Appeals / Waivers
Student Appeals
Students should refer to the Western Calendar for full information and procedures for appeals.
Grounds for Appeals
The grounds for a request for relief may be one or more of: medical or compassionate circumstances, extenuating circumstances beyond the appellant's control, bias, inaccuracy or unfairness. All grounds advanced in a request for relief must be supported by a clear and detailed explanation of the reasons for the request together with all supporting documentation.
Ignorance of Senate regulations and policies and particular program requirements and policies as set out in the University Calendar does not constitute grounds for a request for relief.
Appealing a Mark or Final Grade
Deadlines for Requests for Relief
Marks: A request for relief against a mark or grade must be initiated with the instructor as soon as possible after the mark is issued. In the event that the instructor is not available to the student, or fails to act, or if the matter is not resolved satisfactorily with the instructor, a written request for relief must be submitted to the Chair of the department within three weeks from the date that the mark was issued. In the case of a final grade in a course, the written request for relief must be submitted to the Chair of the department by the following dates:
| January Marks: | January 31st |
|---|---|
| April/May Marks: | June 30th |
| Intersession: | July 31st |
| May/June Dentistry Marks: | July 31st |
| Summer Evening: | August 31st |
| Summer Day: | September 15th |
| Spring/Summer Distance Studies Courses: | October 15th |
A request for relief against a decision of the Chair must be made to the Dean in writing not later than three weeks after the Chair's decision is issued. All relevant information and documentation must be provided to the Dean with the request for relief.
Appealing Program Eligibility and Progression
Program eligibility and progression: A request for relief against a decision concerning program eligibility must be made to the Chair of the department in writing by June 30th. A request against a decision of the Chair must be made to the Dean in writing within three weeks of the Chair's decision being issued. Students requesting a Dean’s Waiver of Progression Requirements must do so in writing to the Dean of their Faculty by June 30th (if required to withdraw at the end of April), or within 30 days of the posting of grades on the UWO web site by the Office of the Registrar (if required to withdraw following any other session).
Appealing a Failed Year
Required to Withdraw - a student who does not satisfy the minimum Progression Requirements for continuation of study at UWO and is not eligible for probation or who has exceeded the maximum number of failed courses allowed, 6.0 courses, will be Required to Withdraw from the University for a minimum of twelve months. A student who has been Required to Withdraw from the University and whose academic standing has been jeopardized by serious medical or personal difficulties may, if they have sought academic accommodation in a timely manner, apply for a Dean's Waiver of Progression Requirements. A student granted a Dean's Waiver of Progression Requirements must meet the specific conditions imposed in the Dean's Waiver.
To discuss the Dean’s Waiver of Progression Requirements process, please contact the Academic Advising Office directly by either attending drop-in, booking an appointment, or emailing us. You can find full details on contacting the Advising Office here. Please note that the last day to appeal for a Dean's Waiver is June 30th.
For more information on being 'Required to Withdraw,' please see the progression requirements in the Academic Calendar.