Find your petition!
Questions?
Petitions submitted to the Public Affairs Undergraduate Program require 10-15 business days for processing, unless otherwise stated. You can view the status of your petition via MyUCLA > Academics > Petitions.
Should you have questions about the petition process, or are unsure which petition is appropriate for your circumstance, contact a Luskin Undergraduate Program academic counselor via MyUCLA Message Center.
Study List Petitions
Add Petitions
Students in the Luskin School of Public Affairs are held to the following study list deadlines and fees. Please refer to the Registrar’s Office website for updated study list fees.
Adding Courses
- Weeks 1-2: Add the course via MyUCLA without a fee or transcript notation
- Week 3: Add open courses via MyUCLA or with a PTE number or with an Enrollment Petition, and no transcript notation.
- Weeks 4-10: Petition to late add a course by submitting the Late or Retro Add Petition. There is no guarantee of approval. If approved, a $20 fee applies. There is no transcript notation.
- After Week 10: Petition to retroactively add a course by submitting the Late or Retro Add Petition. There is no guarantee of approval. If approved, a $35 fee applies and there is a transcript notation.
Late Add Petition
- Purpose of the petition: The Late/Retroactive Add Petition is needed to petition to add a course after the Friday of week 4 deadline.
- Petition form: Download the Late/Retroactive Add Petition here.
- Submit your petition: Submit your completed and signed Late Add Petition (including the written statement) via MyUCLA Message Center. Use Topic > Petitions / Forms: Luskin School of Public Affairs. Include “Late Add Petition for [COURSE]” as your subject line.
- Deadline to submit: Friday of Week 10 of the term the course is offered. If you submit your petition after Friday of Week 10, it will be considered a Retroactive Add Petition. The deadline to submit retroactive add petitions is before the end of your degree candidacy term (i.e. the quarter you plan to complete all degree requirements), but you are encouraged to submit the petition as soon as possible.
- Petition processing time: 10-15 business days
- Is approval guaranteed?: Approval is not guaranteed. Exceptions to study list deadlines are generally granted only for extenuating and documented circumstances.
- View your petition status and outcome: You can view you petition status and outcome on MyUCLA > Academics > Petitions. Please note that petition outcomes are not emailed to students.
Retroactive Add Petition
- Purpose of the petition: The Late/Retroactive Add Petition is needed to petition to add a course after Friday of week 10 of the quarter the course was offered.
- Petition form: Download the Late/Retroactive Add Petition here.
- Submit your petition: Submit your completed and signed Retroactive Add Petition (including the written statement) via MyUCLA Message Center. Use Topic > Petitions / Forms: Luskin School of Public Affairs. Include “Retroactive Add Petition for [COURSE]” as your subject line.
- Deadline to submit: Prior to the end of your degree candidacy term (i.e. the quarter you plan to complete all degree requirements), but you are encouraged to submit the petition as soon as possible.
- Petition processing time: 10-15 business days
- Is approval guaranteed?: Approval is not guaranteed. Exceptions to study list deadlines are generally granted only for extenuating and documented circumstances.
- View your petition status and outcome: You can view you petition status and outcome on MyUCLA > Academics > Petitions. Please note that petition outcomes are not emailed to students.
Drop Petitions
Students in the Luskin School of Public Affairs are held to the following study list deadlines and fees. Please refer to the Registrar’s Office website for updated study list fees.
Dropping Impacted Courses
- Weeks 1-2: Drop the course via MyUCLA without a fee or transcript notation.
- Weeks 3-10: Petition to drop the course by submitted the Late or Retro Drop Petition. There is no guarantee of approval. If approved, a $20 fee applies and there is a transcript notation. The petition will not be considered if you attempted the final for the course.
- After Week 10: Petition to drop the course by submitted the Late or Retro Drop Petition. There is no guarantee of approval. If approved, a $35 fee applies and there is a transcript notation. The petition will not be considered if you attempted the final for the course.
Dropping Non-Impacted Courses
- Weeks 1-2: Drop the course via MyUCLA without a fee or transcript notation.
- Weeks 3-4: Drop the course via MyUCLA and no transcript notation.
- Weeks 5-10: Petition to drop the course by submitted the Late or Retro Drop Petition. A $20 fee applies and there is a transcript notation. You are restricted to three (3) Late Drop Petitions during their academic career. The petition will not be considered if you attempted the final for the course.
- After Week 10: Petition to drop the course by submitted the Late or Retro Drop Petition. There is no guarantee of approval. If approved, a $35 fee applies and there is a transcript notation. The petition will not be considered if you attempted the final for the course.
Dropping Impacted Courses
- Purpose of the petition: The Late/Retroactive Drop Petition is needed to petition to drop an impacted course after the Friday of Week 2 deadline.
- Petition form: Download the Late/Retroactive Drop Petition here.
- Submit your petition: Submit your completed and signed Late/Retroactive Drop Petition (including the written statement) via MyUCLA Message Center. Use Topic > Petitions / Forms: Luskin School of Public Affairs. Include “Late Drop Petition for [COURSE]” as your subject line.
- Deadline to submit: Friday of Week 10 of the term the course is offered. If you submit your petition after Friday of Week 10, it will be considered a Retroactive Drop Petition. The deadline to submit retroactive drop petitions is before the end of your degree candidacy term (i.e. the quarter you plan to complete all degree requirements), but you are encouraged to submit the petition as soon as possible.
- Petition processing time: 10-15 business days
- Is approval guaranteed?: Approval is not guaranteed. Exceptions to study list deadlines are generally granted only for extenuating and documented circumstances.
- View your petition status and outcome: You can view you petition status and outcome on MyUCLA > Academics > Petitions. Please note that petition outcomes are not emailed to students.
Dropping Non-Impacted Courses
- Purpose of the petition: The Late/Retroactive Drop Petition is needed to petition to drop a non-impacted course after the Friday of Week 4 deadline.
- Petition form: Download the Late/Retroactive Drop Petition here.
- Submit your petition: Submit your completed and signed Late/Retroactive Drop Petition (including the written statement) via MyUCLA Message Center. Use Topic > Petitions / Forms: Luskin School of Public Affairs. Include “Late Drop Petition for [COURSE]” as your subject line.
- Deadline to submit: Friday of Week 10 of the term the course is offered. If you submit your petition after Friday of Week 10, it will be considered a Retroactive Drop Petition. The deadline to submit retroactive drop petitions is before the end of your degree candidacy term (i.e. the quarter you plan to complete all degree requirements), but you are encouraged to submit the petition as soon as possible.
- Petition processing time: 10-15 business days
- Is approval guaranteed?: Approval is not guaranteed. Exceptions to study list deadlines are generally granted only for extenuating and documented circumstances.
- View your petition status and outcome: You can view you petition status and outcome on MyUCLA > Academics > Petitions. Please note that petition outcomes are not emailed to students.
Change of Grading Basis
Students in the Luskin School of Public Affairs are held to the following study list deadlines and fees. Please refer to the Registrar’s Office website for updated study list fees.
Changing the Grading Basis
- Weeks 1-2: Change the grading basis for student option courses via MyUCLA. There is no fee and no transcript notation.
- Weeks 3-6: Change the grading basis for student option courses via MyUCLA. There is no fee and no transcript notation.
- Weeks 7-10: Petition to change the grading basis for student option courses with a Change in Credit Detail Petition. If approved there is a $20 fee and transcript notation.
- After Week 10: Petition to change the grading basis for student option courses with a Change of Credit Detail Petition. If approved, there is a $35 fee and transcript notation.
- Purpose of the petition: The Change in Credit Detail Petition is needed to petition a change in grading basis of a course from Pass/Not Passed to Letter Grade, or Letter Grade to Pass/Not Passed after the Friday of week 6 deadline.
- Petition form: Download the Change in Credit Detail Petition here.
- Submit your petition: Submit your completed and signed Change in Credit Detail Petition (including the written statement) via MyUCLA Message Center. Use Topic > Petitions / Forms: Luskin School of Public Affairs. Include “Change in Credit Detail Petition for [COURSE]” as your subject line.
- Deadline to submit: Prior to the end of your degree candidacy term (i.e. the quarter you plan to complete all degree requirements), but you are encouraged to submit the petition as soon as possible.
- Petition processing time: 10-15 business days
- Is approval guaranteed?: Approval is not guaranteed. Exceptions to study list deadlines are generally granted only for extenuating and documented circumstances.
- View your petition status and outcome: You can view you petition status and outcome on MyUCLA > Academics > Petitions. Please note that petition outcomes are not emailed to students.
Excess Study List Units
- Purpose of the petition: This petition is intended for students who wish to take more than 19 units during fall, winter, or spring; or, more than 18 units during summer.
- Petition form & submission:
- To be eligible to petition for excess study list units, you must meet the following criteria:
- Have a minimum 3.0 term GPA in your previous quarter of enrollment (fall, winter, spring); and
- Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
- Access and submit the Excess Study List Units Petition for fall, winter, or spring on the Public Affairs Enrollment Procedures webpage here.
- Access and submit the Excess Study List Units Petition for summer on the Public Affairs Enrollment Procedures webpage here.
- To be eligible to petition for excess study list units, you must meet the following criteria:
- Deadline to submit:
- For fall, winter, or spring: Friday of Week 2 (study list deadline).
- For summer: Friday of Week 1 of the summer session in which you are enrolling.
- Petition processing time: 1-3 business days. Review of Study List Units Petition submissions for fall, winter, and spring, begin the first day of the quarter. Review of Study List Units Petition submissions for summer begins after winter grades are posted.
- View your petition status and outcome: You can view your petition status and outcome on MyUCLA > Academics > Petitions. Please note that petition outcomes are not emailed to students.
Course Substitution Petitions
General Education (GE) Courses
- Purpose of the petition: Students who wish to substitute a course in lieu of a pre-approved GE course must submit an Undergraduate Student Petition
- Petition form: A course substitution petition requires that students submit the Undergraduate Student Petition and a copy of the course syllabus or course description. Download the Undergraduate Student Petition here.
- Submit your petition: Submit your completed Undergraduate Student Petition (including course syllabus or course description) via MyUCLA Message Center. Use Topic > Petitions / Forms: Luskin School of Public Affairs. Include “GE Course Substitution Petition for [COURSE]” as your subject line.
- Deadline to submit: Prior to graduation. However, it is recommended that students submit the petition well in advance of the deadline in case the petition is denied and alternative solutions are needed.
- Petition processing time: 10-15 business days.
- Is approval guaranteed?: Approval is not guaranteed. It is strongly recommended that students submit the petition well in advance of the deadline in case the petition is denied and alternative solutions are needed.
- View your petition status and outcome: You can view you petition status and outcome on MyUCLA > Academics > Petitions. Please note that petition outcomes are not emailed to students.
Writing I, Writing II, Foreign Language, Quantitative Reasoning, Diversity, American History & Institutions
- Purpose of the petition: Students who wish to substitute a course in lieu of a pre-approved Writing I, Writing II, Foreign Language, Quantitative Reasoning, Diversity, or American History & Institutions course must submit an Undergraduate Student Petition.
- Petition form: A course substitution petition requires that students submit the Undergraduate Student Petition and a copy of the course syllabus or course description. Download the Undergraduate Student Petition here.
- Submit your petition: Submit your completed Undergraduate Student Petition (including course syllabus or course description) via MyUCLA Message Center. Use Topic > Petitions / Forms: Luskin School of Public Affairs. Include “Course Substitution Petition for [REQUIREMENT]” as your subject line.
- Deadline to submit: Prior to graduation. However, it is recommended that students submit the petition well in advance of the deadline in case the petition is denied and alternative solutions are needed.
- Petition processing time: 10-15 business days
- Is approval guaranteed?: Approval is not guaranteed. It is strongly recommended that students submit the petition well in advance of the deadline in case the petition is denied and alternative solutions are needed.
- View your petition status and outcome: You can view you petition status and outcome on MyUCLA > Academics > Petitions. Please note that petition outcomes are not emailed to students.
Public Affairs Major Requirements
- Purpose of the petition: Students who wish to substitute a course in lieu of a pre-approved Public Affairs major course must submit an Undergraduate Student Petition.
- Petition form: A course substitution petition requires that students submit the Undergraduate Student Petition and a copy of the course syllabus or course description. Download the Undergraduate Student Petition here.
- Submit your petition: Submit your completed Undergraduate Student Petition (including course syllabus or course description) via MyUCLA Message Center. Use Topic > Petitions / Forms: Luskin School of Public Affairs. Include “Course Substitution Petition for [MAJOR REQUIREMENT]” as your subject line.
- Deadline to submit: Prior to graduation. However, it is recommended that students submit the petition well in advance of the deadline in case the petition is denied and alternative solutions are needed.
- Petition processing time: 10-15 business days
- Is approval guaranteed?: Approval is not guaranteed. It is strongly recommended that students submit the petition well in advance of the deadline in case the petition is denied and alternative solutions are needed.
- View your petition status and outcome: You can view you petition status and outcome on MyUCLA > Academics > Petitions. Please note that petition outcomes are not emailed to students.
Luskin Minor Requirements
- Purpose of the petition: Students who wish to substitute a course in lieu of a pre-approved Gerontology minor, Public Affairs minor, or Urban and Regional Studies minor course, must submit an Undergraduate Student Petition.
- Petition form: A course substitution petition requires that students submit the Undergraduate Student Petition and a copy of the course syllabus or course description. Download the Undergraduate Student Petition here.
- Submit your petition: Submit your completed Undergraduate Student Petition (including course syllabus or course description) via MyUCLA Message Center. Use Topic > Petitions / Forms: Luskin School of Public Affairs. Include “Course Substitution Petition for [MINOR REQUIREMENT]” as your subject line.
- Deadline to submit: Prior to graduation. However, it is recommended that students submit the petition well in advance of the deadline in case the petition is denied and alternative solutions are needed.
- Petition processing time: 10-15 business days
- Is approval guaranteed?: Approval is not guaranteed. It is strongly recommended that students submit the petition well in advance of the deadline in case the petition is denied and alternative solutions are needed.
- View your petition status and outcome: You can view you petition status and outcome on MyUCLA > Academics > Petitions. Please note that petition outcomes are not emailed to students.
Requirements for Other Majors/Minors
Students who are pursuing another major or minor and who wish to petition for exceptions or course substitutions for that major/minor, must consult with the department counselor for that major/minor. The department counselor will advise you on the appropriate petition process.
Declaring a Major or Minor
Declaring the Public Affairs Pre-Major
- Purpose of the petition:
The Public Affairs Pre-Major Request Form allows first- and second-year UCLA students who are in good academic standing to add the Public Affairs pre-major to their academic record. Public Affairs pre-majors are given first-pass enrollment privileges in the lower division (pre-major requirement) courses. Be advised that second-year students must meet with a Luskin undergraduate academic counselor prior to declaring the public affairs pre-major. Transfer students who are not admitted to UCLA as public affairs majors are not eligible to declare the Public Affairs major. - Petition form: Access the Public Affairs Pre-Major Request Form here.
- Submit your petition: Submit your petition by completing the Public Affairs Pre-Major Request Form here.
- Deadline to submit: Students must complete the petition before the winter quarter of their second-year (i.e. sophomore year).
- Petition processing time: 1-3 business days
- View your petition status and outcome: You can view your petition status and outcome on MyUCLA > Academics > Petitions. Please note that petition outcomes are not emailed to students.
Declaring the Public Affairs Major
Students who were admitted to UCLA as freshmen must apply to the Public Affairs major no later than the winter quarter of their second year. To learn more about the application eligibility requirements and application process, click here. Transfer students who are not admitted to UCLA as public affairs majors are not eligible to declare the Public Affairs major.
Declaring a Luskin Minor (Gerontology, Public Affairs, Urban and Regional Studies)
- Purpose of the petition: Students who are interested in declaring a Luskin Minor (Public Affairs, Gerontology, or Urban and Regional Studies) must petition to declare the minor after they complete the minimum requirements as listed on our website. After you complete the requirements to declare the minor, contact the Luskin Undergraduate Program Office via MyUCLA. to schedule an appointment and discuss your eligibility to declare the minor. Be advised that declaring a Luskin minor requires approval from both the Luskin Undergraduate Program Office and your primary academic counseling unit.
- Petition form: To declare a Luskin minor, complete the steps below:
- Step 1: Complete the minimum requirements to declare the minor. Click here to learn more about the requirements for the Luskin minors.
- Step 2: Contact the Luskin Undergraduate Program Office via MyUCLA Message Center.
- Submit your petition: Once you have the minimum requirements to declare the minor, contact a Luskin Undergraduate Program Office via MyUCLA Message Center. Use Topic > Public Affairs: Minor. Include the Luskin Minor in your subject line (e.g. “Declaring the Urban and Regional Studies Minor”).
- Deadline to submit: Students must declare the Luskin minor by your final quarter and/or by the deadline stipulated by your primary academic counseling unit, whichever is earlier. We recommend declaring the minor as soon as you are eligible in order to take advantage of enrollment privileges. Declaring a Luskin minor during your final quarter assumes you have completed all requirements for the minor. Be advised that declaring a Luskin minor requires approval from both the Luskin Undergraduate Student Services Office and your primary academic counseling unit.
- Petition processing time: 10-15 business days
- Is approval guaranteed?: You should meet with your primary academic counseling unit to discuss your School/College’s policies for declaring a minor. Generally, approval is guaranteed if you are eligible to declare the minor and can complete all degree requirements within your time-to-degree (i.e. 12 quarters for students admitted as freshmen, or 6 quarters for transfer students) and unit max. Approval is not guaranteed if you are exceeding your time-to-degree and/or unit maximum.
- View your petition status and outcome: You can view your petition status and outcome on MyUCLA > Academics > Petitions. Please note that petition outcomes are not emailed to students.
Declaring a Double Major
SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS POLICY ON DOUBLE MAJORS
Effective Fall 2023 and thereafter, students in good academic standing may be permitted to pursue a double major between the School of Public Affairs and other academic units. The second major must be outside the School (e.g., Public Affairs major and Economics major). With few exceptions, double majors in the same department are unacceptable[1]. Students must be able to complete the proposed double major within the 216 units maximum and their time-to-degree. Students completing a double major within their time-to-degree may petition to exceed the 216 units maximum and approval is not guaranteed.
The School of Public Affairs determines final approval of a double major request. Review is done on a case-by-case basis, and filing the request does not guarantee approval. Students interested in a double major should contact the Public Affairs Undergraduate Program for an outline of criteria required for the petition.
If approved, no more than 20 upper-division units may be shared by both majors, and a minimum of 20 upper division units applied toward the major must be unique to the major.
- Purpose of the petition: The Double Major Petition is intended for students who are declaring two or more majors. Students are eligible to petition to declare a double major after completing the major preparation requirements and two upper division courses for each major.
- Petition form: The Double Major Petition consists of two forms: Program Change Petition and Degree Plan Contract.
- Download the Program Change Petition here. This form requires that you obtain department counselor signatures in order for the Luskin Undergraduate Student Services Office to process your petition.
- Download the Degree Plan Contract below. This form requires that you obtain department counselor signatures in order for the Luskin Undergraduate Student Services Office to process your petition. Select one of the two file types linked below.
- Submit your petition: Submit your completed and signed Degree Plan Contract and Program Change Petition via MyUCLA Message Center. Use Topic > Petitions / Forms: Luskin School of Public Affairs. Include “Double Major Petition” as your subject line.
- Deadline to submit: Students must declare a double major prior to their final quarter and must receive approval from the second major department prior to submission.
- Petition processing time: 10-15 business days
- Is approval guaranteed?: Approval is guaranteed if you are eligible to declare each major and can complete all degree requirements within your time-to-degree (i.e. 12 quarters for students admitted as freshmen, or 6 quarters for transfer students) and unit max. Approval is not guaranteed if you are exceeding your time-to-degree and/or unit maximum.
- View your petition status and outcome: You can view your petition status and outcome on MyUCLA > Academics > Petitions. Please note that petition outcomes are not emailed to students.
Declaring a Minor (for Public Affairs majors)
SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS POLICY ON MINORS
Students in good academic standing may petition for a minor provided they can complete the requirements within 216 units and their time-to-degree. Students completing a minor within their time-to-degree may petition to exceed the 216 units maximum and approval is not guaranteed.
Effective Fall 2020, students pursuing the Public Affairs major cannot pursue a minor in Public Affairs or Urban and Regional Studies.
A minimum of 20 units applied toward the minor requirements must be in addition to units applied toward major requirements or another minor.
The School of Public Affairs determines final approval of a minor request. Review is done on a case-by-case basis, and filing the request does not guarantee approval. Students interested in a minor should contact the Public Affairs Undergraduate Program for an outline of criteria required for the petition.
- Purpose of the petition: Public Affairs majors who are interested in declaring a minor must submit a Program Change Petition and a Degree Plan Contract. Students are eligible to petition to declare a minor only after being eligible to declare the minor.
- Petition form: The petition to declare a minor consist of two forms: Program Change Petition and Degree Plan Contract.
- Download the Program Change Petition here. This form requires that you obtain department counselor signatures in order for the Luskin Undergraduate Student Services Office to process your petition.
- Download the Degree Plan Contract below. This form requires that you obtain department counselor signatures in order for the Luskin Undergraduate Student Services Office to process your petition. Select one of the two file types linked below.
- Submit your petition: Submit your completed and signed Degree Plan Contract and Program Change Petition via MyUCLA Message Center. Use Topic > Petitions / Forms: Luskin School of Public Affairs. Include “Petition to Declare a Minor” as your subject line.
- Deadline to submit: Students must declare a minor by your final quarter and must receive approval from the minor department prior to submission.
- Petition processing time: 10-15 business days
- Is approval guaranteed?: Approval is guaranteed if you are eligible to declare the minor and can complete all degree requirements within your time-to-degree (i.e. 12 quarters for students admitted as freshmen, or 6 quarters for transfer students) and unit max. Approval is not guaranteed if you are exceeding your time-to-degree and/or unit maximum.
- View your petition status and outcome: You can view your petition status and outcome on MyUCLA > Academics > Petitions. Please note that petition outcomes are not emailed to students.
Unit Maximum and Time-to-Degree Petitions
Exceeding the 216-Unit Maximum
Exceed Limit Unit Maximum Petition (initial request)
- Purpose of the petition: This petition is intended for students who wish to take additional units beyond the 216-unit maximum.
- Petition form: The Exceed Limit Unit Max Petition requires two forms: Exceed Limit Unit Max Petition and the Degree Plan Contract.
- Download the Exceed Limit Unit Max Petition below. Select one of the two files linked below.
- Download the Degree Plan Contract below. Select one of the two file types linked below.
- Submit your petition: Submit your completed Exceed Limit Unit Max Petition (including the written statement and Degree Plan Contract) via MyUCLA Message Center. Use Topic > Petitions / Forms: Luskin School of Public Affairs. Include “Unit Max Petition” as your subject line.
- Deadline to submit: Prior to reaching the 216-unit maximum. It is strongly recommended that students submit the petition well in advance of the deadline in case the petition is denied and alternative solutions are needed.
- Petition processing time: 10-15 business days
- Is approval guaranteed?:
- Approval is guaranteed as long as the student is completing all degree requirements (as outlined in their Degree Plan Contract) within their time-to-degree.
- Approval is not guaranteed if the student is exceeding their time-to-degree. It is strongly recommended that students submit the petition well in advance of the deadline in case the petition is denied and alternative solutions are needed.
- View your petition status and outcome: You can view you petition status and outcome on MyUCLA > Academics > Petitions. Please note that petition outcomes are not emailed to students.
Final Approval of Unit Maximum Petition
- Purpose of the petition: This petition is intended for students who were provisionally approved to exceed the 216-unit maximum and who are now in their final term of enrollment.
- Petition form & submission: Access and submit the Final Approval of Unit Maximum Petition via this MyUCLA Form.
- Deadline to submit: Friday of week 3 of your degree candidacy term (i.e., the quarter you are completing all degree requirements).
- Petition processing time: 10-15 business days
- Is approval guaranteed?: As long as you are completing the number of units and by the degree term that was provisionally approved, your Final Approval of Unit Max Petition will be approved. Substantive changes to your provisionally approved Exceed Limit Unit Max petition may result in your Final Approval of Unit Max Petition being denied.
- View your petition status and outcome: You can view you petition status and outcome on MyUCLA > Academics > Petitions. Please note that petition outcomes are not emailed to students.
Exceeding Time-to-Degree (i.e. requesting additional quarters)
- Purpose of the petition: This petition is intended for students who wish to extend their time-to-degree (12-quarters for freshmen admits and 6-quarters for transfer admits).
- Petition form: The Exceed Limit Time-to-Degree Petition requires two forms: Exceed Limit Time-to-Degree Petition and the Degree Plan Contract.
- Submit your petition: Submit your completed Exceed Limit Time-to-Degree Petition (including the written statement and Degree Plan Contract) via MyUCLA Message Center. Use Topic > Petitions / Forms: Luskin School of Public Affairs. Include “Time-to-Degree Petition” as your subject line.
- Deadline to submit: Prior to enrolling in additional quarters beyond the guaranteed 12 for freshmen admits and 6 for transfer admits. It is strongly recommended that students submit the petition well in advance of the deadline in case the petition is denied and alternative solutions are needed.
- Petition processing time: 10-15 business days
- Is approval guaranteed?: Approval is not guaranteed. It is strongly recommended that students submit the petition well in advance of the deadline in case the petition is denied and alternative solutions are needed.
- View your petition status and outcome: You can view you petition status and outcome on MyUCLA > Academics > Petitions. Please note that petition outcomes are not emailed to students.
Declaring or Changing Your Degree Candidacy Term
- Purpose of the petition: Your degree candidacy term refers to the quarter you plan to complete all degree requirements. There are two processes for updating your degree candidacy term depending on whether or not you are graduating within your time-to-degree.
- Students who are not exceeding their time-to-degree can change their degree candidacy term via MyUCLA > Academics > Declare Degree Candidacy Term. Students who plan to graduate early must request approval from the Luskin School of Public Affairs Undergraduate Program prior to changing their degree candidacy term.
- Students who are unable to change their degree candidacy term via MyUCLA must submit the Declaration of Candidacy Term petition. Students who are exceeding their time-to-degree must have an approved time-to-degree petition on file before their Declaration of Candidacy Term petition can be processed.
- Petition form: If you are unable to change your degree candidacy term via MyUCLA you must submit the Declaration of Candidacy Term form, Degree Plan Contract, and written statement.
- Write a brief statement explaining your reason(s) for requesting to change your degree candidacy term.
- The Declaration of Candidacy Term petition is accessible on the UCLA Registrar’s Office website here.
- Download the Degree Plan Contract below. If you are pursuing a double/triple major and/or minor(s), this form requires that you obtain department counselor signatures from your second/third major and minor(s) if you have not yet completed the requirements for those majors/minors. Contact the Public Affairs Undergraduate Program if you are unsure whether your petition requires department signatures. Select one of the two file types linked below.
- Submit your petition: Submit your completed Declaration of Candidacy Term form, Degree Plan Contract, and written statement via MyUCLA Message Center. Use Topic > Petitions / Forms: Luskin School of Public Affairs. Include “Declaration of Candidacy Term Petition” as your subject line.
- Deadline to submit: The last day to declare candidacy for the current term (fall, winter, or spring) is Friday of finals week. The last day to declare candidacy for the summer term is Friday of the sixth week of summer session C.
- Petition processing time: 10-15 business days
- Is approval guaranteed?: Students must speak with a Luskin academic counselor to discuss their eligibility to change their degree candidacy term. Approval is not guaranteed. Students who plan to graduate early must request approval from the Luskin School of Public Affairs Undergraduate Program. Students who are exceeding their time-to-degree must have an approved time-to-degree petition on file before their Declaration of Candidacy Term petition can be processed.
- View your petition status and outcome: You can view you petition status and outcome on MyUCLA > Academics > Petitions. Please note that petition outcomes are not emailed to students.
Study Abroad Petition
Academic Planning Form (APF)
- Purpose of the petition: Public Affairs pre-majors and majors who wish to study abroad must submit to the Public Affairs Undergraduate Program an Academic Planning Form (APF) to receive program planning clearance for the courses they intend to complete while participating in their study abroad program. The purpose of the APF is to ensure that the student’s plan to study abroad allows them to complete all degree requirements within their time-to-degree, does not interfere with the required Public Affairs experiential learning capstone requirement, and is compliant with the major residency and senior residency requirements. Students who plan to participate in multiple study abroad programs must complete and submit one Academic Planning Form per program.
- Petition form: The Academic Planning Form petition packet includes the Academic Planning Form and a Degree Plan Contract. Both forms must be submitted before your petition can be reviewed.
- Download the Academic Planning Form (APF) below. Select one of the two file types linked below.
- Download the Degree Plan Contract below. Select one of the two file types linked below.
- Submit your petition: Submit the completed Academic Planning Form (APF) petition packet to the Public Affairs Undergraduate Program via MyUCLA Message Center. Use Topic > Petitions / Forms: Luskin School of Public Affairs. Include “Academic Planning Form” as your subject line.
- Deadline to submit:
- Submit the completed Academic Planning Form (APF) petition packet to the Public Affairs Undergraduate Program via MyUCLA Message Center early enough to allow sufficient time for processing so that you can meet the applicable study abroad program deadlines. Requests to expedite the review of your APF will not be granted.
- Students who plan to apply their study abroad coursework toward another major or a minor, must submit the APF form to that major or minor’s department counselor for review prior to submitting the APF to the Public Affairs Undergraduate Program.
- Petition processing time: 10-15 business days
- View your petition status and outcome: Once reviewed, you will receive your petition outcome and a copy of your signed APF via MyUCLA Message Center. You can also view your petition outcome via MyUCLA > Academics > Petitions.
Enrollment & Leave of Absence Petitions
Excess Study List Units
- Purpose of the petition: This petition is intended for students who wish to take more than 19 units during fall, winter, or spring; or, more than 18 units during summer.
- Petition form & submission:
- To be eligible to petition for excess study list units, you must meet the following criteria:
- Have a minimum 3.0 term GPA in your previous quarter of enrollment (fall, winter, spring); and
- Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
- Access and submit the Excess Study List Units Petition for fall, winter, or spring on the Public Affairs Enrollment Procedures webpage here.
- Access and submit the Excess Study List Units Petition for summer on the Public Affairs Enrollment Procedures webpage here.
- To be eligible to petition for excess study list units, you must meet the following criteria:
- Deadline to submit:
- For fall, winter, or spring: Friday of Week 2 (study list deadline).
- For summer: Friday of Week 1 of the summer session in which you are enrolling.
- Petition processing time: 1-3 business days. Review of Study List Units Petition submissions for fall, winter, and spring, begin the first day of the quarter. Review of Study List Units Petition submissions for summer begins after winter grades are posted.
- View your petition status and outcome: You can view your petition status and outcome on MyUCLA > Academics > Petitions. Please note that petition outcomes are not emailed to students.
Request a PTE Number
Students who wish to enroll in a Public Affairs course that is closed must submit a PTE Number Request Form no later than Friday of week 2 of the quarter. To learn more about the PTE process and access the PTE Number Request Form visit the Public Affairs Enrollment Procedures webpage here.
Late Enrollment (i.e. enrolling in fall, winter, or spring after the start of the term)
- Purpose of the petition: The Enrollment Petition is intended for students who begin the quarter (fall, winter, spring) with zero (0) units and who are unable to enroll in courses via MyUCLA. The Enrollment Petition is not appropriate for students who are petitioning to add a course after the Friday of week 3 deadline.
- Petition form: Download the Enrollment Petition from the UCLA Registrar’s Office website here.
- Submit your petition: Submit your completed and signed Late Enrollment Petition (including instructor signatures) via MyUCLA Message Center. Use Topic > Petitions / Forms: Luskin School of Public Affairs. Include “Enrollment Petition for [TERM/YEAR]” as your subject line.
- Deadline to submit: All students submitting an Enrollment Petition must meet with a Luskin Undergraduate Counselor prior to submitting the Enrollment Petition via MyUCLA Message Center.
- Petition processing time: 10-15 business days
- Is approval guaranteed?: Enrollment Petitions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and approval is not guaranteed. All students submitting an Enrollment Petition must meet with a Luskin Undergraduate Counselor prior to submitting the Enrollment Petition to discuss the circumstances impacting their late enrollment.
- View your petition status and outcome: You can view you petition status and outcome on MyUCLA > Academics > Petitions. Be advised that you will be asked to meet with the Director of Student Services to discuss the outcome of your petition.
Fee Reduction Program
- Purpose of the petition:
The Fee Reduction Request petition (also referred to as Reduced Fees Program) is intended for students who are petitioning to enroll in 10 or less units for a given quarter (fall, winter, spring) and who are requesting a reduction in tuition fees as a result of enrolling in 10 or less units.
Students in the Undergraduate Program in Public Affairs are eligible to file a fee reduction request for reasons related to occupation and/or finances, health, or home and/or family responsibilities that impact the student’s ability to carry a full-time course load (i.e. minimum of 12 units) during a regular term of enrollment (fall, winter, spring). If approved, the student may enroll in 10 or less units and may qualify for one-half reduction in tuition (and nonresident supplemental tuition, when applicable).
The Fee Reduction Request is not appropriate for students who are requesting reduced fees in their final quarter of enrollment and who do not meet the criteria listed above.
- Petition form: The Fee Reduction Request petition consists of the Fee Reduction Request form and a written statement (included in the petition form). You can access the Fee Reduction Request form on the UCLA Registrar’s Office website here. To access the form you will need to log in using your UCLA logon credentials. Your written statement must address the following questions:
- What circumstances are impacting your ability to enroll in at least 12 units during the term?
- What actionable steps are you taking to address these circumstances?
- Do you anticipate requesting reduced fees for multiple quarters?
- Submit your petition: To submit your Fee Reduction Request please complete the following two steps:
- Submit the Fee Reduction Request form and written statement via the UCLA Registrar’s Office website (linked here). Once submitted, your petition will be routed to the Public Affairs Undergraduate Program for review.
- Contact the Public Affairs Undergraduate Program via MyUCLA Message Center to notify the Luskin counselors that you submitted your petition.
- Deadline to submit: Petitions must be submitted by Friday of Week 1 of the quarter to be enrolled in the reduced fee program; however, we encourage students to submit the petition earlier, if possible. All students considering Fee Reduction must meet with a Luskin Undergraduate Counselor prior to submitting Fee Reduction Request petition.
- Petition processing time: 10-15 business days
- Is approval guaranteed?: Fee Reduction Requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed approval.
- View your petition status and outcome: You can view you petition status and outcome on MyUCLA > Academics > Petitions. Be advised that you will be asked to meet with the Director of Student Services to discuss the outcome of your petition.
Declaring Non-Attendance (i.e. taking time off for 1 or more quarters)
- Purpose of the petition:
Student who do not plan to register and enroll during fall, winter, or spring, can declare non-attendance prior to the start of the term. Declaring non-attendance ensures that you are not charged term fees and that your financial aid award is not disbursed that quarter.
If you complete a term (fall, winter, spring), and do not register the following term, you may return to UCLA the subsequent term as a continuing student and be eligible to register and enroll during regular assigned appointment times via MyUCLA. You do not need to submit any paperwork to complete this process.
If you declare non-attendance for two or more quarters you need to submit the Undergraduate Readmission Application to the Luskin Undergraduate Program Office once you are ready to return.
Please schedule an appointment with a Luskin academic counselor to discuss your plans to declare non-attendance.
- Petition form: Declare non-attendance via MyUCLA > Academics > Declare Non-Attendance > follow the prompts to select the correct term and year.
- Submit your petition: Submit your request to declare non-attendance via MyUCLA no later than the day prior to the start of the quarter.
- Deadline to submit: The day prior to the start of the quarter.
- Petition processing time: Contact the UCLA Registrar’s Office for processing times.
- View your petition status and outcome: You can view you petition status and outcome on MyUCLA > Academics > Petitions. Please note that petition outcomes are not emailed to students.
Withdrawing from a Term
- Purpose of the petition:
Students who wish to withdraw from a quarter (that is, drop to zero units) after the term has begun and have not attempted the final for any of their courses that term, must submit a Withdrawal Notice.
Be advised that withdrawing multiple times within a three-quarter period will result in a multiple withdrawal violation and a hold being placed on your record. In these cases, you must meet with the Director of Student Services to discuss your circumstances, the Multiple Withdrawal Petition process, and other academic options available to you.
- Petition form:
- If you are withdrawing during weeks 1-9: Complete and submit the Withdrawal Notice.
- If you are withdrawing during week 10 and thereafter: Complete and submit the Withdrawal Notice and Withdrawal Supplement Form (or, instructor verification). The Withdrawal Supplement Form is available to download from the Withdrawal Notice electronic petition portal. To obtain instructor verification confirming whether or not you attempted or completed the final for the course, email your instructor the Withdrawal Supplement Form or the message below. Be sure to submit the Withdrawal Supplement Form or email verification along with your Withdrawal Notice.
- My name is ___ (student ID #: ___). I was enrolled in your TERM/YEAR course ____. I am working with the School of Public Affairs to withdraw from TERM/YEAR and need verification confirming whether or not I completed the course. Can you please answer the following question for my withdrawal petition: Did the student attempt or complete the final exam or submit a final paper/project?
- Submit your petition: Submit your completed Withdrawal Notice and signed Withdrawal Supplement Form (if applicable) via the Registrar’s Office Withdrawal Notice electronic petition portal.
- NOTE: If you are unable to submit your petition via the Registrar’s Office Withdrawal Notice electronic petition portal, submit your petition materials to the Public Affairs Undergraduate Program via MyUCLA Message Center. Use Topic > Petitions / Forms: Luskin School of Public Affairs. Include “Withdrawal Petition for [TERM/YEAR]” as your subject line.
- Deadline to submit: Prior to graduation, however you are encouraged to submit the petition as soon as possible.
- Petition processing time: Withdrawal Petitions involved a two-step processing protocol. It takes the Luskin Undergraduate Program Office-10-15 business days to process withdrawal petitions. If you petition is approved, your petition will be forwarded to the UCLA Registrar’s Office for final processing. The Registrar’s Office will drop the courses for that term and will add the transcript notation “Withdrew on [DATE].” For refund purposes, if approved, your withdrawal becomes effective the day you submit the withdrawal petition to the Public Affairs Undergraduate Program.
- Is approval guaranteed?: Approval is guaranteed if you have not completed the final for any of your courses for that term. Be advised that withdrawing multiple times within a three-quarter period will result in a multiple withdrawal violation and a hold being placed on your record. In these cases, you must meet with the Director of Student Services to discuss your circumstances, the Multiple Withdrawal Petition process, and other academic options available to you.
- View your petition status and outcome: You can view you petition status and outcome on MyUCLA > Academics > Petitions. Please note that petition outcomes are not emailed to students.
Multiple Withdrawal Petition
- Purpose of the petition: Students who withdraw more than once within a three-quarter period (fall, winter, spring) are in violation of multiple withdrawals. Students who have a multiple withdrawal violation will have a hold placed on their record; this hold restricts their enrollment in future quarters. To address a multiple withdrawal violation and hold, students must meet with the Director of Student Services to discuss their circumstances, the Multiple Withdrawal Petition process, and other academic options available to them.
- Petition form: The Multiple Withdrawal Petition requires that you meet with the Director of Student Services and that you submit a Degree Plan Contract and written statement.
- Download the Degree Plan Contract below. The Degree Plan Contract will outline how, and by when, you will complete your remaining degree requirements and return to good academic standing (i.e. minimum 2.0 term and cumulative GPA, and complete at least 36 units in your 3 most recent quarters). You will discuss and outline your study plan when you meet with the Director of Student Services. Select one of the two file types linked below.
- Your written statement (minimum 1 page) must address the following questions:
- What circumstances impacted your progress and decision to withdraw?
- What actionable steps are you taking to better manage or resolve those circumstances?
- Submit your petition: Submit your completed Multiple Withdrawal Petition (including your Degree Plan Contract and written statement) via MyUCLA Message Center. Use Topic > Petitions / Forms: Luskin School of Public Affairs. Include “Multiple Withdrawal Petition” as your subject line.
- Deadline to submit: Submit your Multiple Withdrawal Petition prior to the start of the quarter you intend to return to UCLA. Please consult with the Director of Student Services to discuss your petition timeline.
- Petition processing time: 10-15 business days
- View your petition status and outcome: You can view you petition status on MyUCLA > Academics > Petitions. Students must meet with the Director of Students Services to discuss the outcome of their petition. Once the reviewing committee determines an outcome, you will be contacted via MyUCLA Message Center with instructions on how to schedule an appointment with the Director of Student Services.
Academic Residence Petitions
Major Residence Petition
- Purpose of the petition: All students in the Public Affairs major must complete at least 24 upper division units for the major while in residence at Luskin. Students who are requesting an exception to the major residence policy must submit a Major Residence petition.
- Petition form: To petition an exception to the Major Residence policy, you must submit a Luskin Undergraduate Student Petition. Your petition must indicate the exact number of units that you are requesting to waive for major residence.
- Submit your petition: Submit your completed Undergraduate Student Petition (including your written statement) via MyUCLA Message Center. Use Topic > Petitions / Forms: Luskin School of Public Affairs. Include “Major Residence Petition” as your subject line.
- Deadline to submit: Students must submit the petition prior to their final quarter of enrollment and prior to completing major courses work at another institution.
- Petition processing time: 10-15 business days
- Is approval guaranteed?: Major Residence Petitions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are rarely approved. Students must meet with a Luskin Undergraduate Counselor to discuss their options for satisfying the Major Residence requirement.
- View your petition status and outcome: You can view you petition status and outcome on MyUCLA > Academics > Petitions. Please note that petition outcomes are not emailed to students.
Senior Residence Petition
- Purpose of the petition:
The Senior Residence requirement for the Public Affairs major states that:
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- Of the last 45 units completed for the bachelor’s degree, 35 units including the final 12 units must be earned while in residence at Luskin.
- For students who transfer from another institution, from UCLA Extension, or from another College or school with senior standing, of the 35 units earned while in residence, 28 must be upper-division units, including 16 upper-division units in the major department. Courses in UCLA Extension may not be offered as part of this residence requirement.
- Students enrolled in the Education Abroad Program (EAP) must satisfy the residence requirement by earning 35 of their final 90 units, including the final 12 units, in residence at the school.
Students who are requesting an exception to the senior residence policy must submit a Senior Residence petition.
- Petition form: To petition an exception to the Senior Residence policy, you must submit a Luskin Undergraduate Student Petition. Your petition must indicate the exact number of units that you are requesting to waive for senior residence.
- Submit your petition: Submit your completed Undergraduate Student Petition (including your written statement) via MyUCLA Message Center. Use Topic > Petitions / Forms: Luskin School of Public Affairs. Include “Senior Residence Petition” as your subject line.
- Deadline to submit: Students must submit the petition prior to their final quarter of enrollment and prior to completing course work at another institution.
- Petition processing time: 10-15 business days
- Is approval guaranteed?: Senior Residence Petitions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are rarely approved. Students must meet with a Luskin Undergraduate Counselor to discuss their options for satisfying the Senior Residence requirement.
- View your petition status and outcome: You can view you petition status and outcome on MyUCLA > Academics > Petitions. Please note that petition outcomes are not emailed to students.
Academic Difficulty
Subject-to-Dismissal (STD) Extension Petition
- Purpose of the petition: Students who are placed on a Subject to Dismissal (STD) Contract and who wish to continue at UCLA and within the Luskin School of Public Affairs Program, must submit an STD Extension Petition.
- Petition form: The STD Extension Petition requires that you meet with the Director of Student Services and that you submit a Degree Plan Contract and written statement.
- Download the Degree Plan Contract below. The Degree Plan Contract will outline how, and by when, you will complete your remaining degree requirements and return to good academic standing (i.e. minimum 2.0 term and cumulative GPA, and complete at least 36 units in your 3 most recent quarters). You will discuss and outline your study plan when you meet with the Director of Student Services. Select one of the two file types linked below.
- Your written statement (minimum 1 page) must address the following questions:
- What circumstances impacted your progress?
- What actionable steps are you taking to better manage or resolve those circumstances?
- [If you are not able to meet with the Director of Student Services by Friday of week 2]: The reason you were unable to meet with the Director of Student Services by the Friday of Week 2 deadline.
- Submit your petition: Submit your completed STD Extension Petition (including your Degree Plan Contract and written statement) via MyUCLA Message Center. Use Topic > Petitions / Forms: Luskin School of Public Affairs. Include “Subject to Dismissal Extension Petition” as your subject line.
- Deadline to submit:
- By Friday of Week 2: Meet with the Director of Students Services to review your academic status and STD Extension Petition process.
- By Friday of Week 4: Submit your STD Extension Petition
- Petition processing time: 10-15 business days
- View your petition status and outcome: You can view you petition status on MyUCLA > Academics > Petitions. Students must meet with the Director of Students Services to discuss the outcome of their petition. Once the reviewing committee determines an outcome, you will be contacted via MyUCLA Message Center with instructions on how to schedule an appointment with the Director of Student Services.
Dismissal Appeal Letter
- Purpose of the petition: Students who are placed on academic dismissal status and who wish to continue at UCLA and within the Luskin School of Public Affairs Program, must submit a Dismissal Appeal letter.
- Petition form: The Dismissal Appeal letter requires that you meet with the Director of Student Services and that you submit a Degree Plan Contract and written statement.
- Download the Degree Plan Contract below. The Degree Plan Contract will outline how, and by when, you will complete your remaining degree requirements and return to good academic standing (i.e. minimum 2.0 term and cumulative GPA, and complete at least 36 units in your 3 most recent quarters). You will discuss and outline your study plan when you meet with the Director of Student Services. Select one of the two file types linked below.
- Your written statement (1-5 pages) must address the following questions:
- What circumstances impacted your progress? What was the chronology of events?
- Reflect on the actionable steps you outlined in your previous STD Extension Petition to better manage or resolve the circumstances that were impacting your progress. How did these actionable steps support or hinder your academic progress?
- If you are approved to resume with the public affairs major, what actionable steps will you take to better manage or resolve the circumstances that have impacted your academic progress?
- Submit your petition: Submit your completed Dismissal Appeal letter (including your Degree Plan Contract and written statement) via MyUCLA Message Center. Use Topic > Petitions / Forms: Luskin School of Public Affairs. Include “Dismissal Appeal Letter” as your subject line.
- Deadline to submit:
- By Friday of Week 2: Meet with the Director of Students Services to review your academic status and Dismissal Appeal process.
- By Friday of Week 4: Submit your Dismissal Appeal
- Petition processing time: 10-15 business days
- View your petition status and outcome: You can view you petition status on MyUCLA > Academics > Petitions. Students must meet with the Director of Students Services to discuss the outcome of their petition. Once the reviewing committee determines an outcome, you will be contacted via MyUCLA Message Center with instructions on how to schedule an appointment with the Director of Student Services.
Other Petitions
Policy Exceptions
- Purpose of the petition: Students who wish to request an exception for a policy or requirement that is not outlined in the petition requests above, must submit an Undergraduate Student Petition to the Public Affairs Undergraduate Program.
- Petition form: A policy exception petition requires that students submit the Undergraduate Student Petition and, where applicable, a copy of the course syllabus or course description. Download the Undergraduate Student Petition here.
- Submit your petition: Submit your completed Undergraduate Student Petition (including course syllabus or course description) via MyUCLA Message Center. Use Topic > Petitions / Forms: Luskin School of Public Affairs. Include “Policy Exception Petition” as your subject line.
- Deadline to submit:Prior to graduation. However, it is recommended that students submit the petition well in advance of the deadline in case the petition is denied and alternative solutions are needed.
- Petition processing time: 10-15 business days
- Is approval guaranteed?: Approval is not guaranteed. It is strongly recommended that students submit the petition well in advance of the deadline in case the petition is denied and alternative solutions are needed.
- View your petition status and outcome: You can view you petition status and outcome on MyUCLA > Academics > Petitions. Please note that petition outcomes are not emailed to students.
For petition requests that are not outlined in this webpage, please contact the Public Affairs Undergraduate Program via MyUCLA Message Center to discuss your circumstances. A Luskin Undergraduate Counselor will advise you on the necessary petitions (if any) and options relevant to your specific circumstances.