Students should discuss the need for a substitution with appropriate department faculty. Students are responsible for completing and submitting all documentation necessary to verify approval for variances from published degree/program requirements. SUBSTITUTION – replacement of a specific required course by another approved course (course replacement only, differences in course credit must be made up). Transfer courses must be college-level and completed at institutions accredited by an approved accrediting agencies.
Instructions: Answer all questions and provide all information requested. Incomplete forms will not be processed. Substitution/waiver requests must be approved by applicable department faculty and the Division Chair Properly completed and approved forms, and supporting documentation, should be submitted to the Registrar’s Office; deadlines (graduation) may apply. Contact the Registrar’s Office for more information (406 683-7371). Attach applicable documentation.
One-Time Course Substitution – One-Time Course Substitutions involve the replacement of a specific course required by a particular program by another approved course. One-Time Course Substitutions are initiated by the Faculty Advisor and approved by the Department Chair (or delegate) over the particular program. One-Time Course Substitutions are explicitly different than Course Equivalencies. If multiple One-Time Course Substitutions are requested/approved for the same course, the department will consider curricular changes.
One-Time Program Waiver – One-Time Program Waivers involve an exemption from a degree requirement. One-Time Program Waivers are initiated by the Faculty Advisor and approved by the Department Chair (or delegate) over the program. If multiple One-Time Program Waivers of the same requirement are requested/approved, the department will consider curricular changes.
Permanent Course Equivalency – Permanent Course Equivalencies allow one course to equate to another course. Course Equivalencies are approved by the Department Chair. These typically involve transfer credits.
Factors that could lead to One-Time Substitutions and Waivers include, but aren’t limited to, the following: course rotations that caused timing issues, extenuating circumstances, etc.
Factors that don’t lead to One-Time Substitutions and Waivers include, but are not limited to, the following: subbing a 100-level for a 300- or 400-level, subbing a 200-level for a 400-level, failing a course, etc.
Process – One electronic form will cover substitutions, waivers, and equivalencies. The Department Chair (or delegate) approves all. The electronic form will route from faculty advisor to department chair to registrar. The student will be copied at each stage.
