How to Submit a Special Consideration Request
To request an assignment extension or make-up test, you must complete both required steps:
- Submit the Special Consideration Request online form within three days of the missed assignment due date or missed test date (including weekends and holidays), AND
- Either declare your absence on ACORN (which can be done once per term), OR upload supporting documentation with your online form.
- If you have not either declared your absence on ACORN or uploaded supporting documentation within three days of submitting your Special Consideration Request form, your request will be denied.
- If you do not comply with the instructions and timelines, or if your request is considered unacceptable, your request will be denied.
- Please review your course syllabus and the information below for further details.
Use of the ACORN Absence Declaration Tool
- Once per term, you can use the ACORN Absence Declaration Tool to support a Special Consideration Request (a request for an extension or a make-up test/quiz).
- By using this option, no supporting documentation is required.
- To learn more about use of the ACORN Absence Declaration Tool, click here.
- To learn how to declare an absence on ACORN, click here.
- NOTE: An instructor may opt to make an assessment exempt from use of the ACORN Absence Declaration option; this would be specifically indicated in the course syllabus. Supporting documentation would need to be submitted in these instances.
Supporting Documentation
- If you have already used your ACORN Absence Declaration option for the term, or prefer not to use it for a particular request, you must submit appropriate supporting documentation with your Special Consideration Request online form.
- Supporting documentation can be uploaded within the Special Consideration Request online form. Please retain the original copy in case you are asked to present it later for validation.
- The type of supporting documentation submitted by a student will depend on the nature of their circumstances. In the case of illness/health/mental health related issues, documentation is usually a medical note, or the U of T Verification of Illness or Injury form. For a death in the family, students may provide a copy of the death certificate, letter from the funeral home, death notice, obituary, etc. For accidents, an accident/police report, or medical note may be submitted.
- If you have an alternative form of documentation, we will assess on a case-by-case basis. If this applies to you, follow the steps above in order to initiate the academic consideration process.
- Please note that you cannot submit documentation that pertains to another individual in support of your Special Consideration Request.
Students Registered with Accessibility Services
- If you are a student registered with Accessibility Services, please submit your request via the Special Consideration Request system. In the online form, check the "UTM Accessibility" box, and select your Accessibility Advisor's name from the drop-down menu. You do not need to upload documentation or declare your absence on ACORN. Your Accessibility Advisor may be in contact with the department regarding support for your request.
Further Information and Policies
- The department (not the instructor) will process your Special Consideration Request in a timely manner (generally 1-2 business days), and you will be notified of the outcome via email. (Note that processing times may vary for students whose requests are also reviewed by Accessibility Services.)
- While you can submit a Special Consideration Request at any time, requests are reviewed during business hours (Monday to Friday), and exclude weekends and holidays.
- If you missed a test, you must be prepared for a make-up at any point after your original missed test. If you missed an assignment due date, do not wait for the outcome of your request before resuming work on your assignment; you must submit your assignment as per the assignment guidelines based as soon as possible.
- If your Special Consideration Request is approved, you must follow the instructions outlined in that email immediately. If your request is approved, but you do not follow the instructions provided, you will receive a grade of zero for the original missed assessment.
- In all cases, the department reviews Special Consideration Requests carefully and approval is not guaranteed. If there is a concern, your request may be refused and/or you may be asked to meet with the Associate Chair. The same is true if you have multiple Special Consideration Requests (excluding students registered with Accessibility Services).
- Note that some assessments (such as small weekly assignments worth a very small portion of a student’s course mark) are generally not eligible for Special Consideration Requests or late submission. Please review the syllabus for details, or confirm with your instructor.
- False statements and/or documentation will be treated as academic offences.