# Course Waiver (Waiving a Graduation Requirement) ## Overview A **course waiver petition** allows you to request exemption from a specific graduation requirement without substituting another course. This is different from a substitution, where you replace a required course with a different one. ## When to Use a Waiver vs. Substitution ### Waiver - You want to be **exempt** from the requirement entirely - You believe the requirement is unnecessary for your goals - You have competency through other means but don't have specific coursework to substitute - Medical or disability-related accommodations ### Substitution ([[Skipping a Class]]) - You have **completed equivalent coursework** elsewhere - You want to use a different course to fulfill the requirement - You have transfer credit that should count ## Common Waiver Scenarios ### 1. Health/Physical Education Requirements Students may request waivers for PE courses due to: - Documented medical conditions - Disabilities that prevent participation - Religious objections (rare) ### 2. Foreign Language Requirements Some transfer institutions require demonstration of proficiency through: - Native speaker status (with documentation) - High school completion of 2+ years - Proficiency examination ### 3. Technology/Computer Literacy May be waived if you can demonstrate: - Professional IT experience - Industry certifications - Completion of more advanced coursework ### 4. General Education Flexibility Occasionally granted for: - Students very close to graduation with extenuating circumstances - Documented hardships preventing course completion - Course discontinuation with no suitable replacement ## How to Submit a Waiver Petition ### Step 1: Understand Your Options **Meet with a counselor first** to discuss: - Whether a waiver is the right approach - Probability of approval - Alternative pathways to completion - Impact on transfer requirements ### Step 2: Prepare Your Case Document why the waiver should be granted: - **Medical waivers:** Doctor's letter, disability verification from DSS - **Proficiency waivers:** Certificates, work history, test scores - **Hardship waivers:** Personal statement explaining circumstances - **Policy waivers:** Justification based on catalog/policy exceptions ### Step 3: Visit Counseling Office **Location:** Cesar E. Chavez Student Services Center, Building 68, 2nd Floor **Contact:** - Phone: (619) 421-6700 ext. 5240 - Email: [email protected] - [Schedule Appointment](https://swccd.craniumcafe.com/group/general-counseling-front-desk/lobby) ### Step 4: Submit Petition Your counselor will help you: - Complete the petition form - Attach all supporting documentation - Route to appropriate approvers ### Step 5: Follow Up - Check student email for decision (typically 1-3 weeks) - Be prepared to provide additional information if requested - Follow up if no response within 3 weeks ## Approval Process **Approval typically requires:** 1. **Counselor review** - Initial assessment 2. **Department/Division approval** - Subject matter expert review 3. **Dean approval** - Final decision for degree requirements 4. **Admissions & Records** - Updates to student record **Approval is not guaranteed.** Waiver petitions are granted on a case-by-case basis with strong justification. ## Special Considerations ### For Transfer Students - **Check transfer requirements:** Your target university may require courses that SWC doesn't - **IGETC/CSU GE patterns:** Some waivers may affect your transfer certification - **Consult transfer counselor:** Before waiving requirements, verify impact on transfer plans ### For Degree-Seeking Students - **Minimum unit requirements:** Waiving courses may affect total units needed for degree - **Major requirements:** Core major courses are rarely waived - **Alternative completion:** Consider online, summer, or winter intersession options ### For Certificate Programs - **Industry standards:** Some certificate requirements tied to industry/accreditation standards - **Non-negotiable requirements:** Safety certifications, clinical hours, etc. ## Alternatives to Waivers Before petitioning for a waiver, consider: 1. **Challenge exams** - Test out of requirements (see [[Credit for Prior Learning]]) 2. **Online/flexible scheduling** - Complete requirements on your timeline 3. **Transfer credit** - Complete at another institution during summer 4. **Disability accommodations** - Work with [DSS](https://www.swccd.edu/student-support/disability-support-services-dss/) for modified requirements 5. **Different degree pathway** - Alternative degree with different requirements ## Important Deadlines - **Petition early:** Submit at least one semester before expected graduation - **Don't assume approval:** Continue working toward requirement until officially waived - **Graduation application:** Cannot submit until all petitions are resolved ## Related Resources - [[Skipping a Class]] - For course substitutions - [Disability Support Services](https://www.swccd.edu/student-support/disability-support-services-dss/) - For accommodation-related waivers - [Graduation Support](https://www.swccd.edu/degrees-and-certificates/graduation-support/) - For graduation requirement questions - [SWC Catalog](https://catalog.swccd.edu/) - Official graduation requirements - [Credit for Prior Learning](https://www.swccd.edu/student-support/credit-for-prior-learning/) - Alternative credit options