The Academic Requirements Committee (ARC) does not exempt students from university requirements. What it can do is to approve reasonable alternatives to a requirement where the student can demonstrate a compelling need or reason. In general, the petition should explain the need and offer specific alternatives for the committee to consider. The UO Catalog, Ducks on Track, and the Student Handbook each provide ample supporting structure for students to chart their progress. Therefore, ignorance of the regulations cannot be considered a valid excuse for failing to meet a requirement.
Students may petition for the following exemptions:
- Waive a requirement for the Area of Inquiry
- Waive a requirement for the Cultural Literacy
- Reduce the university residency requirement
- Reduce the university upper-division requirement
- Waive the second language requirement for the bachelor of arts degree
- Waive the mathematics or computer science requirement for the bachelor of science degree
- Have credit deductions reviewed
Students may not petition the following university requirements:
- Total earned credits
- Minimum 2.0 GPA
As students have access to the UO Catalog and Ducks on Track at all times, the ARC does not support petitions submitted with the following reasons:
- Lack of knowledge of dates, deadlines, or policies
- Errors in personal judgment
- Dissatisfaction with instructor, content, or services provided by departments
- Failure to follow procedures and required timelines
- Inability to pay for the tuition, fees, and penalties
During Fall, Winter, and Spring terms, the ARC meets every other week beginning week 3 through week 11. Petitions and supporting documentation are due the Thursday prior to week 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 (end of business day). Petitions received after the deadline will be reviewed in two weeks, at the next scheduled committee meeting.
Each petition requires two parts: the student's statement and the letter of support from the academic/major advisor.
Student Statement Requirements
- What is the issue you are trying to solve? Be specific.
- What caused the issue?
- What steps have you taken to deal with the issue?
- When did you last see an advisor or university official to discuss your progress towards a degree?
- Have you completed all other degree requirements? If not, explain how you will complete them.
- What courses do you and your advisor propose as alternatives to complete the requirement?
- If you have other evidence that you believe will support your case, please include that when you submit your statement.
Academic/Major Advisor Support
Academic advisors may show their support by submitting a web form, writing a letter on department letterhead, or by sending an email from their UO email account. Students should meet with their advisors prior to submitting their petitions.