The Policy Exception Review Committee (PERC) strives to review requests for exceptions to Relay’s student facing policies in a democratic, equitable, legally compliant and institutionally sound manner. The PERC reviews (a) exceptions to admissions, (b) degree requirements and (c)academic policies that impact the institution’s implementation of policy, procedures, curriculum or revenue. Some examples include but are not limited to:
- Program transfer exceptions
- Program completion exceptions
- Administrative withdrawal appeals
Additionally the PERC reviews student and/or staff petitions for exceptions to standard academic related policies and practices. Some examples include but are not limited to:
- Tuition waivers for individual students
- Program transfer
- Program completion
- Exceptions to pre-requisite requirement
- Retaking failed course work
- Incomplete exceptions
The PERC membership consists of five voting members selected by the Provost, and three non-voting members - the Registrar, the Director of Student Financial Services and the Vice-Provost of Student Affairs and Student Services.
As is necessary the PERC seeks counsel from additional Relay teams including but not limited to the following:
- the Regulatory and Accreditation team
- Academic Programs
- the General Counsel
- the Registrar’s Office
- the Office of Student Affairs
- the Student Financial Services (SFS) team
- the Admissions team
The PERC is chaired by the Provost of Teacher Preparation, who facilitates the meetings and ensures that all decisions are in alignment with Relay’s mission, policies, and practice. The non-voting members advise the board of precedents, policies, procedures, and/or impacts on students. Decisions are made by vote, and the majority vote will stand, except in cases where the Provost of Teacher Preparation has good cause to override a decision. The Vice Provost of Student Affairs will document and archive all decisions and associated next steps. Each voting member of the committee has one vote.
The Process
When an exception is being requested or an appeal is being made, the following process will be followed:
- An intake form will be submitted
- A student or staff member may submit the PERC intake form detailing the circumstances, the request being made, as well as potential solutions, if applicable.
- A representative of PERC will request that relevant staff members provide additional context, this may include advisors, faculty members, SFS, Registrar’s Office, Certification Officers, Academic Programs, Admissions, etc., as needed
- When all information has been gathered the material will be compiled by a PERC designee and submitted to the voting members of the PERC.
- The PERC members will review context and considerations provided by teammates in preparation for voting. Occasionally, PERC may request that an advisor, faculty member or location director attend the PERC meeting to provide additional context.
- The committee will deliberate and vote privately within 10 business days.
- Decisions, rationale, and next steps will be recorded internally by a PERC designee
- A PERC designee will notify the individual who requested the policy exception and/or other stakeholders of decisions, appropriate next steps and/or associated actions.
- Decisions made by the PERC committee are final.