Overview
In special circumstances, a student may submit a request for an exception to a university policy. Requests may be submitted for Academic Progress decisions, or for general academic policies or their deadlines. Students must present compelling, exceptional, and (sometimes) documented circumstances in making their request.
University policy and deadlines are established by the Faculty Senate to protect the integrity of the academic experience. Decisions about requests will be evaluated according to the standards and principles of university policies along with considerations of fairness and equity for all students. Requests will only be granted upon a demonstration of good cause. For official wording of Stanford's academic policies, refer to Stanford Bulletin: Academic Policies and Statements.
Process
- Inform yourself thoroughly by reading the academic policy in the bulletin and the actual request form.
- Meet with an advisor in the Office of Academic Advising (Academic Advisor in Sweet Hall, Academic Advising Director in your residence, or Academic Advisor located in the Athletic Academic Resource Center) to discuss your situation. If applicable, you will be asked to proceed with submitting a request.
- Write your request describing the exceptional circumstances that you are facing. Your explanation should be clear, factual and answer the writing prompt on the form.
- Depending on the request, written support from an instructor, advisor, or other university official may be beneficial or required. Compile documentation to submit with your request.
- Submit your request, paying attention to deadlines. Submission offices are indicated in the list below. Any request received after its deadline may not be considered.
- When requests are denied, students are urged to speak with an advisor to discuss plans for moving forward. Note that undergraduate advisors cannot reverse decisions, but they can help you address the consequences.
Requests and Forms Administered by the Office of Academic Advising*
*NOTE: Please be logged in using your Stanford SUnet/email address to download these forms.
Enroll in more than 20 units
Form: Request for Exception to Exceed Maximum Units [Fillable PDF]
Steps: Contact an Academic Advisor
Deadline: Add/drop deadline
Notes: 1) Must be registered for 20 units at time of submission
2) If request is approved, the course will be added to your study list.
Repeat a course a second time
Form: Request for Exception to Change Course Enrollment [Fillable PDF]
Steps: Contact an Academic Advisor
Deadline: Add/drop deadline
Add a course after the published deadline
Form: Request for Exception to Change Course Enrollment [Fillable PDF]
Steps: Contact an Academic Advisor
Deadline: End of week 4
Change the number of units in a course offered for variable units (e.g. 3-5) after the published deadline
Form: Request for Exception to Change Course Enrollment [Fillable PDF]
Steps: Contact an Academic Advisor
Deadline: End of week 4
Submit a study list after the published deadline
Form: Request for Exception to Change Course Enrollment [Fillable PDF]
Steps: Contact an Academic Advisor
Deadline: End of week 4
Notes: A $200 fee will be assessed
Withdraw from a course after the published deadline
Form: Request for Exception to Change Course Enrollment [Fillable PDF]
Steps: Contact an Academic Advisor
Deadline: End of week 8
Register for a minimum of 8 units (if registered with the Office of Accessible Education)
Form: Request for Reduced Course Load [Electronic Form]
Steps: 1) Register with OAE to determine eligibility
2) Once registered, login to OAE | CONNECT and click on the "Academic Request Forms" gear to access and submit the Request for Reduced Course Load.
- International students must then meet with an International Student Adviser
3) Meet with an Academic Advisor
Deadline: Must submit before the course withdrawal deadline of current quarter
Notes: 1) Must be registered with the Office of Accessible Education
2) Retroactive requests will not be considered
Return from an unsubmitted or expired Leave of Absence (also known as "Discontinued Status")
Form: Request to Return and Register in Undergraduate Study [Fillable PDF]
Steps: Contact an Academic Advisor
Deadline: Must submit 12-8 weeks prior to intended quarter of enrollment
Notes: See Returning to Stanford
Return from an active Leave of Absence at a time different from that indicated on original form
Form: Request to Return and Register in Undergraduate Study [Fillable PDF]
Steps: Contact an Academic Advisor
Deadline: Must submit 12-8 weeks prior to intended quarter of enrollment
Notes: See Returning to Stanford
Return from a completed Academic Suspension
Form: Request to Return and Register in Undergraduate Study [Fillable PDF]
Steps: Contact an Academic Advisor
Deadline: Must submit 12-8 weeks prior to intended quarter of enrollment
Notes: See Returning to Stanford
Request Reconsideration of an Academic Suspension
Form: Request for Reconsideration of Academic Suspension [Fillable PDF]
Steps: Contact an Academic Advisor or the Student Services Officer listed in the Academic Standing letter
Deadline: Must submit by the date indicated in the Suspension letter
Notes: Requests after the deadline will not be considered
For more information about the above requests, contact:
Academic Advising
Sweet Hall, First Floor
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305-3085
advising@stanford.edu
Phone 650-723-2426
Fax 650-725-1436
Make an appointment with an Academic Advisor
Forms Administered by the Registrar's Office
Request a Leave of Absence
Form: Leave of Absence [Electronic Form]
Steps: 1) Contact an Academic Advisor
2) Contact Residence Dean for your residence or for Off-campus
Deadlines and further information: See Leave of Absence
Extend a Leave of Absence
Form: Leave of Absence [Fillable PDF]
Steps: 1) Contact an Academic Advisor
2) Contact Residence Dean for your residence or for Off-campus
Deadline: Must submit before current leave period expires
Further information: See Leave of Absence
