Subject: Petition Regarding Unfair Handling of Specialization Change Process – Student Concerns
To
The Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, Registrar, and APO Office
University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun
Respected Authorities,
We, the undersigned students of UPES, are writing this petition to bring to your urgent attention the unfair and inflexible handling of the specialization change process that is affecting the academic and professional future of several students.
Background & Issue:
On 25th April 2025, we were given access to a form to select our specialization. The form remained open only till 1st May 2025, giving students less than a week to make a major career decision.
Most of us were in our first year, with little to no exposure to the detailed differences between specializations such as Cyber Security and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning (AI & ML).
Naturally, many students filled the form under pressure, without proper guidance or understanding of the long-term impact.
Miscommunication and Assurances:
When we raised concerns at the time, the class coordinator, who is our primary and official channel of communication, assured students that there would be another opportunity to change the specialization later.
Relying on this information, some students did not raise objections immediately.
Now that we have gained more exposure and clarity about our academic interests and career goals, we are requesting a specialization change one semester in advance, yet we are being refused without consideration.
Concerns Raised to APO Office:
Upon approaching the APO office, we were informed that the forms were open for 3 months — however, no such communication or email was circulated to students. The only official form provided was between 25th April and 1st May 2025.
We were told that “ample time” had been given, which is simply not true based on the timeline and the lack of any official mail or reminder.
Possible Solutions Ignored:
Students have even proposed practical solutions, such as:
Seat swapping between specializations (e.g., a student from Cyber Security who wants AI can swap with a student from AI wanting Cyber).
Despite this logical and fair suggestion, the administration has refused to consider such alternatives.
The Final Response We Received:
When students tried to explain that this is about our future and career, and that leaving the college seems to be the only option left, the response we received was:
“It’s up to you.”
Our Request:
We are paying a significant amount in tuition and have placed our trust in UPES for our education and future. We are not asking for leniency — we are asking for fairness and accountability:
Re-evaluation of the specialization change policy for students requesting change well in advance (before specialization semesters start).
Consideration of mutual seat swaps where possible.
Acknowledge the communication gaps and misleading assurances given by class coordinators.
Ensure that future batches receive clear, official communication via email, and are given ample time and academic counseling before such a critical decision.
Conclusion:
We are not writing this petition in protest, but in the hope that the institution we trusted with our education will value the voices and futures of its students. We kindly urge you to reconsider your decision and allow students to make an informed and timely change in their specialization — something that will directly impact their career path and satisfaction.
We look forward to your positive and empathetic response.