Category 1 Requests for Relief

Category 1 requests for relief are related to a specific course and do not involved medical or compassionate circumstances.

Deadlines

A request for relief against a mark or grade must be initiated with the instructor as soon as possible after the mark is issued. In the event that the instructor is not available to the student, or fails to act, or if the matter is not resolved satisfactorily with the instructor, a request for relief must be submitted to the Associate Director (Undergraduate) of the department within three weeks from the date that the mark was issued.

Process

  1. Instructor of the course in the Faculty of Health Science to whom the request for relief is directed (in-person consultation or written request)
  2. Associate Director (Undergraduate) of the department offering the course (submission of written request)
  3. Associate Dean of the faculty offering the course (submission of written request)
  4. Senate Review Board Academic (SRBA)

Procedure

1. Rationale for your Request for Relief

Prior to contacting the instructor for a request for relief, you are strongly encouraged to lay out your arguments or grounds in writing and, if applicable, have all the supporting documentation available.

Grounds for relief on a specific course may include things such as bias, inaccuracy or unfairness. In your arguments, clearly indicate the detailed reasons in a concise manner; for example:

  • In a multiple-choice exam, provide the justifications of why your incorrect choice of a question should also be accepted as the correct answer;
  • If you find an exam question ambiguous, clearly state your interpretation and how it led to your answer deemed incorrect;
  • If you find the grading practice to be unfair or biased, explain how it affects your grade and the grades of other students in the same class.
The Office of the Ombudsperson offers resources and guidance for students submitting appeals.

2. Consultation with Instructor

The student’s discussion with an instructor could take place either in person or in writing.
If the instructor agrees to grant the request, they will make the necessary changes on the student’s record. No further action is required.

3. Written request for relief to the Associate Director (Undergraduate)

If a student is dissatisfied with the decision of the instructor, a written request for relief may be submitted to the Associate Director (Undergraduate) within three (3) weeks from the date the mark was issued. The Associate Director (Undergraduate) will formally respond to the student in writing, informing their decision.

If the Associate Director (Undergraduate) agrees to grant the request for relief, they will make the necessary changes on your record. No further reporting is required.

4. Written request for relief to the Associate Dean

If a student dissatisfied with the decision of the Associate Director (Undergraduate), a written request for relief may be submitted to the Associate Dean within three (3) weeks of the Director's decision.

All written correspondence between the student and the Associate Director (Undergraduate) must be included in the request for relief email. The Associate Dean will respond to the student in writing, informing them of the decision.

5. Senate Review Board Academic (SRBA)

A student may have the right to appeal the decision of a Dean to the Senate Review Board Academic only if the decision falls within the jurisdiction of SRBA. A Dean's decision, which is appealed to SRBA, remains in full force and effect unless overturned or modified by SRBA. Please consult the for more details.