Ryerson University is committed to promoting academic success and to ensuring that students' academic records ultimately reflect their academic abilities and accomplishments. The University expects that academic judgments by its faculty will be fair, consistent and objective, and recognizes the need to grant academic consideration, where appropriate, in order to support students who face personal difficulties or events. Academic consideration is the general name given to a number of different alternate arrangements that may be made, dependent upon the circumstances and what is appropriate for both the students and the University, such as the extension of a deadline for an assignment, re-weighting of an exam or assignment because of missed work, or the permission to continue on probationary status. It should be understood that students can only receive grades which reflect their knowledge of the course material.

This Policy provides the process by which students may seek academic consideration. It is expected that requests for academic consideration will be made as soon as circumstances arise which will impact their academic performance. The policy also describes the grounds and process by which students may appeal when they believe the academic consideration provided is not appropriate or when they have been unable to resolve course-related issues with their instructors. The University is responsible for dealing with student appeals fairly and must adhere to the timelines established in this Policy.

Students should refer to University publications (the Calendars, this Student Guide, and the Senate web site) for detailed information on the various types of academic consideration that may be requested; necessary documents such as appeal forms, medical certificates and forms for religious accommodation; and procedural instructions. Students are responsible for reviewing all pertinent information prior to the submission of a formal academic appeal. Incomplete appeals will not be accepted. Students are responsible for ensuring that a formal appeal is submitted by the deadline dates published in the Calendar, and must adhere to the timelines established in this policy.

The Academic Appeals process reflects decision-making in an academic environment and, as such, cannot be equated to decision-making in the judicial system. The principles of natural justice and fairness will apply to all decisions made.

For complete details and the official Ryerson Appeals Policy, please go to www.ryerson.ca/senate