Requests are evaluated based only on the on-line submitted appeal and not through appointments or phone calls. Requests for exceptions must be submitted at the earliest possible time. Consideration will not be given to any request submitted later than the term immediately following the term for which the exception is being requested. (Please note that grievances of an academic nature are addressed through Student Complaints - Academic Matters.)

A successful appeal does not guarantee reduction in tuition and associated fees. In the rare instances in which students receive refunds, such refunds will first be applied to any outstanding obligations and to any scholarship, grant, or loan the student has received for that term. A student who is receiving any form of Federal Title IV Financial Aid will be liable for any unearned funds received as determined by the Federal Return of Funds Policy (check with Student Accounting Office for details.)

Failure to adhere to the published drop and withdrawal deadlines (as outlined in the UAB Academic Calendar) does not qualify under this policy as an Exception. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of and adhere to the drop and withdrawal policies and deadlines. If a student cannot continue in a course, for reasons that are outside of the strict qualifications under this policy, then the student, through the UAB Office of the Registrar, should exercise the drop or withdrawal options.

Procedure for Submitting an Exception Appeal

The student appeal should be submitted on-line through BlazerNet along with cause-specific supporting documentation. Instructions for submitting an appeal for possible consideration are listed below:

• Login to BlazerNet
• Select ‘Links/Forms’ in the green ribbon area on your Student Profile page
• Then select, ‘Academic Appeal Form’ listed under ‘Forms’
• Complete required form and attach any supporting documentation
• Press ‘Submit My Appeal’

You will be notified by email of the status of your Exception to Academic Policy when documentation has been received and the completed file has been reviewed.

Examples of Documentation

Examples of documentation include:

• A letter on letterhead from a physician verifying the medical condition or situation that prohibited the student from attending the class(es) for the term.
• A copy of the official military orders that specify the conditions under which the student was activated to military service.

Failure to adhere to the published drop and withdrawal deadlines (as outlined in the Academic Calendar) does not qualify under this policy as an Exception to Academic Policy. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of and adhere to the drop and withdrawal policies and deadlines. If a student cannot continue in a course, for reasons that are outside of the strict qualifications under this policy, then the student through the UAB Registrar should exercise the drop or withdrawal options.