Teaching@Ryerson

  Printable Version     
  E-mail This Page     
Increase Text Size
Decrease Text Size
 Change Text Size 
FAQ policies image

Policies & Procedures


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Instructors

Senate Policy #134: Undergraduate Academic Consideration and Appeals

  1. What if a student needs accommodations for religious observance?
  2. What if a student needs accommodations for a disability?
  3. What if a student misses a test/assignment for medical and/or compassionate reasons?
  4. What if a student misses a final exam for medical and/or compassionate reasons?
  5. What if a student asks me to increase their grade on their work or in the course just because s/he needs a better grade?
  6. What if a student asks me to regrade something?
  7. What if a student wants to have their work formally reassessed?
  8. What if a student is in disagreement with my teaching methods?
  9. What if a student has an issue with their final course grade?
  10. A student filed an appeal, what do I do?
  11. A student filed an appeal based on the grounds of course management. What are course management grounds?
  12. A student filed an appeal based on the grounds of prejudice. What are grounds based on prejudice?
  13. Can I get any assistance with responding to appeals and preparing for Senate hearings?
  1. What if a student needs accommodations for religious observance?
    1. The student must submit a Student Request for Accommodation of Religious Observance form to you within the first 2 weeks of the beginning of the term for each scheduled test and assignment, and within five days of when the final exam schedule is posted for final exams.
    2. Respond to requests via email within 5 working days if possible. If you do not respond in a timely manner or if you and the student cannot agree on an appropriate accommodation, the student will contact the Chair/Director.
    3. For complete details, see http://ryerson.ca/senate/policies/pol150.pdf.
  1. What if a student needs accommodations for a disability?
    1. The student must first register with the Ryerson University Access Centre, in which their request will be assessed. If warranted, they will receive documentation outlining the required accommodation.
    2. Students must present the Access Centre documentation prior to a graded assignment, test, or exam. Do not accept documentation presented after the work, test, or exam.
    3. For complete details, see http://ryerson.ca/senate/policies/pol159.pdf.
  1. What if a student misses a test/assignment for medical and/or compassionate reasons?
    1. The student must inform you in advance if they know they will be missing a graded assignment/test deadline. When circumstances prevent advance notice, they must contact you as soon as possible. You should respond within five (5) working days. Otherwise, the student will contact the Chair/Director.
    2. Medical: If you feel documentation is required, the student must submit a Ryerson Medical Certificate or a letter on letterhead from a physician with the student declaration portion of the Ryerson Medical Certificate attached. It must be submitted within three (3) working days of the missed work, unless there are extraordinary circumstances where the illness (including documented mental health issues) prevents them from seeking medical attention or documenting your illness on time.
    3. Compassionate: If you feel documentation is required, the student must submit documentation within three (3) working days of missed work, unless there are extraordinary circumstances. You should recognize that compassionate documentation is difficult to document, but in circumstances of a death, the student should have a death certificate or notice from a funeral home.
    4. Assess the merit of the student’s request and respond within five (5) working days. If you wish to validate the documentation, contact your Chair/Director or designate. You must document all arrangements via email. Acceptable alternate arrangements include setting a make-up test, transferring the weight of missed work to the final exam, or extending a deadline. This is in accordance with the course management policy, found at http://ryerson.ca/senate/policies/pol145.pdf.
    5. Once the student accepts the arrangements, it is final unless subsequent events interfere with their fulfillment.
  1. What if a student misses a final exam for medical and/or compassionate reasons?

    If the student has the appropriate documentation (see question 3) they may request an INC grade. Once documentation has been validated, complete the appropriate form, retain a copy, and submit a copy to both the Registrar and student. You must schedule a make-up final exam within 3 months of giving an INC grade. Unless the student has an INC, you may not give them any extensions past the deadline to submit grades.

  2. What if a student asks me to increase their grade on their work or in the course just because s/he needs a better grade?

    Students’ grades cannot be increased because they “need” a better grade. In fairness to all students, only if a student can show you that they have earned a higher grade by proving that you have graded something incorrectly should their grade be changed. Be assured that there are students who will approach all of their instructors and ask for that “little bit more”. You must make them show you where your grading has gone wrong.

  3. What if a student asks me to regrade something?
    1. Students must contact you within ten (10) working days from when the graded work is returned to class, even if they pick up the work late. You may request that they submit a written rationale stating why the previous grading is in error, as students may not just claim to want a higher grade.
    2. If you do not have enough time to review the work before the student receives their final grade, you may proceed with giving the student their grade without the reassessment. After the reassessment, you may submit a grade change form.
    3. Certain tests or assignments may not be independently reassessed (performances or presentations).
    4. If you do not respond to the student and reassess the work within five (5) working days, the student will contact the Chair/Director. You should inform the student that the grade may go up, down, or stay the same after the reassessment.
    5. If the student requests a partial marking of the work, the Chair/Director will determine if it is appropriate.
  1. What if a student wants to have their work formally reassessed?
    1. The student will contact the Chair/Director and they will make appropriate arrangements.
    2. You must provide the original assignment, test, or exam to the Chair/Director (if you are the one who has it).
  1. What if a student is in disagreement with my teaching methods?

    The student should attempt to resolve issues with you. If the issues remain unresolved, the student may contact the Chair/Director.

  2. What if a student has an issue with their final course grade?

    The student should attempt to resolve any issues with you. If they are unresolved, the student may consult the Academic Consideration and Appeals Policy. If they believe they have grounds for a formal appeal, they must file it before the deadline published in the Ryerson calendar.

  1. A student filed an appeal. What do I do?

You will be required to write a response to the student’s appeal letter. Note that you may be asked to attend any hearings or facilitated discussions for the student’s appeal.

  1. A student filed an appeal based on the grounds of course management. What are course management grounds?

If a student feels that their grade has been affected because you have not adhered to the course management policy and course outline, or they believe that you have shown personal bias and unfair treatment, they may file a formal appeal based on course management grounds. However, students should attempt to resolve issues with you when they occur. The course management policy is located at http://ryerson.ca/senate/policies/pol145.pdf.

  1. A student filed an appeal based on the grounds of prejudice. What are grounds based on prejudice?

A student may file an appeal based on these grounds if they believe you have not adhered to the Ontario Human Rights Code.

  1. Can I get any assistance with responding to appeals and preparing for Senate hearings?

This year, Faculty, Chairs, Directors and Deans (or their designates) can get assistance in preparing appeal decisions and responses in preparation for appeals hearings. Sue Laskin (Geography), who has served as Chair of the Senate Appeals Committee, has agreed to assist with this process. Please contact Sue at slaskin@ryerson.ca.

Top of Page

Bookmark with: Digg Facebook Twitter del.icio.us Newsvine