Request for Academic or Program Variance

Use this form to request a variance or exception to the academic or curricular requirements of MSU's undergraduate Teacher Education Program (TEP). For example, you might submit a variance request to be allowed to take practicum, methods, or other restricted courses without having met all the requirements for admission to the TEP. Requests are reviewed by the Department of Education Variance Committee.

A successful variance request should include the following:

  1. A clear statement of the requirement or policy to which the variance is requested. For example, this might be the major GPA requirement for admission to the TEP and enrollment in a methods or practicum course.
  2. The specific accommodation or variance requested. In the example above, this might be permission to enroll in a particular methods course without yet having met the GPA requirement.
  3. A detailed, step-by-step plan to eventually meet the policy or requirement in question. For a variance to GPA requirements, this would include calculations of the grades required to eventually meet that requirement, and (if available) documentation of interim grades in any courses currently in progress. Supporting documentation can be uploaded via a link on the confirmation page after submitting this form.
  4. A letter of support from one or more MSU faculty or staff. This should attest to the student's ability to adhere to the proposed plan and eventually meet the policy or requirement in question.

Committee decisions are subject to the Student Academic Grievance Procedure (sect. 500 of the conduct guidelines and grievance procedures for students).