DIPLOMA REQUEST PETITION (ACT 207) INFORMATION

Through the passage of Act 155 (now Act 207), the South Carolina General Assembly approved the removal of the exit exam as a requirement for graduation beginning with the graduating class of 2015. The elimination of the exit exam (BSAP, HSAP) requirement is retroactive to the graduating class of 1990. There no longer is a petition deadline.

The bill enables students no longer enrolled in school to file a petition to receive a high school diploma if the only reason they did not receive one was due to failure to pass the exit exam.

A person no longer enrolled in a public school who was denied graduation solely for failing to meet the exit exam requirements (S.C. Code Section 59-18-310(B)) may petition the local school board of trustees to determine his or her eligibility to receive a high school diploma. Pursuant to Act 155 (http://goo.gl/R8KeKK) the local school board of trustees of the district where the person completed graduation requirements will receive the petition, determine the person's eligibility to receive a high school diploma, and request a diploma.

PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS WHO DID NOT RECEIVE A DIPLOMA DUE TO NOT PASSING BSAP or HSAP (1990-2013)

Graduates should complete the Act 207 Diploma Petition form (found on high school and district websites and also at high school front desks) to begin that process. Submit the completed form to a member of the MCHS guidance department.

Act 207 Diploma Request Form

Once received from the SC Dept. of Education, diplomas will be available for pickup (a picture ID will be required) at the high school the student attended.