Important Information
Direct to a Form C
Matters that are Directed to a Hearing at the Outset:
- Form B Formal Inquiry decisions
- Academic Integrity Policy decision of a Faculty Adjudicator
- Code of Student Rights & Responsibilities – certain decisions of the Dean of Students
For these types of appeals, please visit the Form C: Appeal to the SBSA tab.
Preliminary Inquiry
Before filing a Form B students are expected to initiate a preliminary inquiry by going directly to the appropriate instructor, officer or University authority whose decision/action is being questioned.
If the preliminary inquiry has not resolved the matter in a timely fashion, students should then proceed to filing the Form B.
The timelines for submitting a Form B must be adhered to.
Deadlines
Deadlines to file a Form B are directly related to the Term in which the work was originally assessed.
The Form B must be submitted to the appropriate Office no later than:
- July 31 immediately following the Fall/Winter Term
- November 15 immediately following the Spring/Summer Term
The Student Appeal Procedures do not apply to any of the following:
- Non-Academic Certificates and Non-Academic Microcredentials
- McMaster Student Absence Form Policy (MSAF)
- Petitions for Special Consideration
- requests for Retroactive Accommodation (refer to the policy Academic Accommodation of Students with Disabilities)
- decisions on Admission or Re-admission to the University
- any decision of the University Senate or of the Board of Governors;
- Liquor Offences; Parking or Traffic Violations;
- Grievances by students in their capacity as Teaching Assistants;
- any complaint or grievance by a post-graduate medical resident arising out of their post-graduate education;
- matters under the jurisdiction of the Discrimination and Harassment Policy and the Sexual Violence Policy;
- Divinity College matters, except for those academic matters specifically governed by the University Senate;
- any policies identified, from time to time, by the University Senate as not having an appeal route to the Board.
Form B - Formal Inquiry Types
Academic Process Download the Form B: Formal Inquiry - Academic Process
A student questions their grade or the assessment of their performance on a piece of work or in a course, or their academic standing or status in a program, and alleges error or injustice on grounds other than the academic assessment of their work, such as:
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the method of evaluation was not fair and reasonable in the circumstances; or
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the instructor was biased against the student; or
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the instructor deviated substantially from the course outline in contravention of applicable University policies; or
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the application of University regulations governing program or degree requirements was not fair, just, or reasonable.
Non-Academic Download the Form B: Formal Inquiry - Non-Academic
A student questions as unfair, unjust or unreasonable, a decision or action of a University authority or official, which has negative material consequences for their University life, and which is unrelated to courses, or to program or degree requirements.
Undergraduate Student Submissions
Undergraduate Students are to submit to the Faculty/Program that is responsible for the decision being questioned.
For students in degree programs not offered by a Faculty (e.g. the Arts and Science Program), the Program Director is equivalent to the Associate Dean of a Faculty.
Graduate Student and MCE Student Submissions
Graduate Students SGS Admin Email
Graduate students are to submit their Form B to the School of Graduate Studies
Adjudication Process
The matter will be investigated as per the Student Appeal Procedures and the Associate/Assistant Dean shall make a decision and respond in writing with reasons. This response is usually provided within three weeks of receiving the Form B formal inquiry