Petitions

San José State University (SJSU) offers a variety of petition processes for students seeking exceptions, appeals, or special consideration regarding academic policies, enrollment, graduation requirements, and more. The process and forms vary depending on the nature of the petition.

General Petition Process

  • Most petitions at SJSU are submitted electronically via DocuSign forms, which require an active SJSU account. If you do not have an active account, you can request an electronic copy by contacting the relevant office (e.g., undergraduate-education@sjsu.edu).
  • Students are generally required to provide supporting documentation and a personal statement explaining the reason for the petition and any extenuating circumstances.
  • Each petition type may have specific eligibility requirements, deadlines, and required attachments, such as transcripts, course lists, or reports from your student portal.
  • After submission, petitions are reviewed by the appropriate university office or committee. Processing times and approval are not guaranteed and may vary by petition type.

Key Steps in the Petition Process

  • Identify the correct petition form.
  • Carefully read all instructions and eligibility requirements for your specific petition.
  • Gather all required documentation before submission (e.g., transcripts, personal statements, supporting evidence).
  • Submit the petition electronically (usually via DocuSign) or by email, as directed on the form.
  • Monitor your SJSU email for updates or requests for additional information.
  • Some petitions, such as readmission or major changes, require departmental and college-level approvals.

Academic Advising and Success Center

Frequently used forms: 

  • Late Course Drop 
  • Withdrawal 
  • Excess Units 

View these and other forms/petitions.

Undergraduate Education

Frequently used Graduate and Undergraduate forms: 

  • Petition to enroll in SJSU Studies with less than 60 units
  • Petition to Permit Open University Coursework to Satisfy Graduation Requirements
  • Physical Education Requirements 

To view these and other Undergraduate education forms/petitions please visit the Undergraduate Education Petitions page for more information.

Office of the Registrar

Frequently used Registrar forms:

  • Change of Major/Minor (Fewer than 90 units)&(Over 90 units)
  • FERPA Authorization Release Form 
  • Graduation Application 
  • Leave Request 

To view these and other Registrar's forms/petitions visit the  Office of the Registrar's Forms page for more information.