Course Waiver + Substitution

The course waiver and substitution process allows you to slightly alter your course of study with the approval of departmental faculty and the Vice President for Academic and Faculty Affairs.  This process is NOT in place for you to opt out of course requirements.  

Course Waiver  

A course waiver allows students to waive a course, or forgo taking the course. However, students must complete another course of their choosing. The course must carry the same number of credits as the waived requirement.

Course Substitution 

A course substitution   lets students take another class or use a course that already has been completed successfully to replace a major requirement. A course substitution must be approved by your faculty and is most commonly used during the change of major process.  

Note: If you change your major, any course being substituted for a “major day” within the new department must undergo a portfolio review by the new department head.

How the Course Waiver and Substitution Process Works

1. You will meet with the Office of Academic Services to discuss your reason for requesting the waiver/substitution.
2. Provided that you have a valid reason, the advisor will provide you with a course waiver or course substitution form.
3. You will meet with the department head to review your request. If the department head agrees with the waiver/substitution, he or she will sign the form.
4. You submit the signed form to the Vice President of Academic and Faculty Affairs.
5. If the Vice President of Academic and Faculty Affairs signs the request, he or she will forward the form to the Registrar’s Office for processing.