Academic Challenges
Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) offers a number of supports for students facing challenges in their academic pursuits.
- If the request is health-related, you (with your healthcare provider) will need to fill out and stamp/sign a Student Health Certificate (external link, opens in new window) .
- If the request is due to a religious, Aboriginal and/or spiritual observance, you will need to submit (PDF file) this form (opens in new window) via the online Academic Consideration Request (ACR) system (opens in new window) within the first two weeks of the class or, for a final examination, within two weeks of the posting of the examination schedule.
- If the request is for compassionate reasons, there isn't an official form. You can attach any official supporting documentation to which you have access (e.g., police report. obituary, etc). If no supporting documentation is available, an explanatory letter can be submitted. An explanatory letter must clearly state the reasons for the request and describe the events or circumstances that seriously impaired your ability to meet your academic obligations, and that were beyond your control.
There is also a once-per-semester option to submit a request with no documentation. However, this request must be submitted within 3 business days of the missed evaluation, may only cover an absence of 3 days or fewer, and may not be used for a missed final exam or final assessment. It's best to save this for when you have a challenge getting the required supporting documentation, keeping in mind that this once-per-semester no-documentation ACR cannot be used on a final exam or final assignment, as mentioned.
If the appropriate form is not submitted it could delay or prevent your request from being processed.
If your ACR is approved you will receive an automated email response, at which point you can follow up with your instructor(s) to make arrangements for any outstanding coursework.
You can refer to (PDF file) Policy 167: Academic Consideration (opens in new window) as well as (PDF file) Policy 135: Final Examinations (opens in new window) for more information.
You can email the Psychology Undergraduate Administrative team at psychundergrad@torontomu.ca if you have any questions about the ACR process.
If you are finding it challenging to develop good study habits, the following resources may be of use.
Academic Support Coaches for Arts: Arts Academic Support Coaches are available to help you improve your writing and develop vital academic skills. They can meet you online or in-person - all you need to do is to book an appointment!
You can meet them at any stage of the writing process - from brainstorming to polishing final drafts, we can help you. You can also visit to chat about academic skills, like time management or exam preparation.
For more information and to book an appointment click here (opens in new window) .
TMU Library: The Library offers one-hour free workshops (opens in new window) to improve your ability to find and integrate outside sources required for your academic research and essays. They also offer support for Scholarly, Research and Creative activities (opens in new window) , such as information on copyright and Subject Librarians (bottom 2 items on page).
Student Learning Support (SLS): SLS is a group of services and programs aimed at helping students engage more effectively in their academic studies. Services include Writing Support (opens in new window) and Study Skills and Transition Support (opens in new window) .
Thriving in Action Online (TiAO): TiAO is a student wellness toolkit that provides accessible, non-prescriptive support with many entry points to well-being, like its in-person parent initiative, Thriving in Action. You can access modules relating to different aspects of student life by visiting Thriving in Action Online (opens in new window) (you will need to sign in using your Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) ID).
If you are struggling due to stress, the following resources may be of use.
The Centre for Student Development & Counselling (CSDC): The CSDC (opens in new window) offers free, confidential counselling services to Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) students in a professional and friendly environment.
Student Affairs: Student Affairs (opens in new window) at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is a team of educators, learners, and professionals dedicated to supporting you at every stage of your journey at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) University. They provide academic, professional, and personal development opportunities and support programs to all students in a variety of formats including online, in workshops and 1:1 appointments, through peer support and professional advising, and in partnership with your Faculty and other campus partners.
Academic Accommodation Support (AAS) (opens in new window) offers academic accommodation support to students with disabilities (e.g., learning disabilities, sensory impairments, ADHD, mental health, medical and mobility issues).
If you decide you want to drop a course in which you are enrolled, you can follow the instructions outlined on the Office of the Ombudsperson (opens in new window) page. It is in your best interest to drop the course sooner rather than later to ensure you get a full or partial refund. Check Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Significant Dates (opens in new window) for drop dates for TMU courses, including the final date to drop a course without impacting your academic standing.
If you are taking Chang School courses, keep in mind that the drop dates will be different. Check Chang School Important Dates (opens in new window) for details. For example, the last day to drop a Chang School course and receive a full refund is 5 business days in advance of the first day of class.
If you feel the grade you have received for an assignment, exam or final mark is unfair, your first course of action is to speak with your instructor. If you are unable to come to a satisfactory resolution you have the option to appeal the grade. You can find instructions on the Senate's Appeal (opens in new window) page.
If you fail a course or get a low grade, you have the option to repeat the course up to two times to improve your grade. You can find more information on course repeats in the Repeating Courses section of the GPA Calculation (opens in new window) page. If you want to replace the grade but do not want to repeat the same class, you can take a different course from the same course table and submit a (google form) GPA Adjustment form (external link, opens in new window) , (this does not apply to required courses); if a student fails a required course, they must re-take that course.