.
Request for Additional Baccalaureate Credit for International OR Equivalent College Credit (pdf)
Conditions: This petition is used to request unit credit for course work taken at an accredited college/university abroad or in the U.S., not granted upon admission.
Open University/Community College credits (pdf)
Conditions: Extenuating circumstances to justify granting more than 24 Open University units, 70 Community College units, or non-transferable units for baccalaureate or residence credit to allow graduation.
Graduate/Undergraduate Units Completed (pdf)
Conditions: Completion of units during SJSU graduate standing now needed for second baccalaureate degree.
Students wanting to make requests that apply to past semesters, must follow these instructions.
Please note that no changes may be made to academic records after graduation.
Retroactive Academic Renewal (pdf)
Conditions: Replacement of a C- or lower grade with a better grade obtained when course was repeated. Extenuating circumstances must be documented. Read instructions on form carefully.
Conditions: Addition of course after semester has ended due to errors in registration process. Read instructions on form carefully.
Conditions: Documented extenuating circumstances that prevented dropping a particular course during semester. Read instructions on form carefully.
Retroactive Letter Grade for CR Grade (pdf)
Conditions: Letter grade needed to clear probation status for graduation or GE/major credit needed for course with CR grade. Read instructions on form carefully.
Conditions: Extenuating circumstances that prevented withdrawal during semester, semester not representative of normal performance, and subsequent satisfactory performance at SJSU. Read instructions on form carefully.
Retroactive Leave of Absence
Late or retroactive leaves of absence are not permitted. Students should withdraw from classes in which they are currently enrolled or consider a Retroactive Withdrawal (pdf), and then apply for a leave for succeeding semesters.
Disregard of Previous Semester Work (pdf)
Conditions: Graduating senior without any remaining requirements who is below a 2.0 GPA in a required category, and does not need any coursework from a semester taken more than 5 years ago, and has above average grades in recent coursework. Read instructions on form carefully.
Retroactive Back-date of Degree (pdf)
Conditions: All degree requirements completed, but administrative errors prevented degree from being granted.
Correction of SJSU Records (pdf)
Conditions: Administrative errors made by the university.
If none of the request forms listed above addresses the student's concerns, an Academic Advisor in Academic Services will determine an appropriate request form.
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