Student Appeals Policy

9.3.5 Appeals Process for Transfer Credit Evaluations and Assessments

A student (appellant) may appeal any decision concerning 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 may be allowed. Appellants should review and are expected to be familiar with Admissions and Academic Regulations in the current Athabasca University Calendar prior to appealing any decision regarding the award of transfer credits.

The appeal of a decision on transfer credit shall result in one of two possible outcomes:

1. the transfer credit award remains the same, or
2. an award of additional transfer credit.

9.3.5.1 Step One – Appeal to Coordinator of Admissions and Transfer Credit Services

9.3.5.1.1

An appellant submitting an appeal to any decision concerning the evaluation and assessment of transfer credit must contact the Coordinator of Admissions and Transfer Credit Services to discuss the award and to set out the reasons for their appeal. Such contact must be made within thirty (30) days of receiving the letter containing the transfer credit decision.

The Coordinator of Admissions and Transfer Credit Services can:

1. change the transfer credit award, or
2. decline to proceed if sufficient grounds have not been established.

9.3.5.1.2

The Coordinator of Admissions and Transfer Credit Services must respond to the appellant within five (five) business days and provide a decision, in writing, to the appellant within thirty (30) business days of receiving the request.

9.3.5.2 Step Two – Appeal to the Associate Registrar of Admissions and Transfer Credit Services

9.3.5.2.1

An appellant who is not satisfied with the Step One decision may appeal in writing to the Associate Registrar of Admissions and Transfer Credit Services within thirty (30) days of receiving the Step One decision. The written appeal must identify precisely the decision(s) the appellant wishes to have reconsidered. All supporting documentation or evidence that the appellant wishes to have considered must be submitted at this stage of the appeal.

9.3.5.2.2

The Associate Registrar of Admissions and Transfer Credit Services 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 Appellant concerned, or other persons considered appropriate.

The Associate Registrar of Admissions and Transfer Credit Services can:

1. change the transfer credit award, or
2. decline to proceed if sufficient grounds have not been established.

The Associate Registrar of Admissions and Transfer Credit Services shall inform the appellant in writing of the decision, within thirty (30) days of receiving the appeal.

The decision of the Associate Registrar of Admissions and Transfer Credit Services is final.