Academic Consideration for Absences
Western’s Academic Consideration policy provides students with consistent, fair, and academically appropriate consideration when they are unable to complete some component of a course due to extenuating circumstances. These considerations are only provided upon the presentation of appropriate documentation.
Minor illnesses or stresses from personal and family situations are part of everyone's reality. A true measure of success is not just determined by how one performs in ideal conditions but by the ability to thrive even in challenging circumstances. Genuine capability is defined by resilience, adaptability, and performance in the face of adversity. Therefore, educational assessments may occur in suboptimal conditions.
At Western University, with this understanding, we offer the following support systems:
Academic Consideration Policy
Our Academic Consideration policy ensures that students facing significant challenges can request academic accommodations such as deadline extensions or reweighting of missed assessments. These considerations are granted only upon the submission of appropriate documentation. To uphold academic and pedagogical integrity, instructors retain discretion over the specific accommodations provided.
Significant Challenges? Reach out for Support
If you believe your current situation demands medical or professional intervention, think about not proceeding with the assessment. Western offers a myriad of resources to assist students in navigating significant challenges. In the most extreme cases, we support students who opt for a leave of absence or course withdrawal, allowing them to manage their challenges and return to their studies when they are ready.
Manageable Challenges? Consider Moving Forward
If you assess your situation and feel your challenges are manageable without external intervention, you should think about pressing on with your assessments. Maintaining high academic standards is essential at Western University. A fundamental aspect of these standards is our belief that students should not be permitted to have repeat attempts on the same assessment. This ensures fairness, consistency and integrity in evaluating every student's performance. However, if you decide to continue with an assessment despite the challenges you face, you should be prepared to accept the resultant grades These same challenges will not be considered as valid grounds for subsequent grade appeals.
Procedure for Submitting Academic Considerations
Effective September 2024, Western has implemented a new policy and procedure for missed course work. It is important that you understand the changes – please read the FAQ’s for submission deadlines, and how and when to use the portal. This portal is centrally located, please don’t reach out to our office to ask for help on how to use the portal… read the FAQs and if you don’t see the answer contact absence.portal@uwo.ca
Please do not submit Academic Consideration Requests through the Advising Help Portal, unless you are missing a make-up Final Exam (Special Exam) in a course, from a term prior to fall 2024. Please click here for more details.
If you would like to talk about your absence from school, we would be happy to help you navigate your questions on missed course work, course load, and progression. Please use the Advising Help Portal to make an appointment. https://help.sci.uwo.ca/servicedesk/customer/portal/3
Click here for information on how and when to submit an academic consideration, including FAQ’s.
To go directly to the portal to submit an absence, click here.
To read the complete and official new policy on academic absence click here.
Click here for Western's Student Medical Certificate which is necessary for medical illnesses.
NOTE:
If your absence relates to your accommodation that is already supported by Accessible Education please work with your accessible education counsellor for more approvals on missed course work. ( http://www.academicsupport.uwo.ca/accessible_education/index.html)
If you think you may qualify for ongoing accommodation (e.g. separate room to write exams, flexibility with deadlines, etc.) that will be recognized in all your courses, we encourage you to visit Accessible Education for more information.