General Education
The Appeals Process for Approval of Substitute Courses and Exemptions
Your Right to Petition
General education courses are designated as such in the Schedule of Classes. However, students may appeal to the Senate General Education Committee to have transferred courses and other IU South Bend courses count as fulfilling specific general education requirements. In addition, it is advisable under some circumstances to petition for an exemption from a specific general education course. Links to the appropriate forms are listed below.
Seek Advising
Students should consult with their academic advisor about whether it makes sense to complete an appeal form. Even if the General Education Committee approves a petition, final approval for a substitution or exemption must be authorized by the school or program in which the student is enrolled as a degree candidate.
The Process
The petition form provides instructions on how to construct a case for an appeal. The petition enables a student to argue his or her case, to support the argument with relevant evidence, and to contextualize it by reference to relevant circumstances. The General Education Committee will review the appeal and vote to approve or reject the petition. In rare instances, the committee may request additional information from the student prior to making a final decision. The committee will report the decision to the student and his or her academic advisor. In order for the decision to be official, the reviewed petition form must be signed and a copy of it placed in the student’s academic file.
Student Appeal Course Substitution Form
