Dean's Waiver of Progression Requirements

Who this page is for:

  • Students registered in the Faculty of Science who have been Required to Withdraw and wish to remain in Science
  • Students from another faculty who have been Required to Withdraw and wish to transfer into the Faculty of Science

If you have been Required to Withdraw in a different faculty and do not intend to transfer to Science, please contact your home faculty’s academic advising office for guidance on your Dean’s Waiver process.

What is a Dean’s Waiver?

A Dean’s Waiver of Progression Requirements is a discretionary form of relief that may allow a student who has been Required to Withdraw (RTW) to remain registered without serving the full 12-month withdrawal period. It is granted by the Dean of the Faculty of Science at their sole discretion.

A Dean’s Waiver is not an entitlement. It is granted only in truly exceptional circumstances. The decision is final and not subject to appeal.

For information about what Required to Withdraw means, why it happens, and what your academic standing is, see: Required to Withdraw.

The Three Criteria

The Dean will evaluate all petitions against three criteria. You must be able to satisfy all three. If any one is not met, the petition is unlikely to succeed.

Criterion 1: A Documented and Resolved Reason for Your Academic Difficulties

You must identify specific circumstances that directly prevented you from performing at a satisfactory level, supported by documentation, and demonstrate that those circumstances have been resolved or are now effectively managed.

Criterion 2: Prior Evidence of Academic Capability

Your academic record must show at least one period during your time at Western when you performed at a satisfactory level. The waiver is designed for students who experienced a specific setback, not for students who have struggled from their very first term with no period of satisfactory performance.

Criterion 3: A Realistic Academic Plan towards Good Standing

You must present a realistic plan showing that it is achievable for you to raise your cumulative average to the good standing threshold (60%) within one year at a restricted course load of at most 4.0 courses. Even if you are currently at Level 1, you should plan toward the 60% threshold, as you will almost certainly reach Level 2 during your waiver year.

Note on failed course equivalents: If you have accumulated 6.0 or more failed course equivalents, a Dean's Waiver will not reset that count. Only the standard readmission process resets it. If you are at or near that threshold, the Guide explains why taking the required year off may be the structurally better option for you.

The Dean’s Waiver Guide and Petition Form

Before doing anything else, download and read the Dean’s Waiver Guide. The Guide explains the three criteria in detail, helps you honestly assess whether you have a credible case, and tells you exactly what to include in your petition. It also explains when taking the required year off and reapplying is the better option for you.

The Guide contains instructions for using a generative AI tool to help you reflect on your situation and prepare your petition. The AI will not write your petition for you. You must write it yourself, in your own words.

Deadlines

Deadlines are set by Senate policy and are strictly enforced.

Students requesting a Dean's Waiver of Progression Requirements must do so in writing to the Dean of their Faculty by June 30 (if required to withdraw at the end of the Winter term), or within 30 days of the posting of the notice of their probation or Required to Withdraw status from the Office of the Registrar.

Late submissions will not be reviewed unless exceptional circumstances, supported by documentation, prevented timely submission.

How to Submit

Submit your completed petition form and all supporting documentation to:

aadasci@uwo.ca
Subject line: Dean’s Waiver Petition – [Your Full Name]

Please allow up to three weeks for a decision.

Support and Contact

If you have questions about your academic standing, progression requirements, or your options after Required to Withdraw, contact Science Academic Advising.

Science Academic Advising
North Campus Building, Room 280
Tel: 519-661-3040
aadasci@uwo.ca
https://www.uwo.ca/sci/advising

Western University Ombudsperson’s Office
For independent and confidential guidance on University processes from a neutral third party.
https://uwo.ca/ombuds