The Committee on Admissions & Records (CAR)
What is the CAR?
The Committee on Admissions & Records (CAR) is a Faculty Senate committee that makes decisions regarding individual student cases involving modifications to academic records, academic standing or discipline, and other academic matters, based on recommendations from the student’s academic dean. Appeals to the CAR are accepted in writing only and must go through a CNS academic dean first.
How Do I Appeal?
To appeal to the CAR you must submit a typed business format appeal letter that includes your SPIRE ID number, UMass email address, daytime telephone number, and any supporting documents to the CNS Dean’s Office at 220 Morrill II. Since the dean must compose a letter of recommendation to accompany your appeal, they set specific deadlines by which appeals must be submitted, based on the date of the next CAR meeting. Call the office at (413) 545-1969 for specific details.
What Should I Include In My Appeal?
- A brief statement about the exceptions to the university regulations you want the CAR to consider that includes an explanation of the problems affecting your academic performance and the dates the problems occurred
- Supporting documents verifying your statement (see * below) and any letter(s) of support you may wish to include
- An explanation of how your problems have been resolved
- A plan of specific steps you will take to improve your academic situation if your appeal is approved
What Kind of Supporting Documents?
If personal illness
Information on the severity of the illness and dates of treatment from your personal physician. If you were treated at University Health Services, obtain a Medical Verification form online, complete your part, and submit the form to the UHS Records Department. The UHS fax number is (413) 577-5440. If you were treated elsewhere, your health care provider should send a letter on official stationery.
If personal and/or family problems
Description of the problem from a counselor, the dean of students, clergy member, family member(s), etc. If you were treated at Center for Counseling and Psychological Health, you should sign and return to CCPH a Release of Information form, which can be obtained online. The CCPH fax number is (413) 545-9602. The Dean will call the CCPH director to confirm whether or not there is support for your request for special consideration. No information about your condition will be released.
*Note: if possible, include these documents with your statement and bring it to the Dean’s Office; if not, you may fax the information to (413) 545- 1977 or email the dean, but please indicate how it will be sent.
What Happens Once I Submit My Appeal?
Once we receive an appeal, it is reviewed by the CNS Advisory Committee. Your academic record, all grades, your academic standing each semester, whether you have done well in classes that predict your success in your intended major, whether you have taken advantage of the numerous resources and support agencies on campus, and the nature of your extenuating circumstances will all be considered. The dean will then make a recommendation to the CAR in a cover letter and forward it in time for their next scheduled meeting. You will receive an email from the CAR directly, sent to your UMass email address, informing you of their decision. All CAR decisions are final.