Appeals

Appealing for Admission or Continuation in Chemical Engineering

Students may appeal for admission to or continuation in the Department of Chemical Engineering by writing a letter to the Department chair. The letter should describe any extenuating circumstances and may include any additional information in support of the appeal that the student believes is relevant. Issues that will be considered (and that the student may wish to address) include, but are not limited to:

1. Cumulative GPA
2. GPA in required courses or courses in chemical engineering
3. Number of course repeats, incomplete grades, and withdrawals
4. Difficulty of previous course loads (type of courses and number of credits)
5. Personal statements
   • Adequacy of college preparation
   • Reasons for choosing chemical engineering
   • Applicable employment experience
   • Maturity
   • Record of honors, activities, and service
   • Other (includes health, financial, and family problems)
6. Grading practices of transfer institutions
7. Letters of recommendation
8. Appropriate test scores (SAT, etc.)

The letter and supporting material will be transmitted to the Admissions Committee of the Department. Students planning to appeal must notify the department of their intent to appeal within one week of receiving the notification. The full appeal must be made within 30 days of notification of admission denial, placement on probation, or dismissal. A response to the appeal must be made by the Committee within 30 days, but typically the response is made within one week.

Applicants appealing for upper-division admission should plan to complete their appeal process prior to the start of spring quarter, as CHEM E 310 is only offered in the spring. This means students interested in submitting an appeal should contact ChemE advising within one week of receiving notification of the admission decision to indicate an intention to appeal. 

Any student denied admission or continuation may request a personal interview to discuss or amplify any matter in his/her application or in the admission or continuation policy statement. No student shall be denied this right.

The University of Washington prohibits discrimination in all programs and activities, including education, employment, and patient care, based on an individual’s actual or perceived protected characteristics. Protected characteristics include but are not limited to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Upon learning of conduct that may constitute discrimination, the University will take prompt and effective action to address it, remedy its effects, and prevent recurrence. 

Executive Order No. 81, its companion procedures, and the Student Conduct Code prohibit discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct and provide procedures for addressing reports and complaints. 

Inquiries about Title VI, VII, IX, ADA and Section 504 may be referred to the University’s Civil Rights Compliance Office, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, or both. 

To report information or make a complaint about conduct that may constitute discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct, make a Civil Rights &Title IX Report, or email or call the Civil Rights Compliance Office. 

Civil Rights Compliance Office 
Valery Richardson, AVP for Civil Rights Compliance & Title IX Coordinator 
4320 Brooklynn Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105 
206-221-7932 | civilrights@uw.edu 

The University of Washington is committed to being inclusive and accessible for everyone. To request a disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office.