Missed Tests/Extensions

Absence Declarations:  Students who miss an academic obligation during the term (i.e., in-class assessment, quiz, paper) in CIN, FAH or VCC courses must use the UTM Special Consideration Request application. For FAS courses please submit a Request for Special Consideration form to "Ashley Goertzen" ashley.goertzen1@sheridancollege.ca.

On your SCR form, please attach a screenshot from Quercus showing the assessment title and deadline. This will help us process your SCR accurately and avoid any misunderstandings. 

• You may use the ACORN Absence Declaration Tool once per academic term (e.g., the Fall term).  
• 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). 

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.

Reasons for special consideration could include:

• Accident
• Illness
• Emergency procedure
• Bereavement
• University-sponsored athletics/competitions
• Compulsory legal duties e.g. (jury duty)
• Religious accommodations
• Disability accommodations

Reasons for special consideration do not include*:

• Pre-planned vacations or social commitments
• Transportation delays
• Technology malfunctions
• Time management, course loads
• Course conflicts, team work conflicts
• Misreading a deadline/timetable
• Late course enrolment

* For these situations, refer to your course syllabus and speak directly with your instructor.

The first time in the semester that you are seeking special consideration, please complete the following steps:

1. Login to ACORN, and click on Profile & Settings from the left-hand menu.
2. Click on Absence Declaration.
3. Record each day that you are absent – as soon as it begins up until the day you return to campus for classes or other activities. 
4. Login to the UTM Special Consideration Request application and complete the required steps. Documentation is not required.

For all subsequent times that you require an accommodation, you should only login to the UTM Special Consideration Request application and complete the required steps. Supporting documentation is required.

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.

Supporting documentation  (e.g., a medical certificate, accident report, etc.) may 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.

If you are registered with Accessibility at UTM and/or Accessible Learning Services at Sheridan, and the reason for missing a test or a deadline pertains to a disability, please contact your instructor directly regarding the accommodation.  

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

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

For assignment extensions, do not assume that you will get the extension that you requested. Continue to work on your assignment and hand it in as soon as possible – do not wait for a SCR decision. Extensions can range from 24 hours to one week. 

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.

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.

Verification of Student Illness or Injury Forms

• Verification of Extenuating Circumstance(s)
• Verification of Student Illness or Injury Form

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, it must have the signature of the physician, and the business stamp. A statement merely confirming a report of illness made by the student is NOT acceptable. For a longer extension, the certificate/note must provide evidence that you were sick during a longer period.

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

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

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

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.

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.