As of May 1, 2025, Conestoga College has introduced a new Academic Appeals Policy and Procedure for students wishing to dispute any academic decision, including but not limited to:
- an academic promotion decision, including, but not limited to, discontinuance.
- a course grade, including any evaluation grade.
- a penalty applied under the Academic Integrity Policy, including a warning or offence.
Here are some key things to keep in mind before appealing:
- Students and faculty are expected to attempt to solve the issue informally before proceeding with a formal appeal.
- It is important to ensure you have evidence to support your appeal (procedural error or medical) and that you are not appealing solely because you are unhappy with the decision you’ve received.
- You must represent yourself in the appeal process. You cannot have someone else represent you.
- You are welcome to consult with a third party about your appeal, such as a Student Success Advisor.
DISCLAIMER: The following is provided for information-only. CSI is not responsible for any errors or omissions in the information provided or for any outcomes related to your academic appeal.
CRITERIA FOR APPEALING
| Criteria for Appeal |
Details |
| Reason 1: Procedural Error |
A procedural error is when you believe the College (i.e., administrative staff or your professor) has made an error in assessing you.
|
| Examples include: |
- College policy/academic handbooks have not been followed
- Inconsistent application of the Academic Integrity Policy (i.e., cheating)
- A general error has occurred
- Assessment of your work is not consistent with stated assessment criteria, such as a rubric
|
| Example Scenario: |
If your course outline states that you are required to use APA @ Conestoga 7th Edition formatting for citations, but you were graded based on another citation format (i.e., MLA, Chicago, earlier APA guidelines, etc.), this would be an example of your work not being assessed by the stated criteria.
|
| Appeal Process: |
If you are appealing a grade, begin with step one of the appeal process by appealing directly to your professor.
If you are appealing an academic integrity (i.e., cheating) or academic promotion decision (i.e., discontinuation), begin with step two of the appeal process by appealing to your Academic Chair.
|
| Reason 2: Significant Medical Event |
A significant medical event is only viable grounds for an appeal IF the medical event significantly impacted your success AND prevented you from one of the following: withdrawing from your program or a course by the withdrawal deadline OR alerting professors to receive support.
|
| Example Scenario: |
If, on the morning of an exam, you were in a car accident and rushed to the hospital, this would be considered a significant medical event.
|
| Appeal Process: |
If you are appealing based on a significant medical event, begin with step two of the appeal process by appealing on the college level for a significant medical event. |
- First Dropdown
Within 5 business days (Monday–Friday; excluding holidays and weekends) of receiving your mark or academic decision, you must contact your professor in writing by email regarding your concerns and intent to appeal.
In your email, include:
• What you are appealing (e.g., a grade, academic integrity violation)
• How your appeal meets the appeal criteria
• Any supporting evidence and how it supports your appeal
• What resolution you are seeking
After your email, your professor has 5 business days to respond. Their response must include one of the following:
• A decision that the appeal is unsuccessful
• A decision to re-evaluate your work
• An offer of an alternative assessment
When writing your appeal:
• You should continue attending class unless there is a safety or behaviour concern flagged by the Student Rights and Responsibilities Office
• Your email should be well-documented, polite, and clearly outline the issue and your requested outcome
If you don’t receive a response within 5 business days or are unsatisfied with the outcome, you may proceed to Step 2 and appeal to your Academic Chair.
- Second Dropdown
second accordion content