The information on this page is intended for students studying at the undergraduate level. Graduate students should consult the Associate Dean - Graduate Studies.
For any complaint received against a course or an individual, the Faculty of Arts follows the procedures outlined in Policy 70 – Student Petitions and Grievances. Information is also available within the Faculty of Arts section of the Undergraduate Calendar.
Petition: A request by a student seeking exception to or relief from normal faculty or University rules and regulations, for personal reasons.
Grievance: A student believes that a decision of a University authority or the action of a faculty member or staff member of the University affecting some aspect of their University life has been unfair or unreasonable.
Grounds for a grievance
-
An
error
in
academic
judgment
on
the
part
of
an
instructor.
- Example: you question a grade, or the assessment of your performance on an assignment.
-
An
error
or
injustice
on
grounds
other
than
the
academic
judgement
of
work.
-
Example:
you
question
a
grade,
or
the
assessment
of
your
performance
by
an
instructor,
alleging
that:
- the method of evaluation was not fair and reasonable in the circumstances;
- the decision maker was biased against you (but not on a human rights basis);
- the instructor deviated substantially from the course outline without reasonable notice; or
- the application of University regulations governing program or degree requirements was unfair or unreasonable.
-
Example:
you
question
a
grade,
or
the
assessment
of
your
performance
by
an
instructor,
alleging
that:
- A decision of a University authority or an action of a University faculty or staff member in relation to your University life has been unfair or unreasonable.
Common complaints that are not grounds for a grievance
- Failure to do well in a course.
- Absence of objective evidence to support a claim that the instructor was biased against you.
- Request/need for accommodation (extension of deadline, deferred exam) without support from AccessAbility Services or other legitimizing factor (e.g., recognized religious holiday).
Grievance process in Arts (Arts course or Arts instructor)
-
Make
an
attempt
to
resolve
the
matter
yourself.
You
must
go
directly
to
the
individual
whose
action
or
decision
is
being
questioned,
either
in
person
or
in
writing.
- Deadline: Within 1 month of the action or of being notified of the decision or mark.
- Individual then has 10 business days to respond in writing.
-
If
not
satisfied
with
the
outcome
of
the
attempt,
a
grievance
can
be
initiated.
- You should seek advice with your advisor or Administrative Manager in the Arts Undergraduate Office (PAS 2439) before proceeding.
-
Initiate
a
grievance.
One
of
the
two
following
forms
must
be
completed
and
submitted
to
the
proper
authority
(forms
are
available
on
the
Policy
70
website):
- Deadline: Within 10 business days of receiving the request response or within 10 business days of when the response was due.
-
Form
70B
–
Notice
of
Challenge
(used
for
most
grievances)
- For Arts courses, to be delivered to the Associate Dean – Undergraduate Programs of Arts.
- The Office of the Associate Dean will confirm receipt of Form 70B and provide a decision due date via email.
- All supporting documentation must accompany the Form 70B.
-
Must
state
clearly
- the grounds on which the grievance is made
- the details of the grievance, and
- the relief requested
-
Form
70C
–
Notice
of
Reassessment
Challenge
- Used only if reassessment of a piece of work is involved.
- Form is to be delivered to the Chair of the department hosting the course.
Other notes
- It is any individual’s right to know that a complaint against them has been lodged. Grievances cannot normally be investigated or resolved without any knowledge on the part of that individual.
- Consult the Associate Dean beforehand if you feel your complaint has a Human Rights dimension, as defined by Policy 33 (Ethical Behaviour). Complaints under Policy 33 are subject to a different process.
Contacts
- Associate Dean of Arts, Undergraduate Programs: Katherine Acheson, koa@uwaterloo.ca.