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Student Advocacy PDF Print E-mail

Location: 101 University Centre
Contact: Murat Ates, Vice-President Advocacy
Phone: 474-6524
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If you experience academic difficulties and require support, the UMSU Vice-President Advocacy is available to assist you. If you have a problem with a grade or a concern about a professor, stop by the UMSU office. The Vice-President Advocacy or another elected representative of UMSU can take up your case with the University, ensure confidentiality, and defend your right to fair treatment.

Student Advocacy is also available through the University's Student Advocacy office. You can contact them at 204.474.7423 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Informal Appeal

It is best to try and sort things out at the lowest level. The informal process can save you time and money. Remember to define your case and state it clearly.

1. See your Professor

Talk to your professor. If possible, set an appointment and present your arguments in person to your professor. Try to assess your professor's position based on his/her reception to your comments. Ask your professor if there is room for movement based upon the concerns noted in your appeal package. If you are not satisfied with your professor's position, or your professor refuses to discuss the appeal with you, then move on to step 2.

2. See your Department Head

 

The Department Head is responsible for the course and your professor. Again, make an appointment and present your case to this individual. Try not to be intimidated by the person's title. Remember that they are there to do a job and part of that job is to meet the need of the students!


If you are not satisfied with the Department Head's position, or the Department Head is unavailable, then it is time to initiate a formal appeal.

Formal Appeal

It is advisable to seek advice the UMSU Vice-President Advocacy at this stage if you are not sure how to best frame your arguments.

3. File a Grade Appeal with the Student Record Office

 

Work out the details of your case, possibly redoing or refining your appeal package with the knowledge gained in steps one and two. The Registrar's Office, Room 400 University Centre, has appeal packages available for both Final Grade Appeals and Term Work Appeals. The filled-out form should be returned to the Cashier's Office, 138 University Centre, with your $35 fee within 21 days of the receipt of your transcript.  If you are successful with your appeal, in that your grade is raised, you will be refunded your $35. Grades CANNOT be lowered in an appeal.


Some important points to remember when filling out the form:
Note: There are two forms of Grade Appeal

1)      Final Grade Appeal - This is an appeal of your final examination or assignment only.  This type of appeal can be submitted within 10 working days after you have received your final grades

2)      Term Work Appeal - This type of appeal can be submitted during the term, within ten days of receiving the mark for the assignment you would like to appeal.


* You can ask for a re-read or a re-evaluation only. If granted, this should be done by an independent individual (i.e. your professor should not be re-evaluating his/her own grade).

* You are not restricted by the space on the form. If you can not fit your case in the space provided, indicate this on the form and attach additional forms as needed (i.e. a letter).

* Once your appeal is processed and returned to Registrar's Office, a letter specifying the outcome of your appeal will be mailed directly to you.

At this point, if you have been unsuccessful in your department appeal and wish to pursue the matter, there are additional appeal levels. Again, students are encouraged to discuss the matter with a student advocate.