Missed Tests/Extensions

What do I do if I miss a term test in my course?

Absence Declarations:  Beginning in the Fall 2023 – Winter 2024 academic year, students who miss an academic obligation during the term (i.e., in-class assessment, quiz, paper) may use the ACORN Absence Declaration Tool once per academic term (e.g., the Fall term).  

  • When you declare your absence on ACORN, you must also submit a Request for Special Consideration form to the DVS Undergraduate Counsellor, s.sullivan@utoronto.ca, (but without the need to present additional supporting documentation).
  • Additional absences must follow the DVS missed term work policy and supporting documentation is required.  
  • An ACORN-based absence declaration covers a period of up to 7 consecutive calendar days.    
  • The declaration cannot be used for matters that require a petition (e.g., final exam/final assessment). 

In addition to the above, please note that you are responsible for submitting a Request for Special Consideration form to the DVS undergraduate counsellor, s.sullivan@utoronto.ca on the day of absence, to request the academic consideration you are seeking. Extensions or deferred tests can only be granted because of circumstances beyond your control (severe illness, accident, death of a loved one, etc.).  All such requests must be submitted within 48 hours from the date of the missed test or assignment. Late submissions will NOT be considered.

In case of emergencies (medical or other) contact the Undergraduate Counsellor Steph Sullivan at s.sullivan@utoronto.ca within 24hrs of the due date of an assignment or test.

No penalty will be assigned if your request for special consideration, described above, was successful.

For the fall 2023 term, electronic copies or any other kinds of documentation will suffice.

Supporting documentation  (e.g., a medical certificate, accident report, etc.) is to be emailed to Steph Sullivan at s.sullivan@utoronto.ca.

 
In case of emergencies (medical or other) contact the Undergraduate Counsellor Steph Sullivan at s.sullivan@utoronto.ca within 24hrs of the due date of an assignment or test.
 
No penalty will be assigned if your request for special consideration, described above, was successful.


Original supporting documentation  (e.g., a medical certificate, accident report, etc.) is to be brought to Steph Sullivan at s.sullivan@utoronto.ca, Undergraduate Counsellor, located in the CCT Building, Room 3051.

Deadlines

You have 48 hours from the date of the missed test to submit your request.

Decisions

You will be contacted by the Undergraduate Counsellor, who will inform you of the decision.

Note: Although the Undergraduate Counsellor will make every effort to inform you of the committee's decision by e-mail, it is your responsibility to ensure you obtain a decision from the department. Claims that a departmental decision was not received will NOT be considered as a reason for further consideration.

Make-up Tests

If your decision is GRANTED and a make-up test is required, you will write within two weeks of the original test date. The Undergraduate Counsellor will contact you when a make-up date has been arranged. The department will try to give 2-3 days notice of make-up date, however this is sometimes not possible.  Be prepared for the make-up.

Redistribution of Grades

If your decision is GRANTED and a make-up test is not available, a redistribution of your grades will apply. Feel free to contact your instructor on how your marks will be redistributed.

Medical Documentation

Verification of Student Illness or Injury Forms

A medical certificate or doctor's note MUST include the statement "This Student was unable to write the test on date(s) for medical reasons." Medical professionals need to fill out the Verification of Student Illness or Injury Form. Documentation MUST show that the physician was consulted within ONE day of the test. A statement merely confirming a report of illness made by the student is NOT acceptable.

What do I do if I need an extension of time to complete term work?

If you require more time to complete term work that will NOT exceed the last day of classes, submit a Special Consideration Form to your instructor, along with supporting documentation. Forms can be obtained from the department or click on Special Consideration Request.

Students who seek to be granted more time to complete their term work beyond the last day of the classes BUT before the last day of the Examination Period, must submit their request directly to the department. This is done by completing the Special Consideration Request.

Original supporting documentation (e.g., a medical certificate, accident report, etc.) is to be brought to Steph Sullivan, Undergraduate Counsellor, located in the CCT Building, Room 3051. You are expected to submit your requests to the department before the last day of the term, unless demonstrably serious reasons prevent you from doing so. If you are seeking a one-day extension for reasons of illness, your medical certificate or doctor’s note must confirm that you were ill on the due date of the assignment. If you are requesting a longer extension, your documentation must specify exactly the length of the period during which you were unable to carry out your academic work. 

Deadlines

It is recommended that requests be submitted in advance of the deadlines outlined above.

Decisions

Requests sent to the department will be decided by the department. You will be contacted by the Undergraduate Counsellor. 

Medical Documentation

Verification of Student Illness or Injury Forms

As noted above, medical certificates or doctors' notes MUST confirm that you were ill on the due date of the assignment for a one (1) day extension.  Medical professionals need to fill out the Verification of Student Illness or Injury Form. For a longer extension, the certificate/note must provide evidence that you were sick during a longer period.

What do I do if I miss a final exam in my course?

You must petition at the Office of the Registrar if you missed a final exam. You are also advised to make yourself aware of University regulations concerning final exams. Petition Form

What do I do if I require an extension beyond the last day of the Examination Period?

You must petition at the Office of the Registrar if you require an extension beyond the last day of the Examination Period. You are also advised to make yourself aware of University regulations concerning final exams.

It is your responsibility to follow the appropriate procedure and submit requests for special consideration on time. Failure to do so may result in your request being denied. Should you require further information regarding special considerations, please contact the Undergraduate Counsellor at s.sullivan@utoronto.ca.

NOTICE OF COLLECTION

The University of Toronto respects your privacy. The information on this form is collected pursuant to section 2(14) of the University of Toronto Act, 1971. It is collected for the purpose of administering accommodations for academic purposes based on medical grounds. The department will maintain a record of all medical certificates received. At all times it will be protected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

If you have questions, please refer to www.utoronto.ca/privacy or contact the University’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Office at 416-946-5835.  Address: Room 201, McMurrich Bldg., 12 Queen’s Park Crescent, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A1.