Exceptions Petitions

The exceptions process allows students to petition for exceptions to specific academic rules and regulations. Exception petitions are considered first by the student's college committee, then by the university committee. Decisions made by the university committee are final.

It is recommended you speak to your advisor before petitioning for an exception. You can make an appointment with an academic advisor in the LAS Advising Center in Lindquist Hall, room 208, or by phone at (316) 978-3700, option 2. Please be aware that the information on this page is intended for Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences students.

Petition Forms

Petitions consist of a completed petition form and letter of justification (no longer than one page), along with appropriate documentation of issues described in the letter. Petitions for readmission to the university after academic dismissal should also include a completed self assessment worksheet. Advice and information on the form, letter, and documentation can be found in the Completing the Petition section of this page.

LAS Petition for Exception Form   Self Assessment Worksheet

Deadlines and Results

The exceptions committees meet monthly, and each month has an associated deadline. Petitions for a given month are due by 5:00 pm on the deadline date. Results are sent to WSU-provided email addresses by the month's result date (typically the Monday following the meeting of the university committee). You may also request a copy of your results in Lindquist Hall, room 208. Due to federal privacy laws, we cannot release petition results over the telephone, nor can we release results to a non-WSU email address if one is available. If you need assistance accessing your WSU-provided email address, please contact the WSU Help Desk at helpdesk@wichita.edu or (316) 978-4357.

The current academic year deadlines and result dates follow.

  • August 2025 deadline: August 4. Results: August 18.
  • September 2025 deadline: September 8. Results: September 22.
  • October 2025 deadline: October 6. Results: October 20.
  • November 2025 deadline: November 10. Results: November 24.
  • December 2025 deadline: December 1. Results: December 15.
  • January 2026 deadline: January 8. Results: January 16.
  • February 2026 deadline: February 9. Results: February 23.
  • March 2026 deadline: March 16. Results: March 30.
  • April 2026 deadline: April 6. Results: April 20.
  • May 2026 deadline: May 11. Results: May 25.
  • June 2026 deadline: June 8. Results: June 22.
  • July 2026 deadline: July 6. Results: July 21.

Completing the Petition

Petitions consist of a completed petition form, a letter of justification explaining the exception being requested and why the petitioner feels the exception is warranted, and documentation of the circumstances that necessitate the exception. Your petition is a request for special consideration. Please present your case clearly and completely. Meeting with an academic advisor may improve your petition and help clarify your academic goals, and an advisor's signature is required for your petition to be considered. You can make an appointment with an academic advisor in the LAS Advising Center in Lindquist Hall, room 208, or by phone at (316) 978-3700, option 2.

  • Type or neatly print your letter of justification. Neatness makes a good impression. If your letter cannot be easily read, the committee may not understand your situation. Use no more than one page. Do not use spiral notebook paper.
  • Documentation is essential. Without appropriate documentation, your petition will not be considered by the committee and no action will be taken. The committee does not need extensive documentation of your situation, but you must provide enough documentation to verify the situation and show why it affected your academic work. Statements from medical professionals or employers must be on official company letterhead.

    Examples of appropriate documentation:
    • Illness: Note from physician confirming illness and dates of treatment
    • Work change: Note from supervisor confirming dates of work schedule change
    • Death in family: Copy of death notification or program from funeral
    • Personal circumstances: Documentation from professionals including dates
  • Readmission to WSU after attending another school: Attach official or unofficial transcripts from each other school showing grades and semesters attended.

Delivery of the Petition

The petition form and your letter can be turned in to our office by mail, fax, email, or in person. If you mail or fax your petition, please call the LAS Advising Center at (316) 978-3700, option 2, to confirm it has been received. If emailed to the address below, an automatic reply will be sent confirming receipt.

  • Mail:
    Wichita State University
    LAS Advising Center Exceptions
    1845 Fairmount, Box 6
    Wichita, KS 67260-0006
  • Fax: 316-978-3858
  • Email: las.exceptions@wichita.edu
  • In person: Lindquist Hall, Room 208

If you are turning your petition in by email, a signature is still required. You can sign the form electronically using Adobe Acrobat Reader. Alternatively, you can print the form, sign it, and either scan it or take a well-framed photograph of it.