Pilar Mata's Petition Information for Students

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Need to file a "Petition to the Academic Records 
and Standards Committee" to retake your Math class?
Admissions and Records Policy on Course Repetition

At Cerritos College, you are allowed two attempts to complete a class.  If both of your attempts are unsuccessful (any combination of "D", "F", "W", "FW", or "NP") you will be BLOCKED from enrolling on your third attempt.  In certain instances you may be allowed to retake the class a third (or possibly fourth) time by filing a "Petition to the Academic Records and Standards Committee".  [View error messages from MyCerritos enrollment process.]

Here is how to do it .... preferably before enrolling for the semester ...

Picking up the Petition Form and Obtaining your Unofficial Transcripts

1. Pick up a copy of the "Petition to the Academic Records and Standards Committee" form at the Admissions and Records Information Desk.  When in doubt ask for the form to petition to repeat a class taken twice already.  
   • Here is what the BLANK form looks like: Scanned Copy of the Front of the Form 
   • In addition, a PDF version of the form is available online from the Admissions and Records web site, which can be printed, and then filled in by hand.  For students with Professional Adobe software the student responses can be typed directly into the form and then printed.
   • The "A & S Petition" form is the 1st form on the page.  Use the Admissions and Records Forms Page or Access the A & S Petition Form Directly.
2. Print up a copy of your Unofficial Transcripts from your MyCerritos account so that you can fill out the form correctly. Also, you will need to attach a copy of your Unofficial Transcripts to your petition.  Hint: If you can't get your Unofficial Transcripts to print correctly, try the "Print" button under the "File" menu at the top left of your Internet browser.

Filling out the Top 1/2 of the Petition(above the triple line)

1. Fill out the top of the form where it says "Name", "Student Number", "Address", "Phone Number", and "E-mail". 
2. Check the "EXEMPTION-EXCESSIVE REPEAT POLICY" box.  Then look at your Unofficial Transcripts and the grades you received for the class that needs to be repeated, and indicated how you "have taken the course"...
   • ... if you have two "D" 's or two "F" 's, or one of each in any order, then check the FIRST box.
   • ... if you have two "W" 's (that is NO "D" 's and NO "F" 's, ONLY "W" 's) then check the SECOND box.
   • ... if you have a "D" and a "W", or a "F" and a "W", in any order, then check the THIRD box.
3. On the line where it says "Semester for Approval" indicate the semester in which you are seeking permission to enroll in the course for a third (or possibly fourth) time.  This would be either Fall, Spring, or Summer followed by the year.  E.g. Spring 2011, Summer 2011, Fall 2011.
4. On the line where it says "Course Name & Number" indicate the name of the course (two, three or four-letter acronym) and the class number (non-transfer courses are two-digits numbers and transfer level courses are three-digit numbers).  E.g. MATH 40, ENGL 100, READ 52, BIOL 120.

Filling out the Bottom 1/2 of the Petition(below the triple line)

1. Leave this portion blank EXCEPT for where it says "Student Signature" and "Date".
2. Sign and date the form on the line where it says "Student Signature" and "Date".
3. When you are done filling out the front side of the petition form it should look like this: Filled-Out Petition Side 1

Preparing Supporting Documentation and Explanation

1. In addition to filling out the petition form you will need to attach "Supporting Documentation and Explanation."  This generally consists of you (the student) writing comments in support of your petition to the Academic Records and Standards Committee.  This can be done one of two ways.  
   • On the back of the form there is space to write in your comments by hand.  It is recommended that you use a black ink pen, print neatly, and using formal written English explain why you have been unable to get through the class previously and what will be different the next time that will allow you to pass.  Here is a sample: Sample Comments on Back of Form.
   • You may also type a formal letter to the Academic Records and Standards Committee that explains why you have been unable to get through the class previously and what will be different the next time that will allow you to pass.  Include your contact information (i.e. name, address, phone, e-mail) and then also include your student ID number.  Be sure to date, spell check, and sign your letter before attaching it to the petition.  When you are done it should look like a professional business letter.  Here is a sample: Sample Petition Letter.
2. Optional:  You may want to consider asking your current or former Math Instructor(s) if they would consider writing a letter on your behalf in support of your petition.  Ideally, this letter of support would discuss your mathematical abilities and explain what you (the student) need to do differently in order to pass on the next attempt.  Note that this is IN ADDITION to your written comments.

Turning in the Petition

1. Take your completed petition form and staple to it:
   • Unofficial Transcripts printed from MyCerritos
   • Typed letter of explanation - if you didn't hand write your comments on the back of the form.
   • Any additional letter in support of your petition written by your current or former Math Instructor(s) - OPTIONAL.
2. Bring this stapled packet to Admissions and Records to turn in.  You will wait in a line and visit one of the  teller windows when called by the Admissions and Records employee.
3. Please turn in this packet of materials early because it can sometimes take over a week for the committee to meet to decide on your petition.
4. The Academic Records and Standards Committee generally meets on Tuesdays at 10 am, so ...
   • ... if you turn in your packet in on Monday, most likely they will consider it on Tuesday.
   • ... if you turn in your packet in on Tuesday after 10 am, most likely it will take them at least one week to meet to consider your petition on the following Tuesday.

So, what happens next?  This is how it generally plays out.  (Most of the time.)

1. After a decision had been made you will be notified by Admissions and Records about the status of your petition. This is generally done by mail or in person. 
   • Students notified by mail will receive a paper copy of their petition back in the mail.
   • Students to be notified in person are told to return to Admissions and Records on a specific day and time to be informed of the status of their petition and pick up a paper copy.
2. To register for the class you MUST take the approved petition in person to Admissions and Records and tell them the schedule number of the class you want to enroll in.  Admissions and Records will need manually place you in the class.  You will NOTbe able to enroll yourself successfully through MyCerritos.
   • If the class is OPEN, they will enroll you in the class.
   • If the class is CLOSED, and the Waiting List still has space, they will add your name to the Waiting List.  
     • You will NOT move off of the Waiting List by yourself through the auto-enroll process.  
     • If space becomes available in the class and you have moved up to FIRST POSITION on the Waiting List, you will need special permission from your instructor to move from the Waiting List to enrolled status.
       • This usually takes place by using either a "Change of Program" form or a "Late Add" form.
       • If you are in the "Instructor Initiated Adds" window you will need to complete a "Change of Program" form and have it signed by your instructor.
         • "Change of Program" forms are available on the Admissions and Records Forms Page (the 6th form on the page) or Access the Change of Program Form Directly.
         • Sample Change of Program Form with instructions for student and instructor on how to fill it out.
       • If the "Instructor Initiated Adds" window has closed you will need to complete a "Late Add Petition" and have it signed by both your instructor and the instructional Dean.  "Late Add" petitions are generally available in each division office.  Sample Late Add Petition for SEM
   • If the class is CLOSED, and the Waiting list is FULL, then you will need to "crash" the class and talk to the instructor about your situation.  Be sure to show them the approved petition.

If you have questions ABOUT THIS PROCESS be sure to contact Admission and Records for additional information:

Admissions and Records
http://cms.cerritos.edu/admissions-and-records
(562) 860-2451, ext. 2211

or check out the Admissions and Records Web Page that Discusses Course Repetition.

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