Senate News

Medical School Policy on Grading, Progression and Academic Standing in the Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program

This policy establishes and communicates a standard for determining acceptable overall academic, professional and clinical performance towards achievement of the curriculum’s learning outcomes in the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program (the “Program”) at Toronto Metropolitan University (the “university”), to provide all students in the Program a measure of academic standing that is transparent and based on uniform definitions and categories while providing consistent rules for progression through the Program.

The ammendments  to this policy will come into effect with the inagural semester of the School of Medicine - Fall 2025.

Policy 170(d): Grading, Progression and Academic Standing in the Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program

For more information, please refer to approved policy found in the November 2023 Senate Agenda pages 102 - 197 found here. (external link)   

New for Fall 2025 - Medical School Policy on Attendance and Absence for Students in the Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program 

The Toronto Metropolitan University (the “University”) School of Medicine’s MD program is designed to promote learning through a competency-based approach in which curriculum objectives and content are reinforced across the program’s four years via an ascending level of complexity. To achieve the learning outcomes of the MD program for progression, students in the MD program must attend all assessments and actively contribute in all required learning experiences.

This policy outlines the principles and governance for attendance at and absences from required learning experiences and assessments for all students across all Phases in the MD program.The program has periods of vacation built into the curriculum in each of the three Phases as indicated in the Student Handbook. Outside of this period, any absence requests must follow the process outlined in this policy.

Policy 174: Policy on Attendance and Absence for Students in the Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program

For more information, please refer to approved policy found in the November 2023 Senate Agenda pages 102 - 197 found here. (external link) 

New for Fall 2025 - Medical School Policy on Standards of Professional Conduct for Students in the Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program

The purpose of this policy is to establish and communicate a framework of professional conduct for students in the TMU School of Medicine’s Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, to outline expectations for standards of professional behaviour, and to ensure the delivery of safe, effective and ethical patient care by fostering the development and maintenance of high standards of Professionalism.

Professionalism is a key learning outcome for medical education in Canada as set out by the CanMEDS 2015 framework. Accordingly, it is also a key learning outcome for TMU’s MD program. As health professionals, physicians are committed to values and standards of care that govern the profession while improving health and well-being for patients, colleagues, health professionals and society. As future physicians, MD students learn and demonstrate high standards (personal and as physician-learner) through ethical, equitable, anti-discriminatory, inclusion-focused action in care, involved community activities, and in their personal life. They are accountable to the standards of the medical profession, our school, university, and society. 

Addressing Lapses in Professionalism is important to ensure students receive a safe, equitable and inclusive learning environment as well as adequate support in developing their professional identity and its associated competencies in the practice of medicine across their medical education and in their provision of safe and equitable patient care.

Policy 175: Standards of Professional Conduct for Students in the Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program

For more information, please refer to approved policy found in the November 2023 Senate Agenda pages 102-197 found here. (external link)   

Updates to Policy 168: Grade and Standing Appeals - Includes School of Medicine effective for Fall 2025

Modifications to the Current Grade and Standing Appeals Policy to include the School of Medicine.  Changes for the SoM will be effective Fall 2025. Changes include:  

• Consistency with the TMU Senate Policy Framework;
• Addition of Medical Students to the Scope of Policy,
• Enhancements to include the SoM nomenclature in definitions, policy and procedures;
• Alignment with other TMU Academic policies;
• Integration of Medical School protocols where necessary.

Policy 168: Grade and Standing Appeals

For more information, please refer to approved policy found in the November 2023 Senate Agenda pages 102 - 197 found here. (external link)   

The committee for the review of Policy 135: Final Examinations has completed their process and is now seeking community consultation and feedback on the final Policy draft.  

TMU Community members are encouraged to review the draft and to provide feedback on the policy between January 10th and January 24th, 2024.  

Please visit the Senate Policies - Community Feedback and Engagement page and select Policy 135: Final Examinations to access the draft policy document and the google response form link.  

Committee members: 

Michelle Green (Co-chair) Manager, Policy Implementation and Engagement   

Stephanie Goetz, Acting Manager, Digital Media Projects, Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching

Brian Williams, Acting Director, Academic Accommodation & Learning

Daniel Elacqua, Manager, Program Support and Logistics, G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education

Victoria Madsen, Senate Policy and Appeals Specialist, Senate Office 

Andrew McWilliams, Associate Dean, Faculty of Science

Carolyn Posa (Co-chair) Associate Registrar, Policy and Academic Engagement

Donna Bell, Secretary of Senate 

Debbie Wilk, Director Client and Program Services, G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education

Kateryna Metersky, Assistant Professor, Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing. 

Malka Daniels, Student Senator, Law and Business, Ted Rogers School of Management 

Nancy Walton, Associate Dean, Student Affairs, Yeates School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

Mansa Trotman, Logistics Specialist, G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education

Kasha Visutskie, Academic Integrity Specialist, Academic Integrity Office

Boza Tasic, Associate Professor, Global Management Studies, Ted Rogers School of Management

Graham Hudson, Interim Dean, Lincoln Alexander School of Law

Jason Lisi, Executive Director, Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching

Sara Afshar, Student Senator, Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Architectural Science 

The Senate Appeals Committee (SAC) is the final level to consider grade and standing appeals for undergraduate, graduate, law and continuing education students (see Policy 168). It also considers cases regarding non-academic misconduct (see Policy 61), additional timespan extension requests (see Policy 170A), and is the final level of appeal for academic misconduct cases (see Policy 60). 

Further details about student membership on the SAC  (google doc) is available here (external link)  and on the Senate Website.

Students interested in the SAC: Please submit your application via this Google form link  (external link) on or before Wednesday, September 27, 2023. 

In compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) act, effective June 16, 2023, all Senate Policies have been converted to HTML format. For your convenience, we have compiled a  (google sheet) list (external link)  of corresponding URLs for easy reference. 

Note that only temporary redirects have been put in place to mitigate the impact of broken links, so if you have any direct links to Senate Policies on your websites and/or within resource documents, handbooks, guides, etc. and/or bookmarks to specific PDF documents on our website, we ask that you please update them to the new URLs, as soon as possible.

For a list of Senate Policies now in HTML format please go to the Policies tab found here 

At its meeting on April 4, 2022, the SRCAC approved the formation of a Steering Committee and Advisory Group to guide the development of a new policy to address the institutional gap that currently exists regarding SRC-focused Academic Chairs, and reinforce the University’s commitment to recognizing and supporting the role these positions play in advancing the mission of the University.

Please see Policy 173

The Policy on the Funding of SRC-focused Academic Chairs will:

• Guide in the establishment of SRC-focused Academic Chairs that are funded by endowments, donations or other funds that support the University’s SRC strategy,objectives and mission;
• Set University-wide principles and transparent procedures for the establishment, support and disestablishment of SRC-focused Academic Chairs.

Link Policy 58 

The Use of Biohazardous and Infectious Materials in Research and Teaching policy was last updated on May 1, 2018. Since that time, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has increased their compliance mandates and started actively conducting biosafety and biosecurity audits at licensed institutions. Focus has been on institutional policies, application of the policy and all mandates under such policies. In particular, facilities are being audited to review their documented policies and with heightened scrutiny on biosecurity policies and practices, written procedures and observed practices following such procedures, training and retraining records, and the incorporation of local risk assessments that show documented proof that institutions are assessing dual use potential of their biohazardous agents. Updates to the Policy were required to strengthen language around biosecurity as well as the language mandating that researchers or individuals who work with biohazardous materials are required to conduct local risk assessments before beginning any work with new pathogens or toxins.

The Ethics Review of Research Involving Animals Policy was last updated on May 1, 2018.  Since that time, there have been minimal changes to the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) guidelines and processes for research that involves animals.

Updates to the Policy were required to provide clarity, strengthen language, and meet compliance mandates where necessary.

Link: Policy 52

Effective Immediately for Winter 2023 Term Appeals 

Policy 168 Standing Appeal Procedures Update

The purpose of these changes was to provide further clarity on impacts to standing appeals, effective for Winter 2023 appeals.

Please see Policy 168

Summary of Changes:

• A standing appeal at any level will not be accepted where a fourth attempt (or a third attempt based on grade variations) was previously approved as a final exception from the Registrar’s Office, and was subsequently failed. This decision is final and cannot be further appealed. (Procedures, Sections 3.1.2, 3.2.2, 3.3.2)
• The Secretary of Senate or Designate shall not recommend a summary dismissal of a PPW or WITHDRAWN standing appeal that has been submitted within the required  timelines. Exceptions to this rule can be found in Procedures section 3.3.2. (Procedures, Section 5.2)

Effective Immediately for Winter 2023 Term Appeals 

Policy 170(a) Fresh Start Procedures Update 

Policy 170(a) Procedures has been revised to include Procedures in Section 11.18 related to appealing Fresh Start. 

Link: Policy 170(a)

Summary of Changes:

• Students who fail to successfully complete the requirements of either the EAP1 or EAP2 contract may not appeal their grades in a Fresh Start Strategies course or their academic standing. (Procedures, Section 11.18)

Effective for Fall 2022

Revised Policy 46: Undergraduate Course Grading, Academic Program Standing and Eligibility to Graduate has now been renumbered.  Starting Fall 2022, the new Policy number will be 170(a). 

Please see Policy 170(a): Undergraduate Course Grading, Academic Program Standing and Eligibility to Graduate

This is an administrative change only.  The purpose of this change is to ensure the Senate Office and Office of the Registrar can continue to manage and organize the policies that govern the official student record e.g. course grading, program standing and students' eligibility to graduate, while providing numbering options for new Faculties/schools and program policies in the future.

Summary of Changes: 

• There has been no change to the content or structure of the Policy.  Only the policy number has been changed. 

• This administrative change will allow the Senate Office to align and organize similar policies dealing with course grading, program standing and eligibility to graduate such as 170(b) Graduate (formerly Policy 164) and 170(c) Law School (new for 2022/2023) under sub-categories within a master policy number framework.

• There will be no immediate change to policy links related to the previous Policy number.

Effective for Fall 2022

Revised: Policy 48: Undergraduate and Lincoln Alexander School of Law Academic Term.

Link: Undergraduate and Linccoln Alexander School of Law Academic Term 

Amended: Policy 48: Undergraduate and Lincoln Alexander School of Law Academic Term Policy now includes LASL. 

The Senate has approved an amendment to Policy 48: Undergraduate Academic Term to allow the 5 required intensive courses in the Juris Doctor (JD) program to run in the week before the official start of the term and to allow the required professional placement course to begin in the week prior to the official start of term in both the Fall and Winter terms on a permanent basis. 

The addition of new language (section 4) in the policy now supports the delivery of the JD program’s unique curriculum and meets the requirements of the program’s accrediting bodies: the Federation of Law Societies of Canada (FLSC) and the Law Society of Ontario (LSO). 

Summary of Changes;

Policy Name Change: The Policy now reflects the addition of LASL to the name and the addition of Section 4 to Policy 48 which is specific to LASL.

Intensive Courses: The amendment will permit a change so that the intensive courses (which are integral to the JD Program) will no longer be delivered in the first week of the 12-week term. The program's term-long courses will be delivered over the full 12 weeks in order to teach required professional competencies. 

Professional Placement: In 2019 the program was approved for the Integrated Practice Curriculum (IPC) designation from the LSO. The designation requires the professional placement course to include 15-weeks of direct supervision by a practicing lawyer. To accommodate this 15-week timeline, onboarding activities for the placement need to be run in the week before the official start of term. 

The IPC designation also requires the delivery of professional skills during each of the 5 required intensives. 

For more information on the Senate approval of changes, please see the June 2022 Senate Agenda.

Effective for Fall 2022

Revised: Policy 76: Development and Review of Continuing Education Offerings.

Link - Development and Review of Continuing Education Offerings

Policy 76 governs the development and review of certificate programs at The Chang School. The policy was last updated in 2016. Since then, there have been several shifts in the continuing education landscape that are not captured in the current version of Policy 76.

A policy review committee was created and a policy review was completed in early 2022.  Policy 76 has now been updated to help us better serve the needs of continuous learners across Canada and beyond by reflecting a better understanding of changing continuous learner demographics and the evolving technology and societal developments that continue to disrupt all sectors and require new or renewed skills and competencies.

Summary of Changes:

• New Policy name that better reflects the school's commitment to identifying new opportunities to grow and maintain our competitive advantage.
• Introduction and definitions of "Microcredential" and "Microcertificate"offerings and artifacts
• Clear distinction between Microcredential and Certificate requirements.
• Broadened values and principles to align with the TMU 2020-2025 academic plan.
• Comprehensive procedures section providing clarification on:
  • development, and implementation of microcredential, microcertificate and certificate offerings
  • the program review cycle for each offering.

Institutional Quality Assurance Process (IQAP) - Policy 110, 112, 126 and 127

These policies have been updated:

• Each protocol now mirror each other and are consistent with the Quality Assurance Framework
• Explicit references to equity, diversity and inclusion are provided with regards to processes throughout the various protocols
• New definitions as well as several references and linkages to the Ontario Qualifications Framework have been added throughout

Effective for Fall 2022

Revised: Policy 159: Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities.

Link: Policy 159:Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

June 2022, the Senate at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) approved the revised Policy 159: Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities.  This Policy establishes the guiding principles, conditions, and expectations surrounding the request for and provision of academic accommodations for students with disabilities.  

Summary of changes 

The policy has been updated to better reflect the university’s values, and to demonstrate a stronger commitment to addressing the barriers that some students face, including ableism, in the learning environment. 

• Policy 159 now includes broader definitions of key terms (i.e. “ableism”, “academic accommodation”, “accessibility”, “essential academic requirements”, “disability”, “faculty (non-capitalized)”, “medical documentation”, “instructor”, “non-course degree requirements”, “staff” and “student”)  to better align them with current legislation and the learning environment; 

• A  “new” Values and Principles section that reflects TMU’s 2020-2025 Academic Plan as well as alignment with the Senate Policy Framework guidelines.  

• Emphasis on the importance of collaboration and shared responsibility in the accommodation process.
  • Clarifies roles and responsibilities for all involved in the accommodations process.  
  • Roles and responsibilities now moved to the policy from the procedures section. 
• A more comprehensive Procedures framework that outlines:
  • guidelines for resolution of disagreements and;
  • the process for the consideration of requests for retroactive accommodations.

The AAS’ Shared Responsibility Project. 

Academic Accommodation Support (AAS) is currently developing information/training sessions to augment this policy and to increase knowledge of its application, among faculty and instructors, staff, and departments across the university,

Discussion topics can include but are not limited to: 

• A review of the differences between Academic Considerations and Academic Accommodations policies and how these policies intersect. 
• Clarification on how and when to refer a student for appropriate support services.  
• How to implement academic considerations or academic accommodations in situations that are nuanced.

For more information on these sessions please contact AAS or senate@torontomu.ca

Effective for Fall 2022

Revised Policy 164: Graduate Status, Enrolment and Evaluation has now been renumbered.  Starting Fall 2022, the new Policy number will be 170(b). 

Link: Policy 170(b): Graduate Status, Enrolment and Evaluation (Formerly Policy 164)

This is an administrative change only.  The purpose is to ensure the Senate Office and Office of the Registrar can continue to manage and organize the policies that govern the official student record, e.g. course grading, program standings and students' eligibility to graduate, while providing numbering options for new Faculties/schools and program policies in the future.

Summary of Changes: 

• There has been no change to the content or structure of the Policy.  Only the policy number has been changed. 

• This administrative change will allow the Senate Office to align and organize similar policies dealing with course grading, program standing and eligibility to graduate such as 170(a) Undergraduate (formerly Policy 46) and 170(c) Law School (new for 2022/2023) under sub-categories within a master policy number framework.

• There will be no immediate change to policy links related to the previous Policy number.

Effective for Fall 2022, 

NEW Policy 170(c): Lincoln Alexander School of Law Grading, Promotion and Academic Standing Policy

Link: Policy 170(c): Lincoln Alexander School of Law: Grading, Promotion and Academic Standing Policy 

The new Lincoln Alexander School of Law (LASL) Grading, Promotion, and Academic Standing policy consolidates grading and standing rules approved by the Toronto Metropolitan University Senate on October 1, 2019, with the grading and standing designations currently used by the Registrar’s Office. 

Policy 170(c) includes some additions and improvements to these rules, based on experience administering the Juris Doctor (JD) program at Toronto Metropolitan University.

The new policy number will be consistent with the numbering format for all University policies that govern grades, academic standing and eligibility to graduate.  (See policies 170(a) Undergraduate and 170(b) Graduate.)  

Summary of Changes

Minor Changes:

Course Performance Designations (ss. 5.3, 5.4): 

“Incomplete” and “In Progress” designations have been added to the standing section of policy. 

The CRT designation has also been amended to reflect the professional nature of the program. 

A “PSD” designation has now been included. 

Grade Point Averages (s. 5.5): 

Included is now an “Academic Year Grade Point Average” to assess standing at the end of the Fall/Winter academic cycle rather than each term.

Academic Standing and Performance (s. 6.3): LASL currently has only three standing designations: Clear, Failed, and Withdrawn. We have included an standing of “In Progress” to allow students to complete outstanding work without assigning either Failed or Clear standings.

Moderate Changes:

Integrated Practice Curriculum (“IPC”) (ss. 6.4, 7.1): LASL has expanded the definition of a failed course to include non-completion of Integrated Practice Curriculum (“IPC”) assignments, whether these assignments are graded or ungraded. This means that students cannot pass a course unless they complete all IPC material. 

The LASL IPC is a professionally recognized alternative to the articling phase of the licensing process in Ontario. 

The Law Society of Ontario recognizes that students who graduate from the LASL are exempt from its articling requirements. This new rule ensures all our students are competent to join the Ontario Bar.

Rules Governing Failed Years (s. 7.6): LASL has removed the option of writing special examinations for students who fail a course. The special examination is unnecessary as students can already appeal grades and request analogous remedies, including rewriting an exam. We have also designated the Associate Dean, Academic as the decision maker for reinstatement requests. This role was formally assigned to the Academic Standing Committee.

Procedures: LASL has added detailed procedures relating to incomplete grades, grade revisions, reinstatement, timespan requests/appeals, and graduation requirements.

Effective For Fall 2022

NEW Policy 172: Student Names 

Link: Policy 172: Student Names

Toronto Metropolitan University is committed to fostering an environment of inclusiveness and supports students' chosen form of self-identification.   Senate approved Policy 172: Student Names Policy on May 2, 2022 for implementation in the Fall 2022 term.

Students may choose to be identified in the Student Administration System by the chosen first name that they would like to be addressed by at the University..  The chosen name will appear for internal purposes such as the class roster, grade roster, D2L, and Google Meet and Zoom display names. The University will still require that students use their legal name on all legal records and official documents.

All official documents produced by the University for external use, such as but not limited to transcripts, parchments, and enrolment confirmations, will state the full, legal names of students.

The Student Names policy will apply to all students at the University. The policy outlines:

• Clear definitions for overview of the legal name and the chosen first name.
• Clarification on where the chosen name will display and how it will be used in RAMSS and other university systems. 
• New functionality in RAMSS that will allow students to select a chosen name that they wish to be identified by on campus, without changing their legal name. 
• The Policy also supports the process for altering, deleting, substituting or adding a legal name or a chosen first name to a student’s academic record.
• The Policy includes a section on Procedures for;
  • Legal name changes
  • Chosen name changes
  • Requests to use a chosen name on official University documents
  • Legal name changes for former students and alumni
  • Legal name and chosen name changes for Instructors/Lecturers who are current or former students 
  • Details of chosen name usage

Policy 46: Undergraduate Course Grading, Academic Program Standing and Eligibility to Graduate 

Update for Students/Faculty & Staff

Amendments to the INC grade were approved at Senate on October 5, 2021.

Some key points for the INC grade designation:

• Students must use the INC Grade Request Form to petition their instructor for an INC grade designation.
• The INC grade is a temporary grade that may be assigned by an instructor when incomplete coursework or a missed final examination is outstanding due to documented extenuating circumstances and there is a reasonable expectation that the student can and will complete the work according to the timelines specified.
• If a student has 2 or more INCs outstanding at the start of a term, Academic Programs may apply restrictions around the number of courses a student can enrol in for the term.
• If a student enrols in a course in which the prerequisite for that course has an outstanding INC, the INC must be resolved and a final course grade assigned and updated on the student record on or before the last day to add classes for the term.
• INC grades that have not been resolved and/or revised by the 3-month deadline for completion will lapse to a failed (F) grade each term according to the following timeline: April 15 for Fall Term courses, August 1 for Winter Term courses and November 30 for Spring/Summer Term courses.
• In extenuating circumstances, the student may request approval from the instructor and the Chair/Director of the teaching department for a one-time extension to the original INC completion date agreed to on the Incomplete Grade Request Form.

For complete details regarding INC grades, see Policy Section 5.5.2 and Procedures Section 3 in the Policy 46, Undergraduate Course Grading, Academic Program Standing and Eligibility to Graduate,

Revised: Policy 46: Undergraduate Course Grading, Academic Program Standing, and Eligibility to Graduate

Policy 46: Undergraduate Course Grading, Academic Program Standing, and Eligibility to Graduate

Summary of Changes:

• Title change to reflect content regarding eligibility to graduate. Language throughout the Policy is simplified and clarified. 
• Added definitions section
• Added Principles section
• FNA course designation is being renamed from Failure for Non-Attendance to Failure, Non-Assessment to support assessment as opposed to attendance. 
• Clause regarding ‘no student will be Required to Withdraw after their first term of attendance as a Toronto Metropolitan University Undergraduate student at the end of the Fall term’, added Winter term to this Policy to support students with different admission timelines. 
• Introduced student responsibility to provide the Dean or designate a plan of study when requesting time span extensions. 
• Introduced appeal process for time span extension requests. Appeals and second time span extension requests submitted to SAC to ensure consistency, equity and fairness. 
• ‘Discontinuation’ from a program of study information added to the Policy. 
• Accompanying Procedures section provides clarification for:
  • Grade revisions
  • Standing Variation Withdrawal (SVW)
  • Fresh Start Program and Reinstatement procedures
  • Course repeats
  • Probationary contracts
  • Timespan to complete program requirements and Timespan extensions

What is Policy 61?

Policy 61 includes policy and procedures for addressing challenging non-academic student behaviour.  The goal is to educate students about their rights and responsibilities and to enable fair processes that address challenging student behaviour while balancing support, accountability and education.

What are the key changes to Policy 61?

Accessibility 

Policy 61 was rewritten using Accessible, plain language that is Student-Friendly.  Major concepts are now clearly defined early in the policy.

Transparency

Substantive changes were made to ensure compliance with the Senate policy framework and student conduct practices. Procedures were updated based on policy changes to promote Transparency and understanding.

Support Framework

The updated policy establishes a Supportive Process to ensure all community members participating are treated with empathy, dignity, and care. In particular, the new policy sets out a Support Framework that outlines Toronto Metropolitan University’s commitment to ensure community members who experience harmful behaviour are provided with resources to support and assist them.  Examples of changes include a robust values and principles section, the addition of appeal rights for Complainants and the introduction of Harm Reduction & Good Samaritan principles.  These changes reflect current operations and best practices of student conduct and case management foundational principles.

Community Standards

The updated policy lays out Community Standards by outlining the rights and responsibilities and university expectations of students. This section was rewritten with an equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) lens to outline how Toronto Metropolitan University expects community members to uphold a safe community defined by mutual respect, equity, civility, dignity, and inclusivity. In addition, the new Community Standards define more transparently how all non-academic conduct policies (SVP, DHPP, Residence Community Standards) work in accordance to promote community safety and address challenging behaviour.

Procedural Fairness

Substantive changes were made to increase Procedural Fairness in various parts of the Policy 61 process.  For example, there is now a new level of Decision Maker, the Executive Director, Student Affairs.  Complainants now have a right to appeal decisions to give them agency to express their interests independent of the university’s position and perspective.  And, when expulsion is being considered as a sanction, there are now appeal rights to reflect the high level academic impact of this type of decision.

Interim Measures

The updated policy includes clarified procedures for interim measures to be put in place when an incident occurs that includes immediate concern for personal and/or community safety.  The update ensures a fair process for students to appeal any interim suspension applied.

Online Environment

The update clarifies the scope and application of the Code to address incidents that occur online or via social media. 

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI)

EDI was used as a guiding principle in rewriting the entirety of the policy and the subsequent procedures section.

Effective for Fall 2020 Courses

1. Retired: Policy 134 Undergraduate Academic Consideration and Appeals and Policy 152 Graduate Student Academic Consideration and Appeals; 
2. New: Academic consideration requests and academic appeals are now two separate policies.

NEW: Policy 167 Academic Consideration 

NEW: Policy 168 Grade and Standing Appeals

• Graduate and undergraduate academic consideration requests under one single policy (Policy 167)
• Graduate and undergraduate grade and standing appeals under one single policy (Policy 168)
• “Extenuating Circumstances” is introduced; we are no longer differentiating between health, and or compassionate
• Automated Submission - on-line systems to submit both academic consideration requests and grade and standing appeals 
  • all Faculties are now "live" with on-line academic consideration requests (ACR).
  • all Faculties will be fully live with on-line grade and standing appeals in Winter 2021.

Highlights of Changes for Policy 167: Academic Consideration 

Academic Consideration:

• Separate policy provides a clear definition and process for managing requests for  academic consideration which is distinctly different from academic accommodation 
• Request for academic consideration without documentation is permitted in limited circumstances (see point below) one time per term only. (Note: Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, in order to protect the health and safety of the Toronto Metropolitan University community, health documentation requirements for Fall 2020 may be suspended with the exception of more long term illnesses. See the Senate website for the most up to date information.)
• Documentation is required for: final assessments/final exams; if temporary absence lasts more than 3 days; and if a request for academic consideration without documentation has already occurred in that academic term.
• Addition of values and principles that reflect the need to support students with significant extenuating circumstances and to minimize the negative impact of such circumstances on students’ academic obligations. 

Effective for Fall 2020 Courses 

1. Retired: Policy 134 Undergraduate Academic Consideration and Appeals and Policy 152 Graduate Student Academic Consideration and Appeals; 
2. New: Academic consideration requests and academic appeals are now two separate policies.

NEW:  Policy 167 Academic Consideration 

NEW:  Policy 168 Grade and Standing Appeals

• Graduate and undergraduate academic consideration requests under one single policy (Policy 167)
• Graduate and undergraduate grade and standing appeals under one single policy (Policy 168)
• “Extenuating Circumstances” is introduced; we are no longer differentiating between health, and or compassionate
• Automated Submission - on-line systems to submit both academic consideration requests and grade and standing appeals. All Faculties are now "live" with on-line academic consideration requests (ACR). All Faculties will be fully live with on-line grade and standing appeals in Winter 2021.

Highlights of Changes for Policy 168: Grade and Standing Appeals: 

Grade and Standing Appeals:

• Emphasis on informal resolution (where possible) before a student files a formal appeal. The onus is on the student to communicate with the instructor about their concerns to see if there is a possible solution. All informal resolutions must adhere to Senate policies and procedures.
• Extended decision making time period from 5 working days to 10 working days at all levels of appeal.
• Streamlined and expedited dismissal process at the Senate Appeals level.
• Students appealing their academic standing can only remain in courses for 1 term while awaiting the outcome of the appeal process (unless the delay in the process is due to the University).

New for FALL 2020

NEW: Policy 169:  Experiential Learning. 

• Policy outlines the core defining aspects of experiential learning that guide the design of academically relevant EL offered at Ryerson.  The policy further identifies risk management practices that serve to ensure a safe learning environment for students, faculty/staff, and EL partners.
• The accompanying Procedures section outlines support, resources and processes for  EL opportunities.

For any further support or consultation please contact the EL Hub. (opens in new window) 

Summary of Changes:  Policy 154: Signing of Research Applications and Agreements in Support of Scholarly, Research and Creative Activity

• Title change from ‘Signing of Research Applications and Agreements in Support of Research’ to ‘Signing of Research Applications and Agreements in Support of Scholarly, Research and Creative Activity’ to be consistent with institutional language.
• Clarified that the policy applies to all applications and agreements of any nature that concern SRC activity that is in any way to be undertaken under the auspices of the University, regardless of whether there are funds involved.
• Clarified that the University signing authority is designated to the VPRI and does not de facto include the Office of Research Services.            
  • Added in the signatory of the Chief Librarian for SRC activity originating from the Library.
  • Added comprehensive definitions regarding SRC applications and SRC agreements.
• Clarified the roles and responsibilities for signatures, in particular as it relates to the Principal Investigators and their responsibility to ensure the documenting of commitments and an accountability for meeting eligibility requirements.

REVISED: Policy 164: Graduate Status, Enrolment and Evaluation

The following changes have been approved to Section 6 to improve the process of setting expectations for non-course requirements and evaluating a student’s performance in a timely fashion. Changes are effective for Fall 2020.

New Approved Section:

6.5 Evaluation of non-course program requirement progress

6.5.1 Once a student begins working on their non-course program requirements, their supervisor/Supervisory Committee they will assign a performance designation of:

6.5.1.1. INP (in progress) is granted for satisfactory progress; or

6.5.1.2. UNS (unsatisfactory) is granted for unsatisfactory progress.

6.5.2 Performance designations will be submitted each term in alignment with grade submission deadlines.

6.6 Progress Reviews (New Section-numbering will be adjusted)

6.6.1 Students will be required to submit progress reviews in accordance with YSGS, Faculty and program requirements.

6.7 Plan of study (New Section-numbering will be adjusted)

6.7.1  Students and supervisors/supervisory committees will be required to complete and submit to their GPD a plan of study that outlines what courses the students will enroll in and the non-course expectations for each term in their program.

6.7.2 The plan of study must be completed in the student’s first term and may be amended at any point with the agreement of both parties and the GPD.

6.8 Other program requirement completion designations Students will receive the designation of Completed for the completion of non-course and non-SRC program requirements.

Updated procedures to support these Policy changes can be found in the Policy document.