Academic Dismissal Petition Process
What is the process to Petition at Northwest Vista College?
Students petitioning to return from Academic Dismissal need to complete the following:
Students must plan on attending Northwest Vista College. Petitions are only reviewed if you will be enrolling as a Northwest Vista student. Students wishing to petition at a different Alamo College must submit the petition to that institution.
Step 1: Get Ready to Reconnect — Admissions & Application
Before you begin your petition to return, let’s make sure your admissions status is active and ready to go. If it’s been more than 12 months since you last attended any Alamo College, or are transferring to Northwest Vista College, you will need to complete the Admissions process first. This helps us update your student record and ensure you are ready for registration when you meet with an advisor. Applications are only valid for one year, so if you submitted an application previously but didn’t attend, you will need to submit a new application for the semester you plan to enroll.
You may view information on how to complete the Admissions process online by clicking on the Application and Enrollment Steps for Transfer and Former Students
- Students must not have any registration holds on their record other than the Academic Dismissal hold or Title IX hold. These holds should be taken care of as soon as possible to be able to register for classes.
- If you’re under 22 years old, Texas law requires you to submit proof of your Bacterial Meningitis vaccination. For more information, visit Bacterial Meningitis
Need help with this step? Reach out to our Admissions team or an advisor — we’re here to walk you through it.
Step 2: Complete the Academic Comeback Interest Form
Once your admissions application is complete, it’s time to fill out the Academic Comeback Interest Form. This form helps us understand your needs and preferences so we can support you effectively throughout the Pathway for Student and Academic Success (PASS) process. You may click the link above or use the QR code to complete.
The form is important as it will ask you for information such as the best way to contact you, so that we can provide you with the best possible experience as you complete the dismissal process. Some information we will ask for are:
- Contact Information
- Personal preferences
After submitting the form, you’ll receive an email with a link to submit the Petition Documents via your ACES student email within 1–3 business days. Check your ACES email regularly — this is how we’ll communicate with you. We’ll only use your personal email if there’s an issue that prevents you from moving to the next step.
Forms will be accepted for each part of the semester as listed below:
| Semester | 16-Week & Flex I | 14-Week | 8-Week Flex II |
| Fall 2025 | August 15th | August 28th | October 9th |
| Spring 2026 | January 11th | January 25th | March 15th |
Tips for Success
- Submit early! High volumes can cause delays, and early submission helps ensure you’re added to the course on time.
- Only submit one form. If you didn’t complete the process in a previous part of term, you’ll automatically be considered for the next one.
- If you submitted a form for a prior semester, please submit a new form to restart the process for Fall 2025 or Spring 2026.
Step 3: Submit Your Petition Reinstatement Packet
You are almost there — let’s complete your packet and prepare for a strong return. Once you’ve submitted your Academic Comeback Interest Form, our Academic Standards team will:
- Confirm your active admissions status and check for any registration holds.
- Send you a link via your ACEs student email (within 1–3 business days) to upload your PASS Reinstatement Packet documents.
If there are any registration issues, we’ll reach out to help you resolve them before moving forward.
The Petition Packet includes:
- Time Matters Activity: Plan your weekly schedule
- Reflection Statement: Your success plan and goals
- Dismissal Petition Waiver Form
- Academic Recovery Agreement
- Plan for Success Self-Responses Form
What technology will I need to complete this course?
You can complete the course using any device (laptop, tablet, or phone), but for the best experience, we recommend using a computer. If you don’t have one, you’re welcome to use the open computer lab or visit the Academic Services office.
Students will need to submit their petition documents by the dates listed below:
| Semester | Part of Term | Course Begins | Last Day to be Added | Last Day to Complete |
| Fall 2025 | 16-week & Flex I 8-week | April 7th | August 18th | August 20th |
| Fall 2025 | Start II 14-Week | April 7th | August 30th | September 2nd |
| Fall 2025 | Flex II 8-week | April 7th | October 11th | October 14th |
| Spring 2026 | 16-week & Flex I 8-week | April 7th | January 12th | January 13th |
| Spring 2026 | Start II 14-Week | April 7th | January 26th | January 27th |
| Spring 2026 | Flex II 8-week | April 7th | March 16th | March 17th |
If You Miss the Deadline
If you don’t complete all parts by the deadline:
- You’ll automatically be considered for the next available part of term.
- If you miss the Spring Flex II deadline, you’ll need to plan to petition for Fall 2026.
Attend the Student Success Planning Session
Once all petition packet documents are received, you will receive information and a link to schedule your advising session. Some things to consider:
- Sessions are scheduled in order of process completion on a first-come, first-served basis.
- To ensure you are guaranteed an opportunity to meet with an advisor, you must complete all portions of the Dismissal process by the priority deadline.
- The schedule link will enables you to schedule your session promptly and on days and times that are convenient for you. Sessions can be scheduled up to 4 hours in advance and are often available as soon as the next day.
Dismissal Interviews for the different parts of term will begin and conclude based on the dates below:
| Semester | Part of Term | Interviews Begin | Last day to schedule an Interview |
Last Day to Attend the Interview |
| Fall 2025 | 16-week | April 7th | August 20th |
August 22nd |
| Fall 2025 | Start II 14-week | April 7th | September 3rd |
September 5th |
| Fall 2025 | Flex II 8-week | April 7th | October 15th |
October 17th |
| Spring 2026 | 16-week | April 7th | January 14th |
January 16th |
| Spring 2026 | Start II 14-week | April 7th | January 28th |
January 30th |
| Spring 2026 | Flex II 8-week | April 7th | March 18th |
March 20th |
Students who do not complete all parts by the indicated deadline will need to begin the process for a future semester.