The College of Wooster has developed a carefully curated list of endorsed study abroad programs that have been reviewed for academic quality, student support, health and safety, and alignment with the College’s educational goals. Students are strongly encouraged to choose from these endorsed programs whenever possible.
If a student believes that a non-endorsed program better meets their academic, personal, or professional goals than any endorsed option, they may submit a petition requesting approval to participate.
Petitions are reviewed by the Global Engagement Advisory Committee (GEAC). Approval is not guaranteed, and each petition is evaluated on its individual merits.
Petition Assessment Fee
Students submitting a petition to participate in a non-endorsed program will be assessed a $500 petition assessment fee.
The assessment fee applies regardless of whether the petition is approved or denied and covers the administrative review required to evaluate the proposed program.
Before You Submit a Petititon
Before pursuing a petition, students should carefully explore the College’s endorsed study abroad programs with a GEO Professional Advisor. In most cases, an endorsed program can meet a student’s academic and personal goals while providing the benefits of established partnerships and streamlined processes.
A petition should only be submitted when a student can demonstrate that a non-endorsed program is a substantially better fit than any endorsed alternative.
Petition Process
Students wishing to petition for a non-endorsed program must complete the following steps:
1. Meet with a GEO Professional Advisor
Schedule an advising appointment to discuss your academic goals, review endorsed program options, and determine whether a petition is appropriate. GEO staff will explain College policies, the petition process, and discuss your intended study abroad program.
2. Meet with Your Academic Advisor
Discuss how the proposed program supports your academic plan, including your major, graduation requirements, and the transferability of academic credit. Students should also consult with their department chair regarding course approvals and credit transfer.
3. Submit the GEO Petition Application
The GEO Petition Application is available in GEO Compass at geo.wooster.edu. Complete the application and provide a detailed explanation of why the proposed non-endorsed program is a better academic, personal, or professional fit than any of The College of Wooster’s endorsed study abroad programs. Additional supporting documentation may be requested as part of the review process.
4. Committee Review
The Global Engagement Advisory Committee (GEAC) will review your petition and supporting materials. The committee’s decision is final.
Petitions are reviewed on a rolling basis. Students are encouraged to submit their petition as early as possible to allow sufficient time for review and, if approved, completion of the provider application.
Petition Review Criteria
Students are strongly encouraged to participate in an endorsed study abroad program whenever possible. A petition for a non-endorsed program will be considered only when a student can demonstrate that the proposed program is a significantly better fit than any endorsed alternative.
In evaluating petitions, the Global Engagement Advisory Committee will consider whether:
- The program enhances the student’s academic experience and better meets their academic needs than any program on the College’s endorsed list.
- The academic quality of the program is comparable to that of The College of Wooster, as evidenced by course syllabi, descriptions, or other academic documentation.
- The student meets all prerequisite academic and language requirements for participation.
- A semester program is at least 14 weeks in duration.
- The program is sponsored by an accredited U.S. college or university or meets the host country’s higher education accreditation standards.
- The program provides appropriate academic, student, and support services.
- The program demonstrates appropriate health, safety, and risk management practices.
- Programs located in countries with a U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory Level 3 or higher will receive additional scrutiny and may not be approved.
- In general, touring or shipboard programs are not approved. Multi-country programs may be considered only when the itinerary clearly supports the student’s academic objectives.
Meeting these criteria does not guarantee approval. Each petition is reviewed individually.
If Your Petition is Approved
Petition approvals are granted only for the individual student and the specific program identified in the petition. Approval does not establish the program as an endorsed option for future students.
Students whose petitions are approved:
- May participate in the approved non-endorsed program.
- Are eligible to transfer approved academic credit to their Wooster transcript for courses completed with the equivalent of a C or higher, subject to College policies.
- Remain eligible for applicable Wooster financial aid in accordance with College policies.
- Must complete all remaining GEO application requirements.
- Must apply directly to the study abroad provider.
- Must attend the required GEO Pre-Departure Orientation and complete all pre-departure requirements.
If Your Petition Is Not Approved
If a petition is not approved, the Global Engagement Office will work with you to identify an endorsed program that supports your academic, personal, and professional goals.
Because petitions are reviewed on a rolling basis, students are encouraged to begin the process early to maximize the number of available alternatives if a petition is not approved.