Pine Technical College
Policy and Procedure

Policy Number: 311 Date: 3/6/03
Division/Department: Student Affairs Author: Phil Schroeder
Subject: Petition Policy

Authorities:
MnSCU Academic Policies: 3.8 Student Grievance

Purpose:
The purpose of this policy is to provide students a process whereby they can request, through a formal process, waivers or other exceptions to existing academic or other college policy or procedures.

Exclusions:
Procedures for submitting a Petition to the Dean of Student Affairs for reinstatement after academic suspension are covered and described by PTC Policy #310 Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Procedures that involve complaints against faculty/staff, teaching methods, policy decisions, challenging grades, and related concerns are covered and described by PTC Policy #303, Student Complaints and Reporting.

Policy:
Any student who has cause to request an exception to existing academic or college policy may do so by submitting a written Petition to the Dean of Student Affairs. Petitions will be submitted on an official form. Documenting evidence and written support from faculty/staff may also be required. Petitions will be reviewed and acted upon within 10 business days by a review team comprised of faculty, division chairs, and/or other college staff responsible or impacted by the Petition request. The signature of the Dean of Student Affairs will be required for final approval.

Procedure:
1. Students will submit in writing a petition to the Dean of Student Affairs on the official form (attached), outlining the request with supporting evidence and/or documentation. The student is encouraged to work with the college counselor in preparing the petition and/or securing recommendations/support on the official form from impacted faculty/staff prior to submitting the Petition to the Dean

2. The Dean of Student Affairs will make the initial review of the Petition and determine what other faculty/staff may need to be involved in reviewing the request.

3. The Dean will assemble a Petition Review Team to review submitted petitions within 10 business days of the date of submission.

4. Decisions will be by consensus of the Review Team.

5. In most instances, final action will be completed no later than 10 working days from the date of submission.

6. The Dean of Student Affairs will notify the petitioner immediately regarding action on their petition.

7. For approved Petitions, copies of the approved form with will be forwarded, as indicated on the form, to the respective division/department for final adjudication/implementation.

8. All Petitions, regardless of type of request, will require the Dean of Student Affair’s
signature for final approval.

9. Once action has been completed, a copy of the final, approved Petition will be forwarded to the student by the Registrar.

Responsibilities:
It is the responsibility of the Dean of Student Affairs, associated faculty and staff and the Registrar to implement this policy.

Dissemination:
Students will be informed of this policy by the following methods: Inclusion in the College Catalog, the Student Handbook and PTC’s Web site. Copies will also be provided to student affairs and academic staff and included in the Faculty and Staff Handbook.

Reviewed by Leadership Team: 3/24/03; 4/07/03
Reviewed by Joint Governance: 4/09/03

Approved: Date: 4/9/03 Robert L. Musgrove, Ph.D., President