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INSTRUCTIONS FOR STUDENTS REGISTERED IN SOCIAL SCIENCE
WHO ARE UNABLE TO WRITE TESTS OR EXAMINATIONS
OR SUBMIT ASSIGNMENTS AS SCHEDULED


IF, ON MEDICAL OR COMPASSIONATE GROUNDS, YOU ARE UNABLE TO WRITE TERM TESTS OR FINAL
EXAMINATIONS OR COMPLETE COURSE WORK BY THE DUE DATE, YOU SHOULD FOLLOW THE
INSTRUCTIONS LISTED BELOW. YOU SHOULD UNDERSTAND THAT ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATION WILL NOT BE GRANTED AUTOMATICALLY ON REQUEST. YOU MUST DEMONSTRATE TO YOUR INSTRUCTOR THAT THERE ARE COMPELLING MEDICAL OR COMPASSIONATE GROUNDS THAT CAN BE DOCUMENTED BEFORE ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATION WILL BE CONSIDERED. DIFFERENT REGULATIONS APPLY TO TERM TESTS, FINAL EXAMINATIONS AND LATE ASSIGNMENTS. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. IN ALL CASES, ACTION MUST BE TAKEN AT THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE OPPORTUNITY, PREFERABLY PRIOR TO THE SCHEDULED EXAMINATION, TEST OR ASSIGNMENT.

TERM TESTS

1.
If you are unable to write a term test, inform your instructor (preferably prior) to the scheduled date of the test). If the instructor is not available, leave a message for him/her at the department office.
2.
Be prepared, if requested by the instructor, to provide supporting documentation (see reverse side for information on acceptable forms or documentation).
3.
Discuss with the instructor if and when the test can be rescheduled.
 

N.B. The approval of the Dean is not required when rescheduling term tests.


FINAL EXAMINATIONS

1.
You require the permission of the Dean, the instructor, and the chair of the department in question to write a
special final examination.

2.
If you are unable to write a final examination, contact the Academic Counselling Office in the first instance to request permission to write a special final examination and to obtain the necessary form. You should also contact your instructor at this time. If your instructor is not available, leave a message for him/her at the department office.

3.
Be prepared to provide the Academic Counselling Office and your instructor with supporting documentation (see reverse side for information on documentation).
 
 
4.
You must ensure that the Special Examination form has been signed by the instructor and department chair and that the form is returned to the Academic Counselling Office for approval.
 

N.B. Make sure you know the date, time and location of the special examination.


LATE ASSIGNMENTS

1.
Advise the instructor if you are having problems completing the assignment on time (~j~j to the due date of the assignment).
 
2.
Be prepared to provide documentation, if requested by the instructor (see reverse side for information on documentation).
 
3.
If you are granted an extension, establish a due date. The approval of the Dean is not required if assignments will be completed prior to the last day of classes.
 
4.
Extensions beyond the end of classes must have the consent of the instructor, the department chair and Dean.
 

Documentation is mandatory. In these instances, please follow the procedure for Final Examinations above.

 

A Recommendation of Incomplete form must be filled out indicating the work to be completed and the date by which it is due. This form must be signed by the student, the instructor, the department chair, Dean or the Dean’s representative in the Academic Counselling Office.

 

 

OTHER ISSUES
SHORT ABSENCES

If you miss a class due to a minor illness or other problems, check your course outlines for information regarding attendance requirements and make sure you are not missing a test or assignment. Cover any readings and arrange to borrow notes from a classmate.

EXTENDED ABSENCES

If you are absent more than approximately two weeks or if you get too far behind to catch up, you should consider reducing your workload by dropping one or more courses. The Academic Counsellors can help you to consider the alternatives. At your request, they can also keep your instructors informed of your difficulties.

DOCUMENTATION

Personal Illness:
If you consulted Student Health Services regarding your illness or personal problem, you should complete a Records Release Form at the Academic Counselling Office. This form will be forwarded to Student Health Services which in turn will provide confirmation of the problem to the Academic Counsellor. At your request, the Academic Counsellor will send confirmation to your instructor(s).
 

If you were seen by an off-campus doctor, obtain a certificate from his/her office. In either case, the doctor should provide verification of the severity of the illness for the period in question. Notes stating “For Medical Reasons” are not considered sufficient.


In Case of Serious Illness of a Family Member:
Obtain a medical certificate from the family members physician.

In Case of a Death:
Obtain a copy of the newspaper notice, death certificate or documentation provided by the funeral director.

For Other Extenuating Circumstances:
If you are not sure what documentation to provide, ask your instructor or an Academic Counsellor.

 

N.B.
Forged notes and certificates will be dealt with severely . To submit a forged document is a scholastic offense (see below) and you will be subject to academic sanctions.


ACADEMIC CONCERNS

You need to know if your instructor has a policy on late penalties, missed tests, etc. This information may be included on the course outline. If not, ask your instructor.
 

You should also be aware of attendance requirements in courses such as Business and English. You can be debarred from writing the final examination if your attendance is not satisfactory.

 

If you are in academic difficulty, check the minimum requirements for progression in your program. If in doubt, see your academic counsellor.

 

If you are registered in Social Science courses but registered in another faculty (i.e., Arts or Science), you should immediately consult the Academic Counselling Office in your home faculty for instructions.


2000 CALENDAR REFERENCES:

 

Check these regulations in your Western Calendar:
Absences Due to Illness - page 34
Academic Accommodation for Disabled Students - pages 34
Academic Accommodations for Religious or Holy Days - page 35
Adding/Dropping Courses - pages 21
Debarment from Writing Examinations - page 27
Incomplete Standing - page 29
Progression Requirements - page 24-25
Scheduling of Assignments, Tests, Final Examinations - pages 27
Scholastic Offenses and Appeal Procedures - pages 31-34
Special/Supplemental Examinations - page 28
Course Structure - page 26-27

 
August 2000

 

Disclaimer from Dean of Social Science Office:

Please note: You are responsible for ensuring that you have successfully completed all course prerequisites, and that you have not taken an anti-requisite course. Lack of prerequisites may not be used as a basis for appeal.

If you are found to be ineligible for a course, you may be removed from it at any time and you will receive no adjustment to your fees. This decision cannot be appealed.

If you find that you do not have the course requisites, it is in your best interest to drop the course well before the end of the add/drop period. Your prompt attention to this matter will not only help protect your academic record, but will ensure that spaces become available for students who require the course in question for graduation.