Student Handbook - Petitions & Problem Solving
Graduate College Petitions
To request exceptions to the Graduate College policies or deadlines, students are required to complete a Graduate Student Request form, https://grad.illinois.edu/gsas/gradpetition.
Below are some examples of when students might request an exception:
- Missed deadline exception
- Time extension
- Curriculum change
Students should complete the online petition at the link above after seeking advice from the program coordinator of faculty advisor. Petitions are sent to the Graduate College by the program for final review. The student and the program coordinator are notified via email of the Graduate College’s final decision on the petition. Petitions can take up to three weeks to process once received by the Graduate College. It is also important to note that just because the program coordinator has approved the exception, it does not mean that it will automatically be approved by the Graduate College.
Program Petitions
To request substitutions to the degree requirements, or exceptions to the program policies or deadlines, students are required to complete a program petition.
Below are some examples of when students might request an exception:
- Complete an alternate course that is not on the approved list
- Request a reduced course load
- Transfer coursework from outside institutions
- Transfer coursework from another University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Graduate Program
Students are advised to complete the online petition at the link above after seeking advice from the program director or faculty advisor. Students will be notified via email of the program’s decision.
Managing Conflict and Problem Solving
The University has procedures to aid students experiencing conflict. Examples of conflict may include, but are not limited to, interpersonal conflict with fellow students, staff, or faculty, or concerns about academic issues such as grading equity. Policies and procedures for conflict resolution are overseen by several offices on campus, including the Graduate College, the Office of the Dean of Students, International Student and Scholar Services, the Office for Access and Equity, and, in some cases, individual departments. The type of conflict will determine from which university office(s) the student should seek assistance. Students with conflict concerns are advised to speak with their program coordinator or faculty advisor, and to consult Chapter 9 in the Graduate College Handbook.