Appeals and Petitions for Special Consideration
Taken from section 2.5.9 in the Graduate Calendar:
“The University wishes to assist students with legitimate difficulties. It also has the responsibility to ensure that degree, program and course requirements are met in a manner that is equitable to all students. Please note that academic accommodation requests related to a disability are processed under the Academic Accommodation of Students with Disabilities policy. This includes accommodation requests for Permanent Disability, Temporary Disability, and Retroactive Accommodation.
In those instances where a student acknowledges that the rules and regulations of the University have been applied fairly but is requesting that an exception be made because of special circumstances (compelling medical, personal, or family reasons) the student may submit, in a prompt and timely manner, a Petition for Special Consideration. The appropriate form is available on the School of Graduate Studies website. The student’s supervisor and Associate Chair are normally required to provide their independent assessments of the student’s statement in the petition. Supporting documentation will be required but will not ensure approval of the petition. The authority to grant petitions lies with the School of Graduate Studies and is discretionary. It is imperative that students make every effort to meet the originally-scheduled course requirements and it is a student’s responsibility to write examinations as scheduled.
In accordance with the Student Appeal Procedures, decisions made on Petitions for Special Consideration cannot be appealed to the Senate Board for Student appeals. Where any student feels there may have been discrimination on grounds in a protected social area as outlined in the Ontario Human Rights Code, they may contact the Equity and Inclusion Office to discuss initiating a complaint (Room 212 of the McMaster University Student Centre).”
BLPT MBA students wishing to address a specific concern relating to a course are encouraged to:
- Speak privately with their professor to express their concern and offer possible informal resolutions.
- If the matter is not resolved, you may the BLPT Program Officer to discuss formal options for resolution.
- Students are requested to speak with the University Secretary regarding a complaint before submitting an appeal.