Changing Majors After Transferring

<p>Hi guys,</p>

<p>My question is a rather simple one:
I have a friend who transferred into Berkeley from a community college as a Chemical Biology major, but wants to switch to Chemical Engineering (Both are hosted under the College of Chemistry). This person has already been taking the courses for a typical Chemical Engineering transfer and has the prerequisites completely filled. </p>

<p>He recently talked to the dean whom responded by stating that the only way he can successfully transfer majors is by getting straight A's this semester. As many may know, getting an A in an engineering class isn't entirely easy, much less getting A's in 4 engineering classes. Additionally, he doesn't have the financial means as many college students to live nearby campus, and therefore makes a two-hour commute each way to get to the campus on a daily basis.</p>

<p>Ultimately, my question is to know if it's possible for him to change majors as a transfer through some other means other than getting straight A's. I had always thought that a simple petition would suffice. However, this may not be the case if the dean makes a different request. Any insight would be very much appreciated.</p>