Special Consideration request process for term work and final exams

Supporting Documentation
The University is temporarily suspending the need for a doctor’s note or medical certificate for any absence from academic participation.  However, you are required to use the Absence Declaration tool on ACORN found in the Profile and Settings menu to formally declare an absence from academic participation. The tool is to be used if you require consideration for missed academic work based on the procedures specific to our campus/department. Follow the process below.

Do NOT submit a petition for final exams or late assignments (up to last day of class).

  • Final exam deferrals must be submitted through the Registrar's Office.
  • Up to the last day of classes, Late assignments should be discussed with your professor. Beyond the last day of classes, follow the steps below

Missed Work Procedures

Students who miss a test (or assignment beyond the last day of class) due to circumstances beyond their control (e.g. illness or an accident) can request that the Department grant them special consideration. Students must present their case to the Department (NOT the Instructor) by submitting a request via the online Special Consideration Request form.

Deadlines for missed work:

  1. Use the Absence Declaration tool on ACORN to formally declare your absence from academic participation. This must be completed as soon as possible, but no later than 72 hours after your test date. Please ensure the dates identified in your absence declaration include the ‘actual’ test date, if applicable. Failure to do so will result in your petition being denied.
  2. Submit a Special Consideration Request as soon as possible, but no later than 72 hours after the test date. Failure to do so will result in your petition being denied. Prior to completing your request, please review the section below.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The department evaluates special Consideration requests carefully, and approval is not guaranteed.

  • The Special Consideration Request System should be used infrequently. If you have multiple special consideration requests (excluding requests pertaining to a documented disability with appropriate supporting documentation), your request may be refused.
  • If your request is NOT related to illness (Family emergencies, accidents, etc.), documentation must be provided. Information on appropriate documentation (non-illness related) can be found here.
    • Holidays and pre-purchased plane tickets, family plans (unless critical, such as death of an immediate family member), your friend's wedding, lack of preparation, course conflicts, or too many other tests are not acceptable excuses for missing a quiz, a test, or an item of course work.
  • Failure to follow processes/provide correct information will result in your petition being denied.
  • If there is concern about your special consideration request(s), your request may be refused and/or you may be asked to meet with the Associate Chair.
  • You may receive a follow-up email from the petition committee. If so, you MUST respond within 24 hours.
  • Submitting false statements and/or documentation is an academic offence and will be treated accordingly.
  • If you do not complete the make-up as and when required, you will receive a grade of zero for the original missed test; further special consideration is not permitted.

Notifications

The department (not the instructor) will inform you of the decision on your special consideration request via email to your U of T email account typically within one (1) week. You must be prepared for a make-up at any point after your original missed test.

Please note make-up tests:

  • may be scheduled during study break.
  • may be scheduled during reading week.
  • are not held during the examination period.

It is your responsibility to ensure your email account is working and able to receive emails. Claims that a departmental decision was not received will NOT be considered as a reason for further consideration. Contact the Psychology Department should you NOT receive notification of your decision within 1 week of submission.

If you have any questions or concerns pertaining to this process, please contact the department via email (utmpsych.utm@utoronto.ca)

NOTICE OF COLLECTION

The University of Toronto respects your privacy. The information on this form is collected pursuant to section 2(14) of the University of Toronto Act, 1971. It is collected for the purpose of administering accommodations for academic purposes based on medical grounds.  The department will maintain a record of all medical certificates received.  At all times it will be protected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

If you have questions, please refer to www.utoronto.ca/privacy or contact the University’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Office at 416-946-5835.  Address:  Room 201, McMurrich Bldg., 12 Queen’s Park Crescent, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A1.