October often feels like a turning point as midterms loom, group projects intensify, and the pace of the term shifts from steady to relentless. For many students, this is when the term shifts from manageable to overwhelming. In these moments, fairness can feel elusive, especially when decisions are made quickly, communication breaks down, or expectations aren’t clear.
Pressure Points and Decision-Making
Stress affects how we interpret situations and make decisions. When students feel rushed, confused, or unsupported, they may unintentionally cross boundaries, such as submitting work without proper citation, collaborating too closely with peers, or misunderstanding academic expectations. Not all boundary-crossing behaviors stem from intentional dishonesty. In some cases, they may reflect confusion, overwhelm, miscommunication, or a lack of clarity in expectations, especially when under pressure. While these factors don’t excuse misconduct, they highlight the importance of clear guidance and timely support within academic systems.
Faculty and staff also face pressure. Large class sizes, tight grading timelines, and complex policies can lead to inconsistent communication or decisions that feel abrupt or unclear. Fairness involves not only the outcome but also the process through which decisions are made. When time and stress influence communication or decision-making, it’s important to reflect on whether the process upheld clarity, consistency, and respect.
Mental Health and Academic Challenges
Mental health plays a significant role in how students experience and respond to academic pressure. Anxiety, depression, burnout, and other challenges can affect concentration, decision-making, and communication. When mental health is compromised, students may struggle to meet expectations or interpret feedback accurately. For example, a student experiencing anxiety might misinterpret assignment instructions or avoid asking for help, fearing judgment.
Mental health challenges can influence how students engage with academic responsibilities. In these cases, fairness involves considering the full context of a concern, including how circumstances may affect communication, decision-making, and outcomes. A fair response is one that is reasonable and relatable to the situation, not just procedurally correct.
The Ombuds Office encourages students to seek support early and reminds institutions to consider mental health as part of a fair and equitable response.
Fairness in Practice
This is where the Fairness Triangle becomes essential. It reminds us that fairness includes:
- Procedural fairness – Were the rules clear? Was the process followed?
- Relational fairness – Were you treated with respect and empathy?
- Substantive fairness – Was the outcome reasonable given the circumstances?
When students feel a decision was unfair, it’s often because one of these dimensions was missing. The Office of the Ombudsperson provides a confidential space to reflect on concerns, clarify institutional processes, and consider available options. It does not advocate for any party, but supports fairness through dialogue and understanding.
Navigating the Midterm Crunch
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, here are a few tips to help maintain fairness—for yourself and others:
- Ask for clarification early. Don’t wait until the night before a deadline to understand expectations.
- Document your communications with instructors or group members.
- Take care of yourself. Sleep, nutrition, and breaks aren’t luxuries, they’re essential to good decision-making.
- Reach out. Check in with your family and friends to connect with people who care and support you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
- Use campus supports. Waterloo’s Wellness Services and Counselling Services offer confidential support for mental health, stress management, and academic challenges. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Fairness is not just a policy, it’s a practice shaped by context, communication, and care. During high-pressure periods, taking time to reflect on fairness can support better decisions and stronger relationships.