The College recognizes that disputes regarding academic decisions may occur between members of the College community that impact a student's academic record or may affect their academic standing and/or ability to progress in a program. Every attempt must be made to resolve issues or concerns informally at the program level prior to proceeding to a formal appeal.

This policy applies to all applicants, registered and former students.

Conestoga College maintains a glossary of terms specific to the institution. The terms in use for this document are defined below.

1. This policy recognizes that academic appeals may be considered through the following steps:
1. Step 1 - Faculty
2. Step 2 - Chair
3. Step 3 – Dean/Executive Dean
4. Step 4 – Formal College Level Appeal 
2. There are established criteria outlined in the Academic Appeal Procedure that must be met in order for appeals to be considered.
   


3. Timelines have been set out in order to provide expediency and transparency.
1. The appeal must be initiated by the student within five (5) business days of receipt of the grade or academic decision.
2. Extensions may be granted in exceptional circumstances.
4. The College reserves the right to cancel an appeal that are incomplete. When an appeal is cancelled, the process has ended, and the student may not proceed to other steps or re-appeal without new evidence. Incomplete submissions that may be cancelled include:  
1. Submissions that do not meet the scope and criteria to appeal.
   
2. Submissions made after the timeline to submit the appeal has passed.
   
3. Submissions where the student does not provide a compelling justification for their appeal to be considered at the next step.
   
4. If an appeal is cancelled for any of the above noted reasons, the appeal process ends. 
   
5. Students may only appeal on their own behalf. During the process, the student may wish to consult with a third party, but representations can only be made by the student.
   


6. The Academic Team and/or the Registrar's Office may request additional information from the appropriate parties' which may have a bearing on any aspect of the appeal.