Special Consideration Request Process

Students who miss a test and or require an extension of time to submit term work due to circumstances beyond their control (e.g. illness or an accident) can request special consideration by 
submitting a request via the online Special Consideration Request system. 

Submit a request via the online 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 request being REJECTED.   

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 rejected
  • Failure to follow processes/provide correct information will result in your request being rejected
  • You may receive a follow-up email from the SCR committee, if so, you MUST respond within 24 hours
  • Submitting false statements and/or documentation is an academic offence and will be treated accordingly
  • Academic Calendar Polices: Term Work, Tests, and Appeals
  • 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, test, or an item of course work. 

Important Notes 

  • Once you attend and begin any test, special consideration requests will NOT be considered
  • A 10% penalty per day is applied to late assignments unless an SCR is approved by the instructor or department
  • Do NOT use this process for missed Final Exams, Missed Final Exams are petitioned through the Office of the Registrar

Supporting Documentation 

OPTION 1 

  • Use the ACORN Absence Declaration tool to declare your absence from academic participation formally. 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. Failure to do so will result in your Special Consideration Request being REJECTED.  

Important note: There are limitations of the Absence Declaration Tool (see below).   

  • The Absence Declaration Tool can be used ONLY once per academic term (e.g., the Fall term).  Once you have declared an absence, you will be restricted from using the ACORN Absence Declaration Tool to report any further absences in the current term
  • Some courses may exclude specific assessments from this option. Please review your course syllabus and the ACORN Absence Declaration policy to confirm whether it applies
  • Students may use the one-time declaration at their discretion
  • Additional supporting documentation will NOT be required if using this option
  • Ensure to include the instructor's email when declaring an absence
  • Click HERE for more information on this option

OPTION 2 

  • If you choose not to submit an Absence Declaration and/ or the ‘one-time’ declaration has been used for the term, students will be required to provide supporting documentation. Documentation must be uploaded when submitting your SCR.  

Types of Supporting Documentation 

Notifications

You will receive a decision on your request VIA the Special Consideration Request Application within one (1) week of your request. 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 department if you do NOT receive notification of your decision within one 1 week of submission. 

If your request is approved by the department, and a make-up test is offered.  You will receive an email when a make-up date is scheduled.  The department will try to give 2-3 days notice of make-up date, however sometimes this is not possible.  Be prepared for the make-up. 

Make-up's ...

  • may be scheduled during study break
  • may not be scheduled during reading weeks
  • are not held during the examination period
  • we don NOT offer make-up tests of missed make-ups

Technical Support for the Special Consideration Request Application 

Please refer to the Knowledge Base on the website: https://uoft.service-now.com/utm_scr and/or please contact the UG Team via email utmpsych.utm@utoronto.ca.

Chronic Health Matters, Disability, and Religious Observances 

Students seeking academic consideration due to chronic health matters or a documented disability may use the ACORN Absence Declaration. To ensure that you have access to the accommodations necessary to support your academic success throughout the academic session, students should contact Accessibility Services.

Students seeking consideration for religious observances should be given academic consideration in accordance with the Policy on Scheduling of Classes and Examinations and Other Accommodations for Religious Observations.  

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.