There are five (5) grounds that may be considered when filing a Level 1 academic appeal.

a. Academic Evaluation

b. Course Management

c. Compassionate

d. Medical

e. Procedural Error

a. Academic Evaluation: A student may appeal a final grade if they believe it was unfairly assessed.

b. Course Management: A student may appeal if they have concerns about how the course was delivered or managed, or if they received a final grade that significantly departs from the course outline or stated evaluation criteria.

c. Compassion: A student may appeal if personal circumstances or unexpected events beyond their control negatively impacted their academic performance.

d. Illness or Medical Condition: If a student’s health issues or medical condition seriously affected their academic performance, they may file an appeal.

e. Procedural Error: A student may appeal if they believe an academic policy was improperly applied, not followed, or if a final grade was miscalculated.

Students must submit a Level 1 Academic Appeal Form within five (5) business days of being notified of the academic decision they want to appeal. The Associate Dean will normally provide a decision within ten (10) business days after receiving the appeal form.

It depends on the outcome of the appeal:

· If the grade is adjusted, progression to the next semester may be allowed.

· If only another attempt is granted, the course would need to be retaken before advancing.

The outcome will depend on the specific circumstances. SSU is not directly involved in the decision-making process. Students are encouraged to clearly share their story, include important details, and provide any relevant documentation to support the appeal.

A Level 2 academic appeal can be submitted after completing a Level 1 appeal.

1. A significant procedural error has occurred in the first level of appeal.

2. Compelling new evidence is available that could potentially influence the appeal and that could not reasonably have been obtained during the first level of appeal.

3. Sanctions imposed are unreasonable or substantially disproportionate to the circumstance or offence.

Submitting documents is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended. Evidence helps show that valid grounds for your appeal exist and supports your case. If an appeal is dismissed because there are no valid grounds, the decision-maker (or their delegate) may suggest an alternate resolution to address your concern.