Graduate Academic Appeals Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this Policy is to outline graduate‐level formal decisions that are eligible for Appeal.

Definitions

For the purposes of this Policy the following definitions apply:

“Appeal” means a graduate student request to Appeal the outcome of a Final Grade Reappraisal or Review of Research Progress Evaluation based on procedural irregularity.

“Final Grade Reappraisal” means a graduate student request to review a final grade in a course.

“Graduate Faculty Appointment” means a faculty member with an academic appointment at the University who has been approved to participate in a graduate program in one of the three categories: Graduate Faculty, Associate Graduate Faculty or Emeritus/Emerita Graduate Faculty.

Scope and authority

This Policy applies to graduate‐level formal decisions that are eligible for Appeal.

This Policy does not apply to undergraduate‐level formal decisions that are eligible for Appeal. For more information regarding undergraduate‐level Appeals, please refer to the Academic Appeals Policy.

The Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, or successor thereof, is the Policy Owner and is responsible for overseeing the implementation, administration and interpretation of this Policy.

Policy

Appeal of Final Grade Reappraisal

1. In the event that a student feels that the Appeal procedures have not been followed appropriately, the student may submit, in writing, a formal request for a grade Appeal to the Graduate Studies Committee.
2. Such Appeals can only be considered on the grounds of procedural irregularity.
3. Appeals must be submitted within 15 working days of notification of the decision.
4. Appeals shall be heard by a panel of a minimum of three committee members, as determined by the Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, including at least one graduate student and at least two faculty members with a Graduate Faculty
   Appointment.
5. The Appeal hearing shall be chaired by the Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies or designate, who shall be counted as a panel member.
6. At the discretion of the relevant Appeals panel, the student and/or the course instructor may be invited to meet with the panel to present their case(s) orally.
7. The panel's decision is taken in camera.
8. It is expected that parties will be informed of the decision in writing within 20 working days of the filing of the Appeal.

Appeal of Research Progress Evaluation Review

1. In the event that a student feels that the procedures have not been followed appropriately, the student may submit, in writing, a formal request for an Appeal to the Graduate Studies Committee.
2. Such Appeals can only be considered on the grounds of procedural irregularity.
3. Appeals must be submitted within 15 working days of notification of the decision.
4. Appeals shall be heard by a panel of a minimum of three committee members, as determined by the Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, including at least one graduate student and at least two faculty members with a Graduate Faculty
   Appointment.
5. The Appeal hearing shall be chaired by the Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies or designate, who shall be counted as a panel member.
6. At the discretion of the relevant Appeals panel, the student and/or the research supervisor may be invited to meet with the panel to present their case(s) orally.
7. The panel's decision is taken in camera.
8. It is expected that the parties will be informed of the decision in writing within 20 working days of the filing of the Appeal.

Monitoring and review

This Policy will be reviewed as necessary and at least every three years. The Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, or successor thereof, is responsible to monitor and review this Policy.

Relevant legislation

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Related policies, procedures & documents

Graduate Grading System, Research Progress and Academic Standing Policy
Graduate Grade Reappraisal and Review of Research Progress Procedures
Graduate Academic Calendar