# Prerequisite Override ## Overview A **prerequisite override** (also called prerequisite clearance or prerequisite waiver) allows you to enroll in a course without having completed the stated prerequisite requirements. This is different from [[Course Validation|validating an old course]] or [[Skipping a Class|substituting equivalent coursework]]. ## Important: Overrides are Rare **Prerequisites exist for your success.** They ensure you have the foundational knowledge needed to succeed in the course. Overrides are granted only in exceptional circumstances. ## Difference from Other Petitions | Petition Type | What It Does | When to Use | |--------------|--------------|-------------| | **Prerequisite Override** | Skip prerequisite entirely | Emergency/exceptional cases | | **[[Course Validation]]** | Update old prerequisite | Course taken years ago | | **[[Skipping a Class\|Substitution]]** | Use different course | Have equivalent credit | | **Challenge Exam** | Test out for credit | Want credit for knowledge | ## Valid Reasons for Override ### Commonly Approved Scenarios: #### 1. Equivalent Transfer Credit Not Yet Posted - Took prerequisite at another college - Transcript in transit/processing - Course clearly equivalent - **Bring:** Unofficial transcript and course syllabus #### 2. Prerequisite in Progress, Final Grade Pending - Currently enrolled in prerequisite - Will complete before next semester starts - Strong performance in prerequisite (B or better) - **Note:** Must actually pass the prerequisite #### 3. Documented Competency Through Work/Military - Professional experience in the field - Military training equivalent to prerequisite - Industry certifications - **Bring:** Resume, certificates, letters from employers/supervisors #### 4. Course Sequencing Error (Not Your Fault) - Advised incorrectly by counselor/faculty - Course prerequisite changed after you enrolled - Course cancelled, affecting sequence - **Bring:** Documentation of advising or correspondence #### 5. Last Semester Before Graduation - Only course preventing on-time graduation - Prerequisites impossible to complete in time - Documented hardship - **Bring:** Degree audit, education plan ### Rarely Approved Scenarios: - "I forgot to take it" - "The time works better for my schedule" - "I'm good at this subject" - "My friend said I don't need it" - "I need the units for financial aid" ## Courses That Don't Allow Overrides Some prerequisites CANNOT be overridden due to: - **Safety requirements** (Chemistry labs, clinical courses) - **Accreditation standards** (Nursing, Allied Health programs) - **Legal mandates** (Childcare, Law Enforcement) - **Equipment limitations** (Advanced manufacturing, automotive) - **Strict sequencing** (Math sequences, programming series) Always check with the department first. ## How to Request an Override ### Step 1: Contact the Instructor or Department **BEFORE the semester starts:** 1. Email the instructor teaching the course 2. If no instructor assigned, contact department chair 3. Explain your specific situation 4. Provide supporting documentation **Find contact information:** - [Faculty & Staff Directory](https://www.swccd.edu/_showcase/directory/) - Department offices - Course syllabus (if available) ### Step 2: Make Your Case In your email/meeting, include: **Your background:** - Your major/program - Year in school - Relevant coursework completed **Why you need override:** - Specific reason (from valid reasons above) - Documentation of competency - Proof of extenuating circumstances **Your plan for success:** - How you'll catch up - Relevant background knowledge - Commitment to extra work if needed ### Step 3: Instructor Decision Instructor will consider: - Your academic record - Strength of your justification - Course difficulty and format - Class size and resources - Department policy **If approved:** Instructor provides override code or permission number **If denied:** Consider alternatives (see below) ### Step 4: Enroll with Override - **Permission number:** Enter during registration - **Override form:** Submit to Admissions & Records - **Registration hold removed:** Can now register - **Verify enrollment:** Check schedule confirms enrollment ## Department-Specific Procedures ### Math Department - Strong focus on proper placement - May require placement test - Sequential learning makes overrides rare - Alternative: Math tutoring to catch up ### Science Departments - Lab safety paramount - May require safety training - Skills-based prerequisites harder to override - Consider summer prerequisite completion ### Nursing & Allied Health - Very strict prerequisite enforcement - Accreditation requirements - Rarely grant overrides - Plan well in advance ### Computer Science - Rapid technology changes - Prerequisites ensure current knowledge - Portfolio review may help - Consider online prerequisite courses ### English & Writing - Placement test determines level - Can retest for higher placement - Override rare without new test scores - ESL pathway has specific requirements ## Alternatives to Override If override is denied: ### 1. Complete Prerequisite First **Fastest completion options:** - **Winter intersession** (3-week intensive) - **Summer session** (6-week or 8-week) - **Online accelerated** (self-paced) - **Another institution** (check transferability) ### 2. Challenge the Prerequisite - Take departmental challenge exam - Earn credit and satisfy prerequisite - See [[Credit for Prior Learning]] - Usually has fee ($20-50) ### 3. Validate Old Coursework - If you took prerequisite years ago - See [[Course Validation]] - Demonstrate retained knowledge - Takes 2-4 weeks ### 4. Placement Testing - Retake placement exam - Study and improve score - Place directly into desired course - [Placement & Prerequisites Office](https://www.swccd.edu/student-support/placement-and-prerequisites/) ### 5. Different Course Section - Some instructors more flexible - Different semester may have different instructor - Check if multiple sections exist ### 6. Adjust Academic Plan - Take different course this semester - Rearrange sequence - May delay graduation slightly - Meet with counselor to revise plan ## Emergency Late-Semester Overrides Sometimes prerequisites are enforced after semester starts: ### If Dropped from Course: 1. **Contact instructor immediately** - Same day if possible 2. **Gather documentation** - Transcripts, certificates, etc. 3. **Meet with department chair** - Explain situation 4. **File petition** - Through Admissions & Records 5. **Be persistent but respectful** - Faculty want to help ### Timeline: - Must resolve within first 2 weeks - After that, likely need to drop and retake - Financial impact if dropped after refund period ## Important Considerations ### Academic Risks: - **Higher failure rate** without prerequisites - **Struggle to keep up** with class - **Lower grades** even if you pass - **Stress and frustration** throughout semester ### Financial Risks: - **Wasted tuition** if you fail - **Repeated course costs** if must retake - **Financial aid impact** from failed courses - **Delayed graduation** extends total cost ### Honest Self-Assessment: Ask yourself: - Do I really have the prerequisite knowledge? - Am I willing to work extra hard to catch up? - What's my backup plan if I struggle? - Is waiting one semester really that bad? ## When Override is Approved ### Your Responsibilities: 1. **Attend from day one** - Don't miss classes 2. **Review prerequisite material** - Catch up immediately 3. **Meet with instructor** - Discuss concerns early 4. **Use support services** - Tutoring, study groups 5. **Stay on top of work** - Don't fall behind ### Success Strategies: - **Self-study prerequisite** - Before semester starts - **Form study group** - With students who took prerequisite - **Extra office hours** - Build relationship with instructor - **Utilize tutoring** - Free services available - **Be proactive** - Ask questions immediately ## Resources ### On-Campus Support: - **Counseling Office:** (619) 421-6700 ext. 5240 - [Cesar E. Chavez Center, Building 68](https://www.swccd.edu/student-support/counseling-and-career-advisement/) - **Tutoring Services:** [Free tutoring](https://www.swccd.edu/student-support/tutoring/) - **Library:** Research and study support - **Learning Communities:** Group learning support ### Administrative Offices: - **Admissions & Records:** Official petitions - **Department Offices:** Specific course questions - **Faculty Directory:** [Find instructors](https://www.swccd.edu/_showcase/directory/) ## Related Articles - [[Course Validation]] - Updating old prerequisites - [[Skipping a Class]] - Course substitution - [[Credit for Prior Learning]] - Testing out of courses - [[Academic Renewal]] - Addressing past poor performance