Petitions For Exceptions

CHP students who have unexpected or unusual academic planning problems which do not allow them to follow/complete the normal honors curriculum plan or who need an exception to stated CHP requirements or policy may file a petition for special consideration. There is no preprinted petition form. The process is:

• meet first with your academic counselor to discuss your particular circumstances and proposed plan
  
  
• write a letter or email addressed to the Director of the CHP (Professor Roger McWilliams, mcw@uci.edu)
  
  
• state the purpose of your request (what do you want — a postponement, waiver, or extension?)
  
  
• describe your particular circumstances and the rationale for your request (Why is this a sound academic request for you. If you are asking for a waiver of a particular course requirement, include information as to how you have satisfied /plan to satisfy that particular area of breadth.)
  
  
• outline the alternative academic plan you wish to have approved (outlining all courses planned through to graduation. Do not deal with one quarter at a time)
  
  
• submit petition to Professor McWilliams and deliver a hard copy to the Honors office or cc: an honors advisor if sent by email.

You should petition in advance for any exception. Your petition should be carefully prepared — typed, clearly stated, and well thought out. Remember, petitions are only accepted for exceptional circumstances and are subject to the review and approval of the Director of the Program. The Director will look at your academic plan and the rationale for your request, but also will consider the goals and spirit of honors education when reviewing petitions. There are no guarantees!