Petition Process for Other Programs

Participation in the Study Abroad Program sponsored by the University of St. Thomas is not a right but an opportunity requiring institutional approval. There are established criteria for participation and a process for applying, which includes an application deadline. Furthermore, Study Abroad takes careful thought and planning, and the time to do both, especially when students select programs that are not sponsored by the University of St. Thomas and with which we have no familiarity.

St. Thomas has invested, and continues to invest considerable time, effort and resources in identifying and verifying programs with the academic standards and educational objectives which meet the needs of its students. St. Thomas students are strongly encouraged to enroll in St. Thomas sponsored or co-sponsored programs.

St. Thomas sponsored or co-sponsored program options include:

• Enrollment in universities abroad with which St. Thomas has exchange and affiliation agreements.

• January Term and June programs directed by St. Thomas faculty, UMAIE courses or those co-sponsored programs designated by International Education.
• Semester programs directed by St. Thomas faculty: London Business Semester, Glasgow English Semester, and Catholic Studies Program.
• Study through consortia and other approved programs which St. Thomas sponsors.

If a student cannot find a St. Thomas-Sponsored study program to meet specific needs and objectives for study abroad, the student may petition to use another program. The possible websites to search are:

• http://www.goabroad.com
• http://www.iiepassport.org
• http://www.studyabroad.com

A successful written petition will clearly demonstrate the sound academic and cross-cultural quality of the alternate program and a compelling reason why none of the St. Thomas sponsored programs meet the student's academic needs. International Education staff, in consultation with a subcommittee of the Study Abroad Advisory Committee will make decisions regarding students' petitions, if necessary.

Factors which strengthen a petition:

• Special academic features of the program, or unique offerings such as field work or an internship, etc.
• Program in a country where St. Thomas does not sponsor a program but meets the student's specific academic needs.
• Program that matches a student's major or minor in a way that cannot by matched on any St. Thomas sponsored or co-sponsored program.
• Program offered by an accredited U.S. academic institution or a nationally recognized degree-granting foreign institution.
• Evidence of on-site program support for visiting students.

The Petition Process

The petition form should be submitted with a complete study abroad application by the stated deadlines. The written statement should address the above factors. Students must consult with a Study Abroad Advisor before beginning the petition process.