9.2 Academic Grievances and Appeals
Student grievances of an academic nature may arise. Graduate students are advised first to approach the instructor or supervisor concerned; in most cases, this individual can provide a satisfactory explanation. If the matter is not resolved, students are advised to see the graduate coordinator, and if necessary, the department chair. (See also Resolving Conflicts in Supervisor-Student Relationships in the Calendar.)
Departments should prepare a set of guidelines for supervisors and students. Avenues for expressing concern by students who feel they are receiving unsatisfactory supervision should be specified.
Students can also access mediation/resolution resources, such as:
- Office of the Student Ombuds (with a designated Graduate Student Ombudsperson)
- Student Legal Services of Edmonton
FGSR Academic Appeals
Students may appeal decisions by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research that change their academic standing. Appeal situations normally involve a recommendation by a Department to FGSR and a subsequent decision by an FGSR Associate Dean that students withdraw from the Faculty or from their academic programs.
An informal request to an FGSR Associate Dean is the recommended first step. This informal process is meant to precede and to avoid a formal appeal to the FGSR Academic Appeals Committee. For details see the overview of the committee and of appeals procedures, and FGSR's Academic Appeal Regulations, both below.
- Overview of the committee and of appeals procedures
- FGSR Academic Appeal Regulations (approved by FGSR Council e-vote June 6, 2019).