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Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies

Permission Number Request Policy

The Department of Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies recognizes that not all students are able to enroll in the classes that they want or need in their current semester. Once a class is filled or open enrollment has ended, students may request a permission number from the instructor. Students are responsible for reviewing the WGSS permission request policy to check their eligibility before reaching out to the instructor of that class to make the request. After review of the student's request, it is then up to the discretion of the instructor to grant the permission number. 

WGSS faculty will most seriously consider requests for permission numbers for students who satisfy two or more of the following:

  • The student expects to graduate within the academic year
  • The student is a WGSS major or minor or LGBTQ2+ Studies minor
  • The student is already on the waitlist
  • The student needs a class with an online modality due to serious personal circumstances

How to request a permission number:

  1. Email the instructor no later than 3 days before the census date to allow the instructor time to decide
  2. In your email, choose one or more of the above reasons why you are requesting a permission number and provide any other relevant information to support your request
  3. Be sure to include your full name and student ID
  4. Wait at least 48 hours before following up for a status update

Important reminders:

  • Class size is a pedagogical choice; enrolling students beyond the maximum class size may have negative implications for how the class is taught and faculty workload
  • Department chairs cannot grant permission numbers for classes they do not teach and cannot override the decision of the instructor
  • Faculty are off contract until approximately two days before the first day of instruction and may not respond to requests made during this time
  • Some classes, such as W classes, are capped at 25 by university policy
  • The capacity of a classroom may prevent an instructor from enrolling students beyond their current class size
  • Evidence to support your case is helpful! For example, a DPR can help the instructor understand the student’s proximity to graduation