Forging or Falsifying Athabasca University Documents
In cases where it has been alleged that Athabasca University documents
have been forged or falsified, the procedures as set out in 12.4.1
shall be followed and the penalty prescribed below.
In all cases where it has been determined that a person has forged
or falsified an Athabasca University academic record, transcript,
degree, certificate or parchment and/or fraudulently claimed a credential:
- that person shall be expelled from the University,
and
- have the expulsion recorded on his or her academic record and
transcripts,
and
- the case shall be referred to the appropriate law enforcement
agency for investigation and possible criminal prosecution.
12.4.4. Misuse of University Computer
Resources
In cases where a student is alleged to have misused University
computer resources the procedures as set out in 12.4.2.
shall be followed; however, the procedure shall be applied by the
Vice-President, Academic rather than the Program Director (in consultation
with the Director, Computing Services).
12.5. Appeals
A student may appeal any ruling by the Assistant Registrar, Admissions
or a Program Director to the Registrar or designate (as chair of
the Student Academic Appeals Committee) by following the procedures
established by that committee and set out in the policy entitled
12.19. Student Academic Appeals Policy.
12.5.1. Time Limits for Initiation
of Appeals
The student shall be required to appeal by submitting the required
written documentation within thirty (30) days of receipt, or deemed
receipt, of the letter from Assistant Registrar, Admissions; Program
Director or Vice-President, Academic, advising the student of the
findings and penalty imposed. At this time the student may view
the file upon request. Any additions to the file during the appeal
process will be made available to the student who has requested
access to the file.
12.5.2. Grounds for Appeal
The student may appeal the decision based upon denial of the offence
and/or severity of the penalty.
12.5.3. Student Academic Appeal Committee
The Student Academic Appeal Committee shall consider the appeal
in accordance with the procedures it establishes, and shall render
a decision confirming, reversing or modifying the decision appealed.
The Student Academic Appeals Committee may substitute, rescind,
or vary any penalty imposed, as it sees fit.
12.5.4. Further Appeals
The decision of the Student Academic Appeals Committee shall be
final and binding upon the University and the student.
12.6. Students'
Records and Transcripts
12.6.1. Recording Decisions in the
Student's Academic Record
A copy of the documentation prepared by the Assistant Registrar,
Admissions; Program Director or Vice-President, Academic, shall
be forwarded to the Registrar (along with any supporting documentation
or evidence) and shall be kept permanently in the student's official
file.
12.6.2. Transcript Notations
Suspension imposed for disciplinary reasons shall appear on the
student's transcripts until the suspension is lifted. In the case
of expulsion, an entry shall appear on the student's transcript
for the full period of the expulsion.
12.6.3. Freedom of Information and
Protection of Privacy
The use and disclosure of personal information will be only as
provided for by the Athabasca University Protection of Privacy Policy
and Alberta's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
12.7. Time
Limits for Appeals
The time limits contained in this policy are mandatory and must
be adhered to. Failure by a student to submit an appeal within the
limits set out herein shall result in the student forfeiting the
right to appeal, subject only to the sole discretion of the Registrar,
or designate, who may extend the time limit for processing an appeal
of a student where such extension is considered appropriate under
the circumstances. Failure to initiate a complaint within the time
permitted in this policy, or failure on the part of the University
to process a complaint within the above stated limits, shall not
necessarily invalidate the complaint or the proceeding under this
policy. The Registrar, or designate, may provide for extensions
of time limits, whenever considered appropriate, and upon any condition
deemed necessary for granting of the extension.
12.8. Authorities
12.8.1. General Authority
Section 42(1) (a) and (b) of the Universities Act (R.S.A., 1980,
c. U-5).
12.8.2. Authority to Delegate
Section 42(1) (b) of the Universities Act (RSA, 1980, c. U-5).
Section 46(1) (c) of the Universities Act (R.S.A., 1980, c. U-5).
AUGC motion 125-4 (December 16, 1998)
AUAC motion 147-20 (January 27, 1999)
12.9. Non-Academic
Misconduct Policy
Non-academic offences attempted or committed by students on University
premises or during University-sponsored activities shall be grounds
for disciplinary action by the University. The University reserves
the right, notwithstanding anything contained herein, to refer any
non-academic offence to the appropriate civil or criminal authority,
as it may deem appropriate.
12.9.1. Non-Academic Offences
Non-academic offences include the following:
- Disruption of University activities
- Unauthorized entry to or use of University facilities
- Misappropriation of, misuse of, or damage to University property
- Physical abuse or dangerous activity resulting in, or likely
to result in, physical abuse of person or property
- Written and/or verbal abuse
- Sexual harassment
- Refusal to provide identification
- Smoking in prohibited areas
12.10. Definitions
of Non-Academic Offences
12.10.1. Disruption of University
Activities
Disruption of University activities includes but is not limited
to: exam-writing, tutoring, teaching, studying, research, administration
and meetings.
12.10.2. Unauthorized Entry and
Use
Unauthorized entry and/or use refers to any University building,
facility, room, or office. Facilities include but are not limited
to: the central office, learning centers, University House, and
parking lots.
12.10.3. Misappropriation Of, Misuse
Of, or Damage To University Property
Misappropriation of, misuse of, or damage to University property include
the following:
- Misappropriation of or possession of misappropriated University
property
- Intentional or negligent damage of University property
- Removal of books or other library and audio-visual material
without proper authorization
- Mutilation or defacing of books or other library materials
- Intentionally misplacing resources or in any other way intentionally
depriving other members of the University of the property or of
having access to the resources.
12.10.4. Physical Abuse and Dangerous
Activity
Physical abuse and dangerous activity include the following:
- Actual physical abuse or threat of physical abuse to another
person
- Damage to another person's property
- Knowingly, and without just cause, cause another person to fear
physical abuse or fear damage to his/her property
- Creating a condition that unnecessarily endangers or threatens
the health, safety, or well-being of other persons, or could cause
damage to property.
12.10.5. Written and/or Verbal Harassment
Written and/or verbal harassment includes the use of threatening,
obscene, profane, or racist language, or language that is otherwise
abusive in the circumstances, by a student, directed to another
student, an instructor, officer, or other employee of the University,
or any other person.
12.10.6. Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment includes the following:
- Written and/or verbal abuse or threats
- Unwelcome remarks, jokes, innuendoes or taunting
- Displaying of pornographic or other offensive or derogatory
pictures,
- Practical jokes that cause awkwardness or embarrassment
- Unwelcome invitations or requests, whether direct, explicit,
or intimidating
- Leering or other gestures
- Unnecessary physical contact such as touching, patting, pinching,
punching
- Physical assault.
12.10.7. Refusal to Provide
Identification
It is an offence to refuse to provide identification upon
request by an officer, employee, or agent of the University
acting on behalf of the University in the course of his or her
duties where the said person has reason to believe an individual
is committing, has committed, or is about to commit an offence.
12.10.8. Non-adherence to Smoking
Policy
Athabasca University and its Learning Centres are smoke-free;
however, smoking is permitted outside the facility.
12.11. Disciplinary
Action
Disciplinary action may include one or more of the following
penalties:
- Reprimand
- A fine of not more than $1,000
- Suspension
- Expulsion
- Exclusion from class
- Exclusion from exam.
12.12. Disciplinary
Procedures
Note: These procedures do not apply to disruptive behaviour
in class or disruptive behaviour in the examination room (see
12.17.).
12.13. Initiation
of Proceedings
12.13.1. Initiation
Any person who has reason to believe that a student is guilty
of a non-academic offence may initiate proceedings against the
student by way of a statement signed by the complainant and
delivered to the Registrar.
12.13.2. Action
The Registrar will determine the appropriate avenue for investigation
and designate the appropriate individual to conduct the investigation
(herewith called the "Investigator").
12.14. Proceedings
12.14.1. Review and Investigation
The Investigator will review the complaint and conduct an investigation.
This may include interviewing the relevant individuals and obtaining
other information relevant to the complaint.
12.14.2. Complaint Declined
The Investigator may decline to proceed with a complaint under
the following circumstances:
- where the Investigator believes that no University rule
has been violated;
- where the Investigator believes the complaint to be scandalous,
frivolous, or vexatious;
- where the investigator believes that an unreasonable amount
of time has elapsed since the incident;
- where the investigator believes that the offence should
be referred to police or appropriate public authorities.
12.14.3. Complaint Declined
Procedure
Where the Investigator has declined to proceed with a complaint,
this decision will be delivered to the Registrar who will advise
the complainant in writing within (10) calendar days of receipt
of the complaint.
12.14.4. Action Procedure
- The Investigator shall ensure that all documentation is
provided to the Registrar.
- If the Registrar desires more information, the Registrar
shall conduct such further investigation as the Registrar
deems appropriate, including reviewing the matter with the
student, providing it is practical to do so.
- The Registrar, following such investigation, may dismiss
the complaint or impose one or more of the penalties.
- In determining an appropriate penalty, the Registrar may
take into account the disciplinary record, if any, of the
student.
- The Registrar shall provide written notice to the student
of the decision, any penalty imposed, and of the right to
appeal within twenty (20) calendar days of receipt of the
original complaint.
Note: In the event that the Investigator fails to act
within the time limits stated herein, the student shall, upon
the expiry of such time limits, be entitled to proceed to the
next step: direct appeal to the Associate Vice-President, Academic.
In the event that the Investigator or the Associate Vice-President,
Academic is not available, a designate will carry out the following
procedures.
12.15. Appeal
Procedures
- A student or complainant may appeal the decision of the
Investigator not to proceed or the decision by the Registrar
by submitting such notice of appeal in writing to the Associate
Vice-President, Academic. This notice must be received by
the Associate Vice-President, Academic no later than ten (10)
calendar days after deemed receipt of notification of the
Registrar's decision. The Associate Vice-President, Academic
may at his/her sole discretion accept an appeal notwithstanding
that more than ten (10) calendar days have elapsed since receipt
of the Registrar's decision.
- The notice of appeal shall be in writing, signed personally
or through an agent representing the appellant, and shall
state the grounds of appeal. The appeal shall deal with the
Registrar's decision, the finding of guilt and/or the penalty
imposed. At this time the student may view the file upon request.
Any additions to the file during the appeal process will be
made available to the student who has requested access to
the file.
- If legal counsel is retained by the appellant, the Associate
Vice-President, Academic must be notified of same immediately.
- The Associate Vice-President, Academic shall consider the
appeal and review the matter in a manner that he/she, in his/her
sole discretion, deems appropriate, and may either sustain,
quash, or vary the decision being appealed.
- Where the Associate Vice-President, Academic sustains the
finding of guilt, he/she may confirm, vary or suspend the
penalty imposed.
- The Associate Vice-President, Academic shall communicate
his/her decision to the appellant, or his/her agent/representative/lawyer,
in writing, within ten (10) calendar days of receipt of the
appeal or within such longer period as the Associate Vice-President,
Academic deems necessary in his/her sole discretion. The penalty
becomes effective immediately upon such notification. Any
penalty imposed or confirmed shall take effect on the date
indicated in the written notification.
- Decisions of the Associate Vice-President, Academic shall
be final and binding, and no right of appeal lies therefrom.
Note: Notification mailed by single-registered post
to the last known address of the student is deemed, in the absence
of evidence to the contrary, to have been received by the student
ten (10) calendar days after posting to an Alberta address and
twenty (20) calendar days to an address outside of Alberta.
12.16. Students'
Records and Transcripts
Suspension imposed for disciplinary reasons shall appear on
the student's records and transcripts for the full period of
the suspension until the suspension is lifted. In the case of
expulsion, an entry shall appear on the student's records and
transcripts for the full period of the expulsion.
12.17. Exclusion
from Class or Exam for Disruptive Behaviour
12.17.1. Exclusion from Class
by an Instructor
- When a student disturbs, disrupts or otherwise interferes
with classroom activities, the instructor may immediately
exclude the student from the course for a particular class
and may also exclude the student from the next subsequent
class in that course. In each case, the instructor is required
to notify the course professor and the Program Director by
the next working day.
- If the behaviour persists when the student is re-admitted
to class, the instructor may again immediately exclude the
student from the class and must initiate proceedings against
the student according to the procedures described above. The
student's exclusion from class will be in effect until a decision
is reached by the Program Director. If a student is reinstated
by a decision of the Program Director, such decision shall
not invalidate the prior action of the instructor. The University
shall not be held legally responsible for any lost class time.
The Program Director shall communicate his/her decision in
writing to the student within five (5) calendar days from
the date of the most recent exclusion.
- The student may appeal the Program Director's decision as
set out below. The student shall not be permitted in the class
without the Program Director's written approval until such
time as the appeal is heard and decided.
Within five (5) calendar days of receipt of the appeal,
the Program Director shall provide written notice to the
student of the decision, any penalty imposed and the deadline
to appeal to the Vice-President Academic of ten (10) calendar
days.
- The student (hereinafter cited as the appellant) must lodge
a written appeal with the Vice-President, Academic within
ten (10) calendar days after the decision was delivered or
deemed to have been delivered to the appellant.
- The Vice-President, Academic shall consider the appeal and
review the matter in a manner which he/she, in his/her sole
discretion, deems appropriate, and may either sustain, quash
or vary the decision being appealed. Where a decision against
the appellant is sustained, the Vice-President Academic may
also confirm, vary, extend or suspend the exclusion from class
initially imposed.
- The Vice-President, Academic shall communicate his/her decision
to the appellant, or his/her agent/representative/lawyer,
in writing within ten (10) calendar days of receipt of the
appeal or within such longer period as the Vice-President,
Academic deems necessary in his/her sole discretion.
- Decisions of the Vice-President, Academic shall be final
and binding, and no right of appeal lies therefrom.
12.17.2. Exclusion from an Exam
by an Exam Supervisor
- When a student disturbs, or otherwise interferes with exam
activities, the Exam Supervisor may immediately exclude the
student from the exam room and request that the student return
immediately his/her exam test and booklet. The Exam Supervisor
shall advise the student that he/she can request to write
another version of the exam at a later date.
- The Exam Supervisor is required to notify the Registrar,
the course professor and the Program Director by the next
working day.
- The student who feels that he/she has been unfairly treated
can lodge a complaint with the Program Director. The decision
of the Program Director and of the Vice-President, Academic,
in the case of an appeal, shall not invalidate the prior action
of the Exam Supervisor.
- The Program Director shall communicate his/her decision
in writing to the student within ten (10) calendar days of
receipt of the complaint.
- The University shall not be held legally responsible for
any contract period or credit lost.
- The student may appeal the Program Director's decision by
following the same procedures outlined under the previous
12.15.
12.18. Freedom
of Information and Protection of Privacy
The use and disclosure of personal information will be only
as provided by the Athabasca University Protection of Privacy
and Alberta's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy
Act.
12.19. Student
Academic Appeals Policy
This policy sets out the mandate and procedures of the Student
Academic Appeals Committee. The Student Academic Appeals Committee
will consider written appeals from individual students/applicants
under this policy. All individuals initiating an appeal must
follow the procedures as outlined below under the appropriate
section.
12.19.1. Student Academic Appeals
Committee
The Student Academic Appeals Committee shall be composed of
the following members:
- members elected by Academic Council
- three academic staff members from undergraduate programs
- one academic staff member from graduate programs
- one student representative
- the Registrar or designate shall be an ex officio member
of the Committee, and shall serve as its Chair.
Committee members elected by Academic Council shall hold office
for a term of three years. Members elected by Academic Council
shall have their terms staggered at one-year intervals.
The quorum for committee deliberations shall be four (4) members,
one of whom shall be the Chair. If the committee is obliged
to consider an appeal at a time when a quorum from the regular
committee membership is not possible, the Chair shall obtain
alternate representatives from the various bodies sufficient
to ensure a quorum. The alternate representatives selected in
the above manner shall serve only until a quorum of elected
members can be obtained.
12.20. Appealable
Actions and Decisions
A student/applicant may appeal
- the assignment of grades on substantive grounds.
- the assignment of grades on procedural grounds.
- enrolment decisions on substantive grounds.
- enrolment decisions on procedural grounds.
- decisions on the evaluation and assessment of transfer credits.
- the application of institutional policies or procedures.
- appeals arising from the Academic Misconduct Policy,
as amended from time to time.
- appeals arising from the Admission and Enrolment of Students
Required to Withdraw for Reasons of Academic Misconduct Policy,
as amended from time to time.
- any other decision made by or on behalf of Athabasca University
that affects the student's academic progress.
12.20.1. Appeals Process for
Assignment of Grades
A student may appeal any grade assigned to essays, examinations
and assignments or exercises that contribute to the final grade.
(Appeals of both failing and passing grades will be considered.)
The student shall determine the grounds for his/her appeal
and follow the procedures outlined below under the appropriate
section. The Program Director, or the Chair of the Student Academic
Appeals Committee, shall redirect the appeal to the other officer
if the letter of appeal is initially misdirected. Where there
is disagreement as to which procedures should be followed, the
Chair of the Student Academic Appeals Committee shall make the
final decision.
The appeal of a grade, and subsequent remarking, will result
in one of three possible outcomes: (1) the grade remains the
same; (2) the grade is raised; or (3) the grade is lowered.
Note: Reference to a Program Director means the director
of the program of study in which the student is enrolled. In
the case of an unclassified student, the director of the program
in which the course in question resides will be assigned by
the Vice-President, Academic to administer the appeal. If any
question arises as to the appropriate Program Director, the
Vice-President, Academic will decide.
12.20.2. Appeals on Substantive
Grounds
A student who is dissatisfied with a grade must contact the
tutor or instructor to discuss the grade and material in question
before making an appeal. Such contact must be made within one
(1) month of receiving the grade.
At the request of either the student or the tutor, or both,
the examination, essay or assignment may be submitted to the
course professor, or other competent marker as determined by
the Centre Chair in cases where the initial mark is assigned
by the course professor, with a written request that it be remarked.
This request must be made within one (1) month of the student's
original complaint. The student will be advised of the result
of the remarking within one (1) month of his/her request.
After this procedure has been followed, a student who is still
dissatisfied may appeal in writing to the Program Director within
one (1) month of receipt of the second marking, specifying in
detail the reasons for making a further appeal and enclosing
all additional information or documentation he/she wishes considered.
The Program Director shall review the case, consulting with
staff, faculty, the student concerned, or other persons as he/she
considers appropriate, providing it is practical to do so. The
Program Director shall inform the student, in writing, of the
decision within one (1) month of receiving the appeal. The Program
Director's decision of an appeal on academic grounds shall be
final. A copy of the correspondence shall be sent to the Office
of the Registrar and kept in the student's file.
The student's final grade on the examination, essay or assignment
will be the most recently assigned grade.
12.20.3. Appeals on Procedural
Grounds
A student may appeal on procedural grounds the assignment of
a grade by submitting a letter of appeal to the Chair of the
Student Academic Appeals Committee within one (1) month of receiving
the grade.
The Chair shall present the student's letter of appeal to the
committee for consideration and decision. The committee shall
review the case, consulting with staff, faculty, the student
concerned, or other persons as it considers appropriate, providing
it is practical to do so. The Chair shall inform the student,
in writing, of the committee's decision within one (1) month
of receiving the appeal. The decision of the committee shall
be final. A copy of the correspondence will be kept in the student's
file.
12.21. Appeals
Process for Enrolment Decisions
A student/applicant may appeal any decision denying his/her
enrolment in a particular program of study.
The student/applicant shall determine the grounds for his/her
appeal and follow the procedures outlined below under the appropriate
section. The Program Director, or the Chair of the Student Academic
Appeals Committee, shall redirect the appeal to the other officer
if the letter of appeal is initially misdirected. Where there
is disagreement as to which procedures should be followed, the
Chair of the Student Academic Appeals Committee shall make the
final decision.
12.21.1. Appeals on Substantive
Grounds
A student/applicant who is dissatisfied with an enrolment decision
must contact the Chair of the committee (or designate) or the
University officer who made the initial decision to discuss
the decision in question before making an appeal. Such contact
must be made within one (1) month of receiving the notification
of the decision.
After this procedure has been followed, a student/applicant
who is still dissatisfied may appeal in writing to the Program
Director within two (2) months of receiving notification of
the enrolment decision, specifying in detail the reasons for
making a further appeal and enclosing all additional information
or documentation he/she wishes considered.
The Program Director shall review the case, consulting with
staff, faculty, the student/applicant concerned, or other persons
as he/she considers appropriate. The Program Director shall
inform the student/applicant, in writing, of the decision within
one (1) month of receiving the appeal. The Program Director's
decision of an appeal on substantive grounds shall be final.
A copy of the correspondence shall be sent to the Office of
the Registrar and kept in the student's file.
12.21.2. Appeals on Procedural
Grounds
A student/applicant may appeal on procedural grounds the enrolment
decision by submitting a letter of appeal to the Chair of the
Student Academic Appeals Committee within one (1) month of receiving
notification of the enrolment decision.
The Chair shall present the student's/applicant's letter of
appeal to the committee for consideration and decision. The
committee shall review the case, consulting with staff, faculty,
the student/applicant concerned, or other persons as it considers
appropriate.
The Chair shall inform the student/applicant, in writing, of
the committee's decision within one (1) month of receiving the
appeal. The decision of the committee shall be final. A copy
of the correspondence will be kept in the student's file.
12.22. Appeals
Process for Transfer Credit Evaluations and Assessments
A student may appeal any decision with respect to the awarding
of transfer credit for previous education. Appeals to change
the designation of certain credits, to obtain more credit or
to reduce the credit granted, are allowed. Students are expected
to be familiar with the section entitled Undergraduate Admission
and Transfer Credit Procedures, in the current online University
Calendar. The procedures below shall be followed.
12.22.1. Procedure
A student who is dissatisfied with any decision concerning
the evaluation and assessment of transfer credit must contact
the Supervisor, Admission and Evaluation Services, to discuss
the award before an appeal is made. Such contact must be made
within one (1) month of receiving the Letter of Assessment.
After this procedure has been followed a student who is still
dissatisfied with an assessment decision may appeal the decision
in writing to the Assistant Registrar, Admissions within two
(2) months of receiving the Letter of Assessment. The written
appeal must identify precisely the decision(s) the student wishes
to be reconsidered. All supporting documentation or evidence
that the student wishes to be considered must be submitted at
this stage of the appeal.
The Assistant Registrar, Admissions shall review the file and
any supporting documentation that has been submitted, and may
consult with faculty members, committee members, staff members,
program directors, the student concerned, or other persons as
he/she considers appropriate. After a thorough investigation
of the circumstances and particulars of the case, the Assistant
Registrar, Admissions shall inform the student in writing of
the decision, within one (1) month of receiving the appeal.
A copy of the correspondence must be kept in the student's file.
After this procedure has been followed, a student may appeal
a decision on transfer credit evaluations and assessments by
submitting a letter of appeal to the Chair of the Student Academic
Appeals Committee within one (1) month of receiving the Assistant
Registrar, Admissions written notification. The letter of appeal
must specify in detail the reasons for making a further appeal.
If the above procedures have been followed, the Chair shall
present the student's appeal to the committee for consideration
and decision. The committee shall review the case, consulting
with staff, faculty, the student concerned, or other persons
as it considers appropriate. The Chair shall inform the student,
in writing, of the committee's decision within one (1) month
of receiving the appeal. The decision of the committee shall
be final. A copy of the Chair's correspondence will be kept
in the student's file.
12.23. Appeals
on Matters of Institutional Procedure or Policy
A student/applicant may appeal any decision based upon institutional
procedure or policy, provided that the policy under which the
decision is made does not provide for a final decision on the
part of a University officer. Appeals to quash or vary the decision
are allowed.
12.23.1. Procedure
The procedures below shall be followed.
A student/applicant who is dissatisfied with any decision based
upon institutional procedure or policy, providing that the policy
does not provide for a final decision on the part of a University
officer, must contact the unit supervisor where the initial
decision was made to discuss the decision before an appeal is
made. Such contact must be made within one (1) month of notification
of the decision.
After this procedure has been followed, a student/applicant
who is still dissatisfied with a decision may appeal the decision
in writing to the head of the department, or designate, where
the unit that made the original decision is housed, within two
(2) months of notification of the decision. The written appeal
must identify precisely the decision(s) the student/applicant
wishes to be reconsidered. All supporting documentation or evidence
that the student/applicant wishes to be considered must be submitted
at this stage of the appeal.
The department head (or designate) shall review the case and
any supporting documentation that has been submitted, and may
consult with faculty members, committee members, staff members,
program directors, the student/applicant concerned, or other
persons as he/she considers appropriate. After a thorough investigation
of the circumstances and particulars of the case, the department
head (or designate) shall inform the student/applicant in writing
of the decision, within one (1) month of receiving the appeal.
A copy of the correspondence will be kept in the student's file.
After this procedure has been followed, a student/applicant
may appeal a decision based on institutional procedure or policy,
providing that the policy does not provide for a final decision
on the part of a University officer, by submitting a letter
of appeal to the Chair of the Student Academic Appeals Committee
within one (1) month of receiving written notification from
the department head (or designate). The letter of appeal must
specify in detail the reasons for making a further appeal.
If the above procedures have been followed, the Chair shall
present the student's/applicant's appeal to the committee for
consideration and decision. The committee shall review the case,
consulting with staff, faculty, the student/applicant concerned,
or other persons as it considers appropriate. The Chair shall
inform the student/applicant of the committee's decision within
one (1) month of receiving the appeal. The decision of the committee
shall be final. The Chair of the committee shall inform the
student/applicant, in writing, of the decision. A copy of the
Chair's correspondence will be kept in the student's file.
12.24. Appeals
Arising from Other Policies
The Academic Misconduct Policy, the Non-Academic Misconduct
Policy, and other policies, as established or amended from time
to time, may provide rights and procedures for appeal to the
Student Academic Appeals Committee.
Students/applicants who wish to avail themselves of these rights
are expected to be familiar with the policy in question and
must follow the procedures for appeal as outlined in
the policy in question. Appeals made directly to the Chair without
having followed the procedures established in the appropriate
policy, shall be redirected to the appropriate University official
for action.
If the procedures outlined in the policy in question have been
followed, and the student/applicant is still dissatisfied with
the decision, the student/applicant may appeal the matter by
submitting a letter of appeal to the Chair of the Student Academic
Appeals Committee within one (1) month of receiving notification
of the decision. This letter must specify in detail the reasons
for making a further appeal and the remedy the student/applicant
is seeking.
After this procedure has been followed, the Chair shall present
the student's/applicant's appeal to the committee for consideration
and decision. The committee shall review the case, consulting
with staff, faculty, the student/applicant concerned, or other
persons as it considers appropriate. The Chair shall inform
the student/applicant, in writing, of the committee's decision
within one (1) month of receiving the appeal. The decision of
the committee shall be final. A copy of the Chair's correspondence
will be kept in the student's file.
12.24.1. Time Limits
Time limits for submitting appeals under this process are mandatory
and must be adhered to. Failure by a student/applicant to submit
an appeal within the time limits set out herein shall normally
result in the student/applicant forfeiting the right to appeal.
The Registrar (or the appeals committee, or the Program Director,
or the department head, or designate) may, in his/her (or their)
sole discretion, extend the time limit for the processing of
an appeal of a student/applicant where he/she (or they) consider(s)
an extension appropriate under the circumstances.
Note: Notification mailed by single-registered post
to the last known address of the student is deemed, in the absence
of evidence to the contrary, to have been received by the student
ten (10) calendar days after posting to an Alberta address and
twenty (20) calendar days to an address outside of Alberta.
** This page is an official publication of Athabasca
University **
Public Affairs