Personal Statement (CAS)

Below are guidelines to help you craft a personal statement for your petition to the Committee on Academic Status. These tips are based on insights from past Committee reviews and are designed to help you present the most complete information possible, not a guarantee of approval. 

Explain your extenuating circumstances for making the request

Provide a detailed explanation of any unusual or significant factors that are part of your request. Be specific, but no additional documentation is needed. These circumstances help the Committee understand the context behind your petition and why an exception may be warranted. Be honest, specific, and include relevant dates.

Create a timeline if a deadline has been missed (late add/drop/withdrawal)

Provide a clear, step-by-step timeline showing how your extenuating circumstances affected your ability to meet the deadline. Include key dates and events to help the Committee understand the sequence of challenges and how they influenced your decision-making process.

Focus on solutions

Outline a clear plan for how you will approach future semesters differently to ensure success. Take responsibility for your actions and avoid shifting blame to professors or others. The Committee values proactive steps and accountability, so emphasize what you will do to prevent similar issues moving forward.

Proofread

Review your statement once it's completed and make sure it's clear and free from errors. 

Next Steps

If you are ready, submit your petition. If you have additional questions, make an appointment to talk with an advisor at the Advising Center. 

Submit Petition  Make an Appointment with an Advisor