Academic Appeals

What is an Academic Appeal?

An academic appeal is a process for students who would like a formal review of an academic decision. The Academic Appeals Policy covers all aspects of this process which is designed to ensure reasonable and impartial treatment of student concerns related to academic decisions. 

Students can submit an appeal regarding the following academic decisions:

  • Final course grades as posted in MyMohawk
    •  To access your final grade, log into MyMohawk and navigate to the "Academics" section and then to “My Grades” where you can click on the link for “Final grades”. You'll need your MyMohawk User ID and password.
  • Academic integrity breach
  • Probationary or Compulsory Withdrawal promotion status
  • A Transfer Credit Decision (Exemption Request Decision or Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) decision)  

What is NOT an academic appeal:

  • Termination or removal from a Workplace or clinical placement. These decisions are to be directed to the Associate Dean for the program.
  • Failed co-op terms. These decisions are to be directed to the Coop Office.
  • Mid-term grade or assignment grade. Concerns with these grades should be directed to the faculty member.  

Some matters are handled through separate college policies or procedures and are not part of the Academic Appeal process, including but not limited to: 

  • Discrimination and harassment  

  • Sexual violence  

  • Student conduct 

For complete policy information, procedures, and official forms, please visit the Corporate Policies and Procedures webpage for more information.  

mohawk college appeal process infographic

Understanding the appeals process: 

Before I submit a Step 1 Appeal 

1. Review the Academic Appeals Policy  

Before submitting an appeal, carefully review the Academic Appeals Policy, and make sure you understand: 

  • Valid grounds for an appeal
  • Timelines (appeals must be submitted within 5 business days of receipt of the academic decision)
  • What supporting documentation is needed

 

Remember: An appeal is not simply a request for a higher grade. You must clearly show that the original academic decision was wrong, and deserves to be changed. 



If you need assistance understanding the process or policy, you can contact the Registrar's Office via email at: academicappeal [at] mohawkcollege.ca (academicappeal[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca) 

2. Try to Resolve the Issue Informally 

Before you begin a formal Step 1 appeal, and within 5 business days of receiving the academic decision, you must first reach out directly to your faculty to discuss your concern. Many concerns, such as questions about grades, can often be resolved through a respectful conversation.   

Ensure you keep a written record of your informal efforts - email exchanges, meeting notes, or a log of your communication - as this is a requirement of the formal step 1 appeal process. 



If you have reached out to your faculty but there is a delay discussing your concern with them, you must still submit your Step 1 Appeal within 5 business days of receiving the academic decision.

If your concern cannot be resolved, or if you believe a mistake or policy violation has occurred, you may proceed with submitting a formal Step 1 appeal. 

Submit the Step 1 Academic Appeal Form 

After you have reviewed the policy and the information above, and are ready to proceed with your Step 1 Appeal, please visit the following link to access the form: Step 1 Academic Appeal Form 

After I Submit my Step 1 Appeal 

  1. The Registrar’s Office reviews your appeal submission to confirm it meets the required grounds shared within the policy.
  2. The Registrar’s Office will notify you about whether your appeal will proceed in the appeals process via your Mohawk College email.
  3. Eligible Step 1 appeals are forwarded to the Academic Manager for review.
  4. A written decision from the Academic Manager is normally provided within seven (7) working days after the appeal is received for review. 

  5. As the Step 1 Appeal process moves forward, you can continue in requisite courses while the appeals process is finalized. An exception to this would be placements or other work integrated learning activities where you cannot progress. The same is true for appeals that move to Step 2.

Appeal Outcomes 

Upon reviewing the appeal and related documentation, the Academic manager will notify you of their decision by email within seven (7) business days. Possible outcomes may include: 

  • The academic decision is upheld (unchanged). 

  • The academic decision is adjusted (i.e. increase or decrease in severity). 

  • The academic decision is revoked (removed). 

  • The academic decision is modified (i.e. remediation is assigned; an additional assignment is given, etc.) 

The decision of the academic manager is final. 

If you believe the policy wasn’t followed or there was an error in your Step 1 review, you may be eligible to submit a Step 2 appeal.  

A Step 2 appeal can be filed within five (5) working days of receiving your Step 1 outcome. It is not a re-review of your original academic concern and no additional documentation regarding the Step 1 appeal can be submitted. Ensure you understand the grounds for a Step 2 appeal by reviewing the Academic Appeals policy.

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