Your Student Association

Advocacy and Appeals

Know your academic rights!
If you experience something you disagree with in your overall academic career, there are policies and procedures to protect you.
When do I need to know my student rights?
◊ If you are too sick to write an exam or complete an assignment;
◊ Trying to resolve issues about a final grade; and
◊ If you are expelled or suspended.
What constitutes “grounds” in an appeal?
◊ Prejudice (experience discrimination based on race, sex, sexual orientation, and other grounds found in the Ontario Human Rights code);
◊ Medical (e.g. if you were sick) ;
◊ Compassionate grounds (e.g. family member dies);
◊ Course management (e.g. a professor did not follow the course outline or a professor was personally biased or unfair); and
◊ Procedural error (e.g. a procedure was not followed which affected your grade).

Know the procedures!
◊ Before making an appeal talk to your professor first, if you are shy, bring a friend!;
◊ Read the student handbook carefully for relevant fixed deadlines for appeals, dropping courses, clarification of definition and other issues; and
◊ If you are appealing, make sure you keep evidence (information or documentation that helps support your argument) in order to provide support for your case.
For more information!
◊ If still unsure about procedures, contact your student advisor or Your SA
◊ To obtain the policies and procedures please pick up a copy at Your SA office or download the document from your institution’s web site.
Your SA is here all year long to provide you with assistance when any needs arise. If you have any concerns or suggestions as to how we can represent you better, feel free to stop by the office. You can also contact your respective vice-president if you have specific questions relating to your institution.