This guide is intended for Catamaran Coordinators and explains how to complete the Waiver Application activity in Catamaran. This guide is also intended for Catamaran Coordinators at ISDs operating programs. The waiver application activity is used to create and submit applications to waive program rules under the Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE) in a secure electronic format which will ensure greater consistency and efficiency.
Access
- Log in to Catamaran.
- On the Dashboard, click on the Policy tile and then locate the Create Waiver Application button on the Policy homepage to create the activity.
Note: Once the activity has begun, it will show in the Policy Tasks Overview. The activity can always be accessed using the Search page as well. After logging into Catamaran, click Search in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. Select Policy as the primary filter. Then, select Waivers as the secondary filter. Click Search to receive applicable results.
Complete the Waiver Application
- From the activity menu, click on the Waiver Application link. This will take you to the first page of the waiver application.
- First, complete the waiver information form including contact information, the waiver application type, and the rule for which the waiver application is being submitted. Click Save/Next to load the additional pages.
- The Waiver Application is made up of 4 total pages (only 3 pages are required if requesting a waiver from Rule 340.1758(a) – Teacher Requirement or Rule 390.1105(3) – Teacher Endorsement Flexibility). Complete each page and all required questions.
Note: Navigate quickly between pages of the Waiver Application by using the navigation bar on the left. Page icons will fill in red when the page is complete.
- Supporting documentation is required as part of every waiver application. Be prepared and have these documents ready for upload prior to starting the activity.
- When all pages are complete, submit the waiver application using the Submit to MDE button on the assurances page.
- The MDE will receive the waiver application for review. If any revisions are needed, the waiver application will be returned, the district will be notified, and the activity will show up on the Tasks Overview.
- Review each page for comments made by the MDE to understand what revisions are needed.
- When finished, click Resubmit to MDE.
- When a decision is made by the MDE, the requesting district and ISD will be notified. A decision letter signed by the State Superintendent will be sent via mail and will also be available under the Review section of the Waiver Application Menu.
Cancel Waiver
There may be a situation where the district or ISD may wish to cancel the Waiver Application activity. To do this,
- Select the Cancel Waiver button available on the Waiver Assurance Statements page.
- Catamaran will then cancel the Waiver Application activity, and a confirmation email will be sent to the district.
Note: Once the Waiver Application activity has reached the Submitted to MDE status, the Waiver Application activity may not be canceled. The Waiver Application can be withdrawn after submission to the MDE. Refer to Waiver Application Withdrawal process.
Waiver Application Withdrawal
There may be a situation where the district or ISD may wish to withdraw the Waiver Application activity after the Submitted to MDE status. To do this,
- Select the Waiver Application Withdrawal Form on the Waiver Application Menu.
- When all fields on the Waiver Application Withdrawal Form are complete, submit the waiver application using the Submit to MDE button at the top of the page.
- When the withdrawal is acknowledged by the MDE, a Waiver Withdrawal Letter will be sent and available on the Waiver Application Menu.
Note: The Waiver Application activity may only be withdrawn after the application has reached the Submitted to MDE status. If the Waiver Application is still at the Waiver Request Created by District status, refer to the Cancel Waiver process.
