Announcement: Approval of petition programs is suspended for AY2021-2022. Petitions may be submitted for AY2022-2023 in Spring 2021. As always, submission of a petition is not a guarantee of approval. All petition applications will be viewed based on the criteria outlined below, plus with the additional consisderation for the impact of COVID on destinations, programs and the University.

Petition for Non-Affiliate Study Abroad

Application to Petition for Participation in a Study Abroad Program not approved by Montclair State University


Philosophy

Montclair State University encourages all students to incorporate international experiences in their academic plan. The Office of International Academic Initiatives (IAI) supports students in identifying appropriate international programs and facilitates their participation. IAI, in collaboration with Academic Departments, invests time in the identification and approval of programs with high academic standards that are relevant to on-campus curricula and maintain high standards of practice in cultural immersion, health, safety and security.

Instructions

Given the breadth of MSU-approved study abroad offerings, students wishing to maintain enrollment at MSU while studying abroad are required to study through one of these approved programs. If you have a compelling academic reason, supported by your Academic Dean and/or program director, to study through a program not approved by MSU, you may submit a petition to do so by following the instructions outlined below. A successful petition will clearly demonstrate the academic and cultural goals of the program, as well as a justification as to why none of the current approved programs meets your needs, academically and culturally. Please note, it may be necessary to collect additional information for program review, so it is essential you leave ample time when submitting your petition.

If you would like to attend a study abroad program not listed on the Approved Program List, you should complete the following information and submit your petition to the Office of International Academic Initiatives by the deadlines outlined below:

That the university abroad is properly accredited. Please provide the name of the accrediting body and other documentation regarding the institution’s accreditation. In addition, you must provide information regarding the credit system of the institution.
That the university abroad can accept a paying visiting student not on "exchange". Please research and submit a confirmation (website information is acceptable) that the institution has the infrastructure in place to accept non-degree visiting students from non-partner universities on a direct-pay basis.
That the Office of International Academic Initiatives does not offer a similar/suitable program already for the student.
That the student's reason for selecting the program supports his/her academic program. Please make a clear and convincing case that this specific program will support and further your academic pursuits at Montclair State University.
That the student's advisor/program director will approve the courses overseas. Please include a Request for Work at Another Institution form with approvals for course substitutions in his/her department.

There may be some additional logistical issues to figure after the initial review.

Conditions

Admission to the foreign university and/or program provider is independent of the petition process and is YOUR responsibility. The Study Abroad Office will provide advice and, when possible and appropriate, may provide assistance with applications. You are responsible for paying any required application fees, deposits and tuition directly to the university/program provider.

Eligibility

To be eligible to study abroad on a petitioned program, you must meet the following minimum requirements:

· Completed a minimum of 2 semesters (30 credits)
· A minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA
· Good judicial standing

If approved, you must follow all Study Abroad Policies of Montclair State University 

Once you complete the online application for the 'Petition Program', the application will be reviewed for consideration. The Study Abroad Office may request additional documentation and information. You may be required to submit a Foreign Credential Evaluation along with your overseas transcript upon completion of the program. You will be responsible for any costs associated with the evaluation.

If the program meets the outlined criteria and you are approved to participate, you will then be given the next steps to follow (i.e., submission of a complete Montclair State Study Abroad Application).

This is an ad-hoc approval and does not guarantee future students’ participation in the program. If you would like to have this program included in the Approved Program List, then you are welcome to make that recommendation to the Director of IAI.

Please note that students requesting a petition to participate must also turn in a complete a Montclair State Application for Study Abroad by the designated deadlines for the specific term of study, in addition to their petition, post-approval. Exceptions to this deadline will not be made. Since this is an involved process, students should begin working with our office at least a month before the deadline.

If the petition is granted, you may then proceed with the application process and credit will be granted for academic work done abroad, if you receive a minimum of a ‘C-’ grade in the course. 

For Non-Approved Programs

If the petition is not granted, you will be required to take a leave of absence from Montclair State for the specified term abroad (not necessary for summer programs). No financial aid can be utilized for the proposed term abroad. By participating in a program not approved by Montclair State and by this petition process, you acknowledge that you will be taking a leave from the University and cannot receive any financial aid. You are responsible for checking with the Registrar’s Office regarding re-admittance policies and with Financial Aid regarding any possible implications for your loans or grants.

You would, however, have the option of applying to another, approved study abroad program.