Timespan Appeals
Timespan
In order to graduate, a student must complete their program’s curriculum and graduation requirements within a specified number of years. This is known as the timespan. Under extenuating circumstances, students may petition the Dean or Designate of their Faculty or Program Director for the Chang School for an extension of the timespan. Students who petition for a timespan extension will be required to meet the academic requirements in effect when/if the extension is granted. Per Policy 170(a): (opens in new window) Undergraduate Course Grading, Academic Program Standing and Eligibility to Graduate , Section 9.3, and Policy 170(c) (opens in new window) Lincoln Alexander School of Law Grading, Promotion and Academic Standing Policy, Section 9, Students may appeal their timespan directly to the Senate Appeals Committee (SAC) for a final consideration of their request where:
- an extension is denied by the Dean (or designate) or the Program Director, or
- where additional extension is needed after the Dean’s approved timespan extension is completed.
What to consider before appealing Timespan.
Students should consider the outstanding requirements of their chosen program and determine if there is a realistic possibility of completing these outstanding requirements should a timespan extension be granted.
First Level Timespan Extension Submission Process
Under extenuating circumstances, students may petition for an extension beyond the established timespan for their program. Please see Policy 170(a), Section 9 for detailed timespan calculation information.
As per Policy 170(a), Procedures, Section 12, students requesting a first level timespan extension must submit all of the following documentation to support their request:
- (PDF file) Undergraduate and Chang School Timespan Extension Petition Form
- An explanation for the reason of the request including any extenuating circumstances.
- A detailed and realistic academic plan of study and timeline for completion during the extension period including the length of extension being requested.
- Supporting documentation to demonstrate the extenuating circumstances.
Undergraduate Students – Please complete the Timespan Extension Petition Form and submit it to your School or Program Department for review. Your Program Department will forward your petition to the Dean or Designate, for consideration.
Chang School Students – Please complete the Timespan Extension Petition Form and submit it to ce@torontomu.ca for review. The Chang School will forward your petition to your Program Director for review and consideration.
Final Level Timespan Appeal Submission Process (SAC)
Appeal submission must be submitted by email to senate@torontomu.ca
Students who wish to appeal the denial decision of the Dean or designate or Program Director, in the case of a Chang School student, or if a further extension is being requested, the appeal will be considered by a Senate Appeals Committee (SAC).
In the case of an appeal of a denial, the student must request the appeal within 10 (ten) business days of the denial.
Evidence/Supporting Documentation
Students must include all documents from previous timespan extension petitions (including decisions from the Department/Program and Faculty).
All claims should be documented and copies of all documents supporting the appeal must be included in the complete submission. These may include such items as: Toronto Metropolitan University Health certificates, official certificates or documents, course outlines, email communication, etc. Failure to provide pertinent documentation may jeopardize the success of an appeal.
Appeal submissions must provide the following complete information:
- a Senate Appeals Committee Timespan Appeal Form (external link, opens in new window)
- a letter to the Senate Appeals Committee summarizing the reasons why the request should be considered
- any new evidence not previously submitted (if applicable)
- all previously submitted documentation to the Dean or designate or Program Director including their decision
- an explanation of the reason for the request including any extenuating circumstances
- a detailed and realistic academic plan of study and timeline for completion during the extension period
- supporting documentation
- in cases where a further extension is being requested, a student must also provide a letter explaining the reason why the plan of study from the first timespan extension was not completed.
Timelines for submitting an appeal and receiving a decision
Students will receive a Notice of Review within 10 (ten) business days of receipt of an SAC Timespan Appeal at the Senate. The notice will include the date and time of the review of their appeal together with the names of the panel members conducting the review. If additional time is required, you will be notified.
Students are not required to attend the SAC review.
The review will be based on the official transcript and documentation provided by:
- the student
- the Department/Faculty
The SAC will consider the extension as applicable to the program of study.
The SAC decision will be issued by email within 10 (ten) business days of the review.
Senate Appeal Committee decisions are final and not appealable.
Relevant University Policies
Policy 168: Grade and Standing Appeals (opens in new window)
Policy 170(b) Graduate Status, Enrolment and Evaluation Policy and Procedures (Formerly Policy 164)