Exceptions: Best Practices

Upon submission of a new exception request in CHER, advisors will first need to choose between two exception types: Functional and Curricular Exceptions. Following selection of the exception type, additional fields will display and format the information needed. 

Functional Exceptions

Exceptions that are verified by what is stated in the Bulletin. They are applied so that the AAR matches what is in the Bulletin.

• Example 1: A course appears on two course lists but can count toward only one requirement. The course appears on the AAR under Requirement A, but the student wants to direct it to Requirement B.
• Example 2: A student took Course X and Course Y. They can earn credit for only one of the courses. Currently, Course X carries credit hours, and Course Y does not carry credit hours. The student wants Course Y to be the course that carries credit hours.

Curricular Exceptions

Exceptions that cannot be verified by what is stated in the Bulletin. All curricular exceptions pertaining to majors, minors, and certificates must be approved by the DUS. Associated requests typically require decanal review and approval. In the majority of cases, the changes applied through curricular exceptions should be incorporated into program change proposals so that they can be included in future Bulletin entries.

• Example 1: A course is included on a major requirement's course list for the current academic year. A student completed the course during the previous academic year, and the course was not on the major requirement's course list for that academic year.
• Example 2: A new course has been offered for the first time and the DUS determines that it meets the learning objectives of a major requirement. The course is not on the course list.

Submitting Curricular Exception Requests

• In the Exception Request text box:
  • Explain the exception 
    • Any course directed by exception toward a major (not addenda) requirement will also be brought into the major hours and major GPA. If the exception request is to direct a course to a major requirement, it is redundant to request that the course will also be brought into major hours and major GPA.
    • When explaining the exception being requested, reference the requirement as it is listed in the Bulletin (e.g. Direct PSY-P 211 (4222) to count toward the Nature of Inquiry requirement in the CJUSBA). Please do not reference a course on a course list for a requirement (e.g. For the CJUSBA, please allow PSY-P 211 (4222) to count as an approved substitute for CJUS-P 290),  ask to allow PSY-P211 to count toward The Nature of Inquiry requirement.
• In the Exception Rationale box::
  • Why is the exception appropriate for the student?
  • Why is it appropriate for the curriculum?
• In the Additional Notes text box:
  • Optional notes

--updated January 24, 2024/KEE