For Students

Requirements

Each D-Plan Petition requires the following:

  • D-Plan Proposal: A proposed D-Plan that demonstrates a clear path to complete all necessary degree requirements, including having an approved major plan on file that is aligned with the proposed D-Plan.
  • Rationale: A well written rationale for the proposed D-Plan that provides a detailed description of the circumstances by which you are requesting an exception to D-Plan Policy. A well written rationale addresses all the specific policy exceptions the proposed D-Plan requires. See below for definitions of the various types of D-Plan Petitions and guidance on writing your rationale.
  • Letter of Support: You may decide, or be asked to provide a support document from an appropriate professional (e.g. advisor, health provider, financial aid officer, etc.). While a support document is not required submitting your petition without one may delay the review of your petition if a supporting document is determined to be necessary. D-Plan petitions generally fall into three categories depending upon your circumstances:
    • Significant enrichment of your academic program. A letter of support from an academic advisor who can speak to the educational value of the proposed D-Plan and the need to waive the enrollment requirement is often necessary.
    • Serious financial hardship. A letter of support from the Dartmouth Financial Aid office which speaks to the student’s financial hardship and need to waive the enrollment requirement is often necessary.
    • Serious personal or health problem. A letter of support from a health care provider, Title IX Officer, or similar official is often necessary. Note: information regarding specific medical condition(s) or diagnosis(es) is not necessary.
  • Deadline: Students submit all enrollment pattern (D-Plan) petitions to the Arts & Sciences Registrar’s Office each term no later than one week prior to the last day of the term.

It is strongly recommended you seek counsel from appropriate college officials such as OVIS, Athletics Department, Financial Aid Office as well as Undergraduate Deans and Academic Advisors to ensure you are fully aware of the impact of making your proposed D-plan change.

Below is a list of all the different D-Plan petition types, an explanation of the policy exception requested, and some guidance on writing a rationale for the petition. Students often request exceptions to multiple D-Plan policies. In these cases, students should take care to address all the various policy exceptions their petition requires in their written rationale.

Rules and Petition Types