Exception to Academic Policy
Learn how to request an exception to a RISD academic policy, such as a reduced credit course load, and what you need to do to review these requests as a faculty member.
For students
You can seek an exception to a RISD academic rule in extenuating circumstances, such as the example scenarios below. First, check to see if a specific form is available for your request. If not, follow the exception to academic policy request steps below.
Use case examples
Use the exception form to request:
- to take fewer than 12 credits in the Fall or Spring semester (reduced course load).
- an additional internship exceeding maximum number allowed.
- to be excused from Wintersession (which is only required for first-year, BArch and graduate students).
- to repeat a course that can’t be repeated.
- to participate in Commencement without completing your requirements.
Don’t use the exception form to request:
- to take more than maximum credits allowed in a semester—instead, use the credit overload request form.
- to take a different course than your curriculum requires. For these requests, contact your department head.
- for anything related to your tuition and fees (bill). Contact Student Financial Services (SFS) for any tuition and billing related requests.
Academic exception request process
01
Submit your request in Etrieve
In your request, include as much detail as possible so the reviewers can make an informed decision. You have the option to upload supporting documents, but please don’t upload medical documentation. Your request is your voice to the committee—you won’t attend the review meeting itself.
Follow these steps to submit the form:
- Go to the form in Etrieve.
- In the "I Request Permission To" form field, state your request in 1–2 sentences. For example, I request to take fewer than 12 credits in Spring.
- Add information about your extenuating circumstances in the "My Request should be considered because" form field.
- Use the "Attachments" button to upload attachments (optional). If you upload documents, please upload them as PDFs and be aware that Word documents are not supported.
02
Academic advisor and department head review the request
Your academic advisor and department head will review your request before it goes to the Academic Standing Committee (ASC).
If they decline it, you’ll receive a notification. If they approve, we will let you know your request has been received and will coordinate communication with additional offices that need to provide recommendations regarding your request.
Please note that your request is not fully approved until the ASC has made their final determination (see step 4).
03
Track your request status
While your request is being reviewed, you can track the status of your request through Etrieve’s activity tab.
04
The Academic Standing Committee (ASC) makes a final determination
The Academic Standing Committee (ASC) will review your request and render a decision, typically within a month if made during the school year. Requests received over the summer may not be addressed until the start of the Fall semester.
The committee will meet, review your request and notify you at your RISD email.
For faculty
As an advisor or department head, you may be asked to recommend whether a student can request an exception to an academic rule. Your approval is required before the Academic Standing Committee (ASC) will consider the request.
You should carefully consider whether the request preserves the integrity of the student’s academic program, is fair to other students, would set a precedent, and is in the student’s overall, long-term best interest academically and professionally.
You will be notified of the request through your RISD email, which will prompt you to log into Etrieve to review the request.
To approve the form, click "Approve".
To decline the form:
- Click "History" and enter a comment explaining the reasons for denial.
- Click "Save", then click "Close" to submit your comment.
- Click "Decline". The student will be notified of your denial along with your comment.
For more Registrar faculty guidelines, visit Faculty Resources.