Your Student Association

Students

Your SA has evolved from a single institutional organization into a structure which represents
a broad range of students from diverse academic backgrounds. Your SA is here to serve all
full-time students attending any of the three institutions on campus. Part of our job is to
ensure your money is being spent responsibly and in a way that represents all students on
our unique campus.

The role of Your SA is to advocate for student rights, provide an outlet for effective
communication and to offer services and events to students, regardless of race, class,
religious beliefs, gender, sexual orientation or ability. Your SA celebrates the diversity on
campus and encourages the inclusiveness of all students. We strive to make certain that
students are treated equitably.

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.