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Academic Records Revision

Saint Louis University’s Academic Records Review Committee (ARRC) evaluates student appeals requesting changes to their permanent academic records. Given the permanent nature of these records, updates are rare and approved only under exceptional circumstances. The review process is not taken lightly and is designed to ensure accuracy, fairness and compliance with institutional and legal standards.

Submission of an appeal does not guarantee approval. Changes to the courses and/or grades on a student’s permanent academic record will only be considered in cases of documented extenuating circumstances. Such circumstances include, but are not limited to, serious illness, chronic disability, significant family problems or similar situations. The committee evaluates whether the circumstances were beyond the student’s control, unforeseeable or the result of a severe event.

Please note that financial concerns or difficulties do not constitute a valid reason for an appeal. Additionally, the ARRC does not make decisions regarding academic standing, university/program probation or university/program dismissal.

Before Submitting an ARRC Appeal

In many cases, students can resolve many issues independently or through the Office of the University Registrar. For example, changes such as dropping or withdrawing can often be completed via Banner Self-Service or courses.slu.edu.

Steps to Explore Before Submitting an Appeal to ARRC:
  • Consult Your Professor: Discuss your situation with your professor to explore any steps or options.
  • Discuss with your Academic Advisor: Students must consult with their academic advisor before pursuing an ARRC appeal.
  • Utilize Support Services: Seek help from academic support services on campus.
  • Review Deadlines: Check the add/drop/withdraw deadlines, as many changes can be made independently within these timeframes.
  • Resolve Holds: If a hold prevents schedule changes, contact the department that placed the registration hold. In addition, your academic advisor can help you complete the proper form  
    • Petition to drop or withdraw from course(s) with registration hold (Form No. 8)
    • Petition for complete withdrawal with Registration Hold (Form No. 9)
  • Authorized Absence: Review the policy on Attendance, Absences and Authorized Absence Activities.
  • Course Extensions: Review the policy on Incomplete Courses to determine if a course extension is possible and appropriate.

Only after exhausting these options should a student consider submitting an appeal to the Academic Records Review Committee.

Is my circumstance appropriate for an ARRC request?

 * Changes to a student’s permanent academic record will only be considered in cases of documented extenuating circumstances.

The class(es) were harder than I thought they would be; I was having academic difficulties.

No, Discuss academic strategies for the future. See the Drop/Withdraw from Courses policy.

One course was difficult and took all my attention leading me to do poorly in other courses.

No, Discuss academic strategies for the future. See the Drop/Withdraw from Courses policy.

I missed class due to a death in the family.

Yes*, Dean of Students; see Bereavement in the Attendance Policy.

I was unable to attend/finish my coursework and did not satisfactorily complete a substantial part of the coursework (e.g., approximately two thirds).

Yes*, Dean of Students; see Attendance, Absences and Authorized Absence.

I was unable to attend/finish my coursework but did satisfactorily complete a substantial part of the coursework (e.g., approximately two thirds)

No, see the Incomplete Policy.

I was dealing with unexpected medical issue or mental health concern during the add/drop period that affected my entire semester schedule.

Yes*, have a health provider complete the Academic Records Revision Medical Certification Form (Form No. 41).

I was dealing with unexpected medical issue or mental health concern during the withdrawal period that affected my entire semester schedule.

Yes*, have a health provider complete the Academic Records Revision Medical Certification Form (Form No. 41).

I was dealing with unexpected medical issue or mental health concern after the withdrawal period that affected my entire semester schedule.

Yes*, have a health provider complete the Academic Records Revision Medical Certification Form (Form No. 41).

I felt that the professor was biased against me.

No, follow the Bias-Related Incident Protocol.

My professor did not allow me to utilize my accommodation(s) for the course.

No, discuss with the Center for Accessibility and Disability Resources; Follow the Bias-Related Incident Protocol.

I did not use my accommodation(s) for the course, thus did poorly on the exams.

No, discuss with the Center for Accessibility and Disability Resources.

I had roommate difficulties which hindered by ability to study.

No, discuss with Housing and Residential Life.

My professor entered the wrong grade.

No, discuss with the professor.

I would like to dispute the grade received for a course.

No, discuss with the professor.

I am being called into military action.

No, Withdrawing for Active Military Duty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What process does a student follow to file an appeal?
  • Students will contact their academic advisor or mentor about the academic records revision process and determine if their situation is appropriate for the academic records revision process.
  • A current or former student must submit the Petition for Revision of Academic Record - Form #40 and appropriate supporting documentation (see FAQ below) to their college or school dean’s office.
  • The associate or assistant dean of the college or school will present the petition and supporting documentation at the next scheduled Academic Revision of Records Committee (ARRC) meeting. 
  • Petitions and supporting documentation will be reviewed by ARRC in order to make a decision on accepting the student's request.
    • The committee may request additional information from instructors, academic departments or other Saint Louis University offices.
    • The committee does not accept "character references" from friends or family members.
    • The committee routinely checks the authenticity of documentation. If the committee finds evidence of falsified or forged documents, judicial charges will be brought against the student in accordance with the University's Student Responsibility and Community Standards and, if found guilty, the student will face penalties up to and including expulsion.
  • The student and presenting assistant or associate dean will receive written notification of ARRC's decision within two weeks of a decision. Notification will be sent to the student's University email address or local street address on file with the University.
What type of supporting documentation should I provide with my petition?
What is ARRC?

The Academic Records Revision Committee is a group of faculty and staff representatives that meet monthly during the academic year to review student requests for retroactive changes to their permanent academic records due to documented extenuating circumstances.

What is the ARRC authorized to revise?

The committee is authorized to make a final decision on:

  • Requests for changes to the academic record due to registration errors outside of the current semester.
  • Requests for changes to the academic record from students who have experienced academic difficulty because of documented extenuating circumstances, including serious illness, chronic disability, serious family problems and similar situations.
  • Requests for academic amnesty.
  • Requests for a tuition refund.
  • Requests (supported by the instructor) for a change of grades beyond one year.
  • Requests (supported by the instructor) for appealing an I that has changed to an F.
What is the ARRC not authorized to revise?

The committee has no authority to: 

  • Make decisions regarding academic standing, university or program probation, or university or program dismissal.
  • Make admission or readmission decisions, either to selected majors or programs or to the University.
  • Grant exceptions to financial policies. (For more information, consult the Office of Student Financial Services.)
  • Make decisions on grade appeals. (Grade appeal policies vary by the specific college or school.)
  • Award incomplete grades for courses (Incompletes must be negotiated directly with and approved by the individual instructor).
  • Grant exceptions to major/minor/certificate or college or school requirements for a degree. (The final decision rests with the department, college or school.)
  • Make decisions involving student responsibility and community standards (behavioral) violations. (For more information, consult the dean of students).
  • Alter the academic record of students who have graduated from Saint Louis University. (Such requests are not considered by SLU.)
  • "Clean up" an academic record by selective removal of poor grades. (Such requests are not considered by SLU.)
How long can a student file a Petition for Revision of Academic Record?
A Petition for Revision of Academic Record will only be considered up to one year (12 months) after the end of the term in which the course was taken. (Exception: Academic Amnesty deadlines are dictated by separate policy.)
What happens if a petition is declined?
A student may submit additional documentation and ask the committee to reconsider their petition through the assistant or associate dean of the college or school who brought the original petition to ARRC. The committee will not consider cases for which no new documentation is available.  Further appeals are not permitted.
Will my records be kept private?
Yes, the committee observes strict confidentiality and will not release information about the petition or supporting documentation without the student’s written permission.
How are decisions made?  Who reviews the documentation? 
The ARRC is composed of faculty and staff appointed by the provost. Members are anonymous and students are not allowed to communicate directly with them.  Faculty members, department chairs and deans also see the ARRC petition to provide feedback to the committee.  ARRC will review and make the final determination on the petition.
What impact will this have on my financial aid, visa status, benefits?

Potentially, changes to your academic record resulting from an approved petition may affect visa status, benefits and financial aid.  Please contact any office from the following list that is relevant to your situation to inquire about the potential effects of your petition: