Dec 07, 2024  
USC Catalogue 2024-2025 
    
USC Catalogue 2024-2025

Exception Procedures


Return to: Academic and University Policies  


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. Requests for credit for courses taken out of sequence are heard by the dean of the academic unit offering the course that was taken out of sequence. Students who wish to request an exception should first consult an academic adviser 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 Policies & Procedures (CAPP) studies the effects of university academic requirements, regulations and policies, recommends to the office of the president through the provost new and revised academic policies and procedures, and regularizes policies and procedures so that the number of petitions can be reduced

CAPP also rules through Academic Petitions Panels on requests for exceptions to academic regulations and requirements printed in the University Catalogue. In most instances, the Academic Petitions Panels act as the body with original jurisdiction, but in some cases delegates authority for approvals to another. The assumptions and procedures which guide Academic Petition Panels actions are the following:

  • The student is responsible for complying with deadlines established in the academic calendar.
  • All academic work should be accurately reflected in the student’s record. The record is to be faithful to the actual experience – cosmetic corrections or adjustments are not permitted.
  • Care must be taken not to establish the petition process as an alternative to being held to the adopted academic requirements.
  • Decisions should be focused on the academic basis for the petition, rather than the consequences (real or imagined) that may face the student.
  • Registrations and enrollment-related petitions are presented by the registrar’s staff.

The Committee on Academic Policies and Procedures receives reports from the Degree Progress Department, the Petitions Services Department, and the Academic Petitions Panels. The committee reports to the office of the President through the Provost and works closely with the Vice Provost for Academic Programs, the University Registrar, and the Vice President for Student Life.

Registration-related Exceptions

Requests for an exception to published registration procedures and enrollment deadlines are heard by the University Registrar. Detailed information is available at usc.edu/askusc and searching registration petition.

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 for a period not to exceed a total of five years, if adequate attendance and grading information is available and reasonable cause for the delay exists.

Degree Requirement-related Exceptions

Requests for exception to specific degree requirements are generated in the academic unit. Most requests will be forwarded by the adviser to CAPP for review. For a list of department-initiated petitions presented to CAPP for review see Petition Services. Some exceptions are made by the dean of the academic unit and are recorded on the Student Academic Record System (STARS) report by the academic department, using the exception process.

The Graduate School

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