Appeals
NOTE: The information on this page only applies to students studying in Augustana Faculty programs.
Processes and information for students on filing appeals related to academic standing, course grades and/or calendar regulations. Before submitting an appeal, students should consult with advisors in the Student Academic Services office for advice on possible solutions and the appeal process.
Academic Standing
Students can submit an appeal regarding their academic standing to the Associate Dean, Academic (or designate) by emailing auappeal@ualberta.ca.
Following the conclusion of the winter term, the University of Alberta calculates each student’s Academic Standing (annual GPA). Students will receive an email to their UAlberta email directing them to their Academic Standing Letter in Bear Tracks. This letter includes information about the process to submit an appeal. Students will have 30 calendar days from the date on this letter to submit their appeal via email to auappeal@ualberta.ca. Appeals received after 30 calendar days will not be considered.
If you have any questions or need assistance, you should be in contact with the Student Academic Services office (augsas@ualberta.ca).
Note: You will need to meet with a student accessibility and success advisor and complete the Required to Withdraw (RTW) Workbook before submitting an appeal. This is stated on your Academic Standing Letter and is a requirement for your appeal to be considered.
Appeal Process
Address your petition to Dr. Brandon Alakas, Associate Dean, Academic. Ensure the following is included in your appeal letter (emailed to auappeal@ualberta.ca):
- Your full name
- 7-digit UAlberta Student ID Number
- Your degree program and major
- Reasons for any poor academic performance on your record (suggested factors to consider – study habits; study skills; writing skill; difficulties with the language of instruction; time management; workload demands; unstructured time; social life; personal/family life; work (paid or volunteer) hours; physical or mental health; bereavement; motivation; lack of necessary learning accommodations; etc.). Use the RTW Workbook to reflect on which areas impacted your performance.
- Reason(s) you think it would be in your best interest to return to university studies in the next fall semester rather than taking the year away from academic studies to address the factors that led to the RTW decision (outlined in point 1.).
- Proposed changes/strategies to ensure ultimate academic success should you be permitted to return on academic probation (these should specifically address the factors identified in point 1. above). The RTW Workbook is a great tool to assist you with this point.
- Any other information you feel may assist in strengthening your appeal.
- Your academic strengths and how they align with your chosen program.
- Your career aspirations
- Why your current Augustana program/major is well suited for you/if you intend to pursue a different program/major at Augustana
The appeal process is an exercise in self-advocacy and reflection. Please be thorough, presenting your appeal in the form of a letter. All appeals should include proposed changes/strategies (as suggested above) to illustrate a commitment to undertaking tangible actions that will contribute to future success. Please be advised that consideration under the appeal process does not imply a guarantee of success. Each appeal is judged on its own merit. If you choose to pursue this avenue of appeal by providing a letter of appeal you will be given full consideration, but the decision reached and conveyed is final. You may be contacted should further information or clarification be needed. This may also include a phone or personal interview at the request of the Associate Dean, Academic (or designate).
Note: Students approved to return on academic probation are required to ONLY take courses offered by the Augustana Faculty.
Course Grade
Appeals concerning marks or grades must first be made to the relevant instructor – whether by email or in person – for resolution. Students must clearly explain to the instructor the grounds for the appeal and provide any relevant documentation or evidence.
Appeal Process
If a student is not satisfied with their instructor’s explanation, the student may make an informal appeal to the chair (or chair’s designate) of the department which offers the course through a conversation or casual inquiry.
In the appeal to the chair, be sure to include:
- Relevant information/details about any errors in grading, procedural errors, extenuating circumstances, failure to consider all relevant factors, bias or discrimination.
The department chair will notify the student in writing of their decision.
The deadlines for making this request are:
- February 1 for Fall Term courses
- June 1 for Winter term (or two-term) courses
- September 1 for special sessions (Spring / Summer) courses
- One month after posting of a deferred final examination mark
For information regarding Augustana’s Academic Departments, including email addresses, click on the appropriate link below:
Calendar Regulation(s)
Appeals to depart from a calendar regulation (e.g. exceptions to course requirements, year standing, schedule overloads, etc.) must first be made to the Associate Dean, Academic (or designate) by emailing auappeal@ualberta.ca. Students should include specifically which calendar regulation(s) they are requesting to be granted an exception from along with a clearly expressed explanation for their request, accompanied by a persuasive argument. Students should also consult with a student advisor to explore all possible solutions before resorting to the route of an appeal.
Appeal Process
Ensure the following is included in your appeal:
- Your full name.
- 7-digit UAlberta Student ID Number.
- Your degree program and major.
- The student advisor you have consulted with about this petition.
- The calendar regulation to which you are requesting to be granted an exception.
- A clearly expressed explanation for your request, accompanied by a persuasive argument.
Each petition is judged on its own merit. No petition is automatically accepted nor rejected. The stronger your argument is the more likely your petition will be successful.
Fee-Related Appeals
The Registrar’s Office deals with fee issues and refund requests.
Appeal Process
Please direct all inquiries to the Student Service Centre. It is useful to provide as much detail as possible (including supporting documents, when available) to support your appeal.