What is the Committee on Academic Standing?

The Committee on Academic Standing is composed of the Associate Dean of Advising and Advising Deans from the Center for Student Advising.  The Committee upholds the policies and regulations of the Columbia College and Columbia Engineering Committees on Instruction (COI) and determines when circumstances warrant exceptions.

Why do students submit petitions to the Committee?

Students submit petitions to go over points (more than 22 for CC; 21 for SEAS), add a class after the deadline, request an official withdrawal (CC), drop a class after the deadline (SEAS), change the grading option for a class, take fewer than 12 credits in a semester (seniors only), take a class for R credit (CC seniors only), study abroad during senior year, uncover a Pass grade after the deadline (CC only), take overlapping classes (SEAS only), and request an Incomplete. You must consult with your adviser before petitioning.

More information about Columbia College policies regarding academic petitions may be found on the Academic Affairs website.

When is the deadline for petitioning?

The Committee meets every Tuesday afternoon during the academic year.  A petition will be considered only if it is submitted to the Center for Student Advising by 12 noon on the preceding Friday.  Please include any required documentation and forms.  Your petition must be thorough, clear, and legible; incomplete information will mean a delay in the Committee’s response. 

How do I find out the Committee’s decision?

The Committee on Academic Standing will notify you of its decision by email five business days after the Committee has reviewed your petition.

What if my petition has been denied?

If your petition is not approved, and you have new or updated information not available to the Committee at the time of its decision, you may submit an appeal.  You are strongly encouraged to consult with your adviser before filing an appeal, so that you have a more complete understanding of the decision. Appeals should be submitted in writing within 10 days.

More information about the appeals process for Columbia College students may be found on the Academic Affairs website.