GE Exceptions and Petitions

How to Request an Exception

Step 1: Check the Learning Outcomes

Before requesting an exception, review the GE or BD Requirement learning outcomes to see if your course covers the necessary content.

Step 2: Compare Your Course

Review the course syllabus and compare it to the GE/BD learning outcomes.

Step 3: Meet with Your GE Liaison

Contact your advisor or your college’s GE Liaison and provide your course syllabus. They will evaluate whether the course meets the requirement.

Step 4: Evaluation & Decision

• If Approved: The GE Liaison will code the course, and it will appear on your Degree Audit.
• If Not Approved: The Liaison will guide you through the next steps, which may include submitting a petition.

Qualifications for an Exception

To qualify for an exception, the course must:

• Be 2.6 or more credit hours
• Address the required learning outcomes
•  Fulfill one of the following categories:
  •  Core GE: AI, WR1, WR2, QL
  •  Breadth GE: FF, HF, LS, PS, BF
  •  BD Requirements: CW, DV, IR, QI, DI, LR (May also count toward your major or minor requirements)

Exceptions for University of Utah Courses

GE and BD courses at the University of Utah are already pre-approved, so exceptions are rare. However, if unique circumstances apply, your GE Liaison can help you determine if an exception or petition is appropriate.

Petitioning for a GE/BD Exception

 If an exception request is denied, or your course requires further review, you may submit a petition. Petitions are reviewed by the Office of General Education and, if needed, the General Education Curriculum Committee (GECC).

Before submitting a petition:

1.  Meet with a GE Liaison: Many requests can be approved without a petition.
2.  For Transfer Courses: Make sure your transfer credit is officially posted in the "Summary of Transfer Credit" section of your Degree Audit.
3.  For Math (QL) Courses: Math courses must be evaluated by the Department of Mathematics using the Transfer Course Evaluation Form.

Steps to submit a petition

1. Access the Petition Form
   1.  Click the petition link (coming soon) and sign in to CIS.
2. Complete the Form
   1. Section 1: Student Info - Your details will autofill. Add your major (or "Undecided").
   2. Section 2: Course Info - Provide:
      1. Type of appeal (transfer course, U of U course, or Learning Abroad pre-approval)
      2. Institution where the course was completed
      3. Course details (e.g., PSY 1010: Intro to Psychology).
      4. Requested GE/BD designation (e.g., AI, FF)
   3. A personal statement explaining how the course meets the criteria
   4. (For U of U courses only) A description of the unique circumstances supporting your petition
3. Upload Supporting Documents
   1. Course syllabus
   2. PDF of your Degree Audit (instructions provided in the form)
4. Submit Your Petition
   1. Once submitted, the form will route to the appropriate evaluator.

Ready to submit?

Petition form coming soon.

For questions, contact your GE Liaison or GE@advising.utah.edu.