Inside CBU

What is an Academic Variance?

• An Academic Variance allows a student to request the substitution of a degree requirement (major, minor, concentration or general education) with a course outside of their catalog requirements.

Where should the Academic Variance be submitted?  

• The form should be initiated by the student and forwarded with a course description or syllabus to the appropriate Dean, Department Chair, or University Registrar for recommendation. Please see the below chart for the appropriate individual and office to forward the form .

  Major/Minor	Department
  All General Education Requirements	Ms. Shawnn Koning, Office of the Registrar, Yeager B150
  Online and Professional Studies Major Programs	Dr. Dirk Davis, Division of Online and Professional Studies, Tyler Plaza Offices, Suite 200
  Accounting, Business Administration, Marketing	Dr. Franco Gandolfi, School of Business
  Applied Theology (BAT), Christian Studies, Global Studies, Intercultural Studies, Philosophy	Dr. Chris Morgan, School of Christian Ministries, James 204
  Behavioral Science, Christian Behavioral Science, Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology	Dr. Ken Pearce, School of Behavioral Sciences, James 118
  Counseling Ministry, Counseling Psychology, Forensic Psychology	Dr. Gary Collins, School of Behavioral Sciences, James 118
  Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Foundational Mathematics, Mathematics	Dr. Lisa Hernandez, Department of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, James 4659
  Civil Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Engineering, Mechanical Engineering	Dr. Anthony Donaldson, School of Engineering, Adams Building
  Architecture,Graphic Design and Digital Media, Film, Visual Art	Dr. Mark Roberson, College of Architecture, Visual Art & Design
  Communication Studies, , Journalism, Journalism and Media, Public Relations, Theatre, Visual Arts	Professor John Pate, Department of Communication & Visual Arts, James 184
  Composition, English, Film Studies, Spanish	Dr. James Lu, Department of Modern Languages & Literature, James 254
  Classics, Criminal Justice, History, International Studies, Political Science, Public Administration	Dr. Chris McHorney, Department of History, Political Science & Criminal Justice, James 268
  Disability Studies, Early Childhood Studies, Education	Dr. John Shoup, School of Education, Yeager B228
  Health Science	Dr. Chuck Sands, Dean of the College of Allied Health, James 106
  Athletic Training, Coaching, Kinesiology, Sport Management	Dr. Sean Sullivan, Department of Kinesiology, James 042
  Instrumental Performance, Keyboard Accompanying, Music, Music Education, Piano Performance, Vocal Performance	Dr. Judd Bonner, School of Music, Hawkins 118
  Interdisciplinary Studies	Dr. Gayne Anacker, College of Arts and Sciences, James 248
  Liberal Studies	Dr. John Shoup, School of Education, Yeager B228
  Nursing, Pre-Nursing	Dr. Geneva Oaks, School of Nursing, Lambeth House

What additional information should I know before submitting an Academic Variance?  

• Courses listed on an  articulation agreement do not require the submission of an academic variance.
• Approval of an Academic Variance Request may alter graduation requirements. It is the student's responsibility to seek clarification from Enrollment Advising.
• The variance will expire within one year of approval if coursework is not completed. Students who have not completed coursework for which an academic variance was approved before its expiration, should submit a new variance for review and consideration.

An Academic Variance is required for any student wanting to use a course at another institution to meet an upper division requirement within their major/minor/concentration.