Accelerating a Student’s Academic Program

Students may petition the Committee on Academic Status to allow an acceleration of their program of study to abbreviate the eight semesters of full-time study.* The material for the petition must be received electronically by email (mnowel@providence.edu) no later than the last official day of the student’s second semester of his/her sophomore year. The petition will consist of the following:

1. The reasons for the petition to accelerate the program of study;
2. The detailed plan for the completion of the degree (major, core and credit) requirements (including specific Summer and Winter coursework);
3. A letter of support from the student’s academic advisor (for students in the PCSB, the endorsement of the PCSB Dean’s Office is also required), stating both the assurance of the student’s plan to accomplish degree completion by the proposed new deadline as well as the advisability of the proposed petition. 

FAQ on Waiving the final semester in the day school

* General Degree Requirements include the following: “Undergraduate students must spend at least eight semesters in full-time attendance, unless the period is reduced by advanced standing credit from another institution as reviewed and approved by the Associate Provost for Academic Policy & Mission Support. The College reserves the right, for extraordinary reasons, to allow graduation at the completion of seven semesters following the successful petition by students to the Committee on Academic Status. Students may also petition the Committee on Academic Status to be allowed to accelerate their degree program, through Summer and/or Winter Session work (usually through the Providence College School of Continuing Education); such petitions must be received by the Associate Provost for Academic Policy & Mission Support by the end of their sophomore year. Appeals of the decisions of the Committee on Academic Status