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UW Graduate School

Petition for Reduced Enrollment

Policy

Graduate students with Academic Student Employee jobs (RA,TA, etc), fellowships or traineeships must register in 10 credits or more applicable to the degree during fall, winter and spring quarters, and at least two credits in summer quarter. The credit minimums apply even if a job is less than five out of the six pay periods in a quarter, and even if the job is less than 20 hours per week (50% FTE).

Petition

In exceptional cases, students may submit a petition for reduced enrollment to the Graduate School. If approved, the student is eligible to be employed and/or receive a fellow or trainee stipend while registered in less than 10 credits.

This petition process is ONLY for eligibility to work as an RA/TA/SA/Predoctoral Instructor or receive a stipend as a fellow or trainee. This petition process IS NOT for part-time enrollment approval in other areas, such as

  • financial aid eligibility
  • loan deferral eligibility
  • international student visa eligibility
  • certain UW programs eligibility (e.g., Childcare Assistance Program, University housing)

Criteria

  1. Will graduate and does not require 10 credits in final quarter. This condition may only be used once.
  2. Has an approved accommodation for reduced enrollment from the Office of Disability Resources (DRS) (Documentation required).
  3. Has a health condition that requires reduced enrollment or is a primary caregiver for someone to an extent that warrants reduced enrollment. (Documentation required).
  4. Be in a graduate program specifically designed to be entirely part-time. (Documentation required).
  5. Has an RA/TA/SA job, fellowship or traineeship that does not directly pay the tuition resident operating fee.
  6. Bereavement (death of a loved one). (Documentation required).

To Submit a Petition

Students will need:

  • The numbers of credits in which you will enroll;
  • The type of appointment you will have (e.g., TA, RA, SA, fellowship, traineeship);
  • The name and email address of the official in your academic department who will be approving your request (must be Graduate Program Advisor, Graduate Program Coordinator or Chair);
  • 1-2 sentences that explain how one of the listed criteria fits your circumstances;
  • If required, documentation that you meet one of the criteria (see ‘criteria’ above for requirements).

Student Petition Process

  1. Student submits petition along with any required documentation;
  2. The department approver the student designates in the petition form receives an email request for approval;
  3. The department approver submits their response via email;
  4. The Graduate School reviews your petition and responds via <gradappt@uw.edu>.

Approval Process

  • If approved, the Graduate School will (1) confirm payment of any tuition benefits associated with the position; (2) notify the Benefits Office of eligibility for any GAIP coverage associated with the position; and (3) notify Professional & Continuing Education of any eligibility for payment of course fees.
  • If not approved, the student must enroll in 10 or more credits.

Submit your Petition

Questions? 

Contact the Office of Fellowships & Awards.