Course Time Conflicts FAQs
Who is eligible to request a course time conflict?
Only graduate students and students classified as seniors (class 4 or 5) may submit a Course Time Conflict Request.
Under what circumstances will a course time conflict be approved?
Requests are considered only in limited circumstances, such as:
- Both courses are required for graduation in the student’s primary major, have no viable substitutes, and the student is in their final year, or
- A course overlaps by less than ten minutes due to non-standard scheduling.
Does approval of a course time conflict guarantee I can register for the course?
No. Approval only provides a time conflict override. Students must still meet all prerequisites, course restrictions and seat availability requirements.
What happens if my request is denied? Can I appeal?
If a request is denied at any stage (advisor or instructor), the decision is final and cannot be appealed.
When is the deadline to submit a Course Time Conflict Request?
Requests must be submitted at least five business days before the semester’s add deadline.
What should I include in my “Conflict Strategy”?
Students should clearly explain how they will manage overlapping instructional time, including:
- How they will access missed content
- How they will complete assignments
- How they will meet participation expectations
Do I need to contact my instructor before submitting a request?
No. Students should not contact instructors directly. All requests must first be submitted through SIO and reviewed by the student’s academic advisor.
What should advisors consider before approving a request?
Advisors should:
- Confirm student eligibility
- Ensure the request meets policy criteria
- Evaluate the academic soundness of the student’s conflict strategy
- Consult the Undergraduate Associate Dean if uncertain
What should instructors do if a student contacts them directly about a time conflict?
Instructors should direct the student to submit a formal request through SIO. Requests must be vetted by the academic advisor before instructors review them.
What are “Instructor Conditions”?
Instructor Conditions are specific requirements the student must agree to in order to complete the course successfully (e.g., watching recordings, attending alternate lab times, completing additional assignments). These conditions are visible to the student, advisor and both instructors.
Can students request conflicts for more than one course?
Yes, an eligible student may submit a conflict request for more than one course.
Can a conflict be approved if both instructors agree but the advisor does not?
No. If an advisor does not agree to a conflict, it cannot be approved. If an advisor denies a conflict, it will not route to the instructors for their consideration.
What happens if a student does not accept instructor conditions?
If a student does not agree to the instructor conditions, the process will end and the course time conflict will not be approved.