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.
3. Gather Your Supporting Documents
Your appeal must include specific, evidence-based information that supports the ground you have selected. Before submitting your Step 1 appeal, use the checklist below to help gather relevant information.
You do not need to provide every type of document listed. Submit the documentation that is relevant to your specific circumstance and supports your appeal.
☐ Documentation of your informal resolution attempt with your faculty member, such as email exchanges or other written records of your communication.
☐ A clear explanation of your concern, including what happened, which grounds for appeal apply, and how the issue affected your academic performance or the academic decision.
☐ Specific and detailed information showing where the approved accommodation plan was not followed or supported
☐ A clear explanation of your concern, including what happened, which grounds for appeal apply, and how the issue affected your academic performance or the decision.
☐ Specific and detailed information showing where there was a significant departure from the course outline or learning plan.
☐ Documentation that supports the concern, such as course communications or other relevant course materials.
Extenuating Circumstances
☐ Formal documentation that explains the unexpected circumstance. This may include a death certificate, funeral notice, legal notice (such as an eviction notice), or other relevant formal documentation.
☐ An explanation of how the circumstance affected your ability to meet a specific course requirement, such as a test or an assignment
☐ Complete and submit the Student Medical Form
The form must be completed by a registered health professional. While details of a diagnosis are not required, the medical professional must attest to the impact of the medical episode (illness, injury, or disability) and/or treatment on your ability to meet a specific course requirement (e.g., a test or assignment). The form must also include the date of onset and anticipated recovery.
☐ An explanation of how the illness or disability affected your academic performance.
☐ An explanation of why documentation was not submitted at the time the issue occurred, if applicable.
☐ Specific reasons detailing why the academic decision does not reflect your demonstrated abilities, actions and/or achievements.
☐ Relevant documentary evidence such as course notes, textbooks, assignment rubrics, placement records, emails, evaluations or other relevant course materials
Personal Bias or Unfair Treatment
☐ A written record of the events that you believe demonstrated unfair treatment.
☐ An explanation of how the treatment effected your ability to succeed.
☐ Your course outlines or relevant assignments (if applicable)
Please note – concerns related to discrimination or harassment may require a separate process through other college departments.
☐ The name or reference of the relevant policy, procedure or established practice.
☐ A clear explanation of the alleged error or violation.
☐ An explanation of how the alleged violation affected your academic performance.
☐ I have identified the specific grounds for my appeal.
☐ I have provided evidence that directly supports my appeal.
☐ I have included documentation of my attempt to resolve the concern informally with my faculty member.
☐ I have included all relevant supporting documentation with my Step 1 appeal.
Important: Supporting documentation is limited to the material submitted with your initial Step 1 appeal. Additional supporting documentation will not be accepted later in the appeal process.
