Category 1 Requests for Relief
Category 1 requests for relief are related to a specific course and do not involve 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 school or department offering the course, within three weeks from the date the mark was issued.
Process
- Informally consult with the instructor of the course, clearly outlining your concern. This may be done in-person or in writing.
- Associate Director (Undergraduate) of the department offering the course (submission of written request)
- Associate Dean of the Faculty offering the course (submission of written request)
- Senate Review Board Academic (SRBA)
Procedure
1. Rationale for your Request for Relief
Prior to contacting your instructor to request relief, you should 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:
- On a multiple-choice exam, provide the justifications of why your response should also be accepted as the correct answer;
- If you find an exam question ambiguous, clearly state your interpretation and how it led you to respond in the way you did;
- 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. Be sure to clearly outline (and document) your evidence for believing the grading to be unfair or biased.
2. Consultation with Instructor
Your discussion with the instructor may take place in person or in writing. If the instructor agrees to grant your request, they will make the necessary changes on your record. No further action is required.
3. Written request for relief to the Associate Director (Undergraduate)
If you are dissatisfied with the decision of your instructor, you may submit a written request for relief to the Associate Director (Undergraduate) within three (3) weeks from the date the mark was issued. The Associate Director (Undergraduate) will formally respond to you in writing with 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 you are dissatisfied with the decision of the Associate Director (Undergraduate), you may submit a written request for relief to the Associate Dean (Undergraduate) within three (3) weeks of the Associate Director's decision. This request should be submitted via email. All appeals are conducted solely in writing - the Associate Dean does not meet with students to discuss requests for relief.
All correspondence that you had with the Associate Director (Undergraduate) must be included with your request for relief (including your initial request for relief, and the Associate Director’s response to this request). You should ensure that your request for relief is complete. The Associate Dean will make a decision based on the information included with your request.
The Associate Dean will respond to you in writing, informing you of the decision.
5. Senate Review Board Academic (SRBA)
You may have the right to appeal the decision of a Dean to the Senate Review Board Academic if the decision falls within the jurisdiction of SRBA. The decision rendered by the Associate Dean remains in full force and effect unless overturned or modified by SRBA. Please consult the university's official policy for more details.
