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Rules and RegulationsWhile Departmental counsellors and the Registrars of the Colleges are always available to give advice and guidance, it must be clearly understood that THE ULTIMATE RESPONSIBILITY RESTS WITH THE STUDENT for completeness and correctness of course selection, for compliance with prerequisite, co-requisite requirements, observance of exceeded courses, etc., for completion of Program details, for proper observance of degree requirements, the Distribution Requirement and for observance of regulations, deadlines, etc. Students are responsible for seeking guidance from a responsible officer if they are in any doubt; misunderstanding, or advice received from another student will not be accepted as cause for dispensation from any regulation, deadline, program or degree requirement. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Percentage | Letter Grade | Grade Point Value * | Grade Definition |
|
90-100 | A+ | 4.0 | Excellent |
Strong evidence of original thinking; good organization; capacity to analyze and synthesize; superior grasp of subject matter with sound critical evaluations; evidence of extensive knowledge base. |
85-89 | A | 4.0 | ||
80-84 | A- | 3.7 | ||
77-79 | B+ | 3.3 | Good |
Evidence of grasp of subject matter, some evidence of critical capacity and analytic ability; reasonable understanding of relevant issues; evidence of familiarity with literature. |
73-76 | B | 3.0 | ||
70-72 | B- | 2.7 | ||
67-69 | C+ | 2.3 | Adequate |
Student who is profiting from his/her university experience; understanding of the subject matter; ability to develop solutions to simple problems in the material. |
63-66 | C | 2.0 | ||
60-62 | C- | 1.7 | ||
57-59 | D+ | 1.3 | Marginal |
Some evidence of familiarity with subject matter and some evidence that critical and analytic skills have been developed. |
53-56 | D | 1.0 | ||
50-52 | D- | 0.7 | ||
0-49 | F | 0.0 | Inadequate |
Little evidence of even superficial understanding of subject matter; weakness in critical and analytic skills; with limited or irrelevant use of literature. |
* The grade point values above apply to marks earned in individual courses; grade point averages are weighted sums of the grade points earned (see below), and thus do not necessarily correspond exactly to the scale above. For example, a B+ average would include grade point averages from 3.20 to 3.49, while the lowest B- average would be 2.50.
Note:
In order to “obtain standing” in a course, a student must receive at least a passing grade (50%) in that course. A Grade of “F” is a failure. There are no supplemental examination privileges in the Faculty.
Other notations, which have no grade point values, and which may be authorized only by petition, are:
- AEG -Aegrotat Standing on the basis of term work and medical evidence
- CR/NCR - Credit/No Credit; is not in general use in the Faculty
- NGA - No Grade Available
- GWR - Grade withheld pending Review
- IPR - (Course) In Progress
- SDF - Standing Deferred granted by petition
- WDR - Late Withdrawal without academic penalty after the relevant deadline. Removal of a grade for incomplete work when withdrawal before the end of the course has been caused by circumstances beyond the student’s control, arising after the last date for course cancellation. Changes to the record will be authorized by petition only in exceptional circumstances.
- XTR or X - Extra Course not for degree credit; course has no effect on status or grade point average.
Grade Point Average
The Grade Point Average is the
weighted sum (a full course is weighted as 2, a half-course as 1) of
the grade points earned, divided by the
number of courses in which grade points were earned.
However, courses noted “AEG” are not included in the average, nor are
transfer credits, courses taken elsewhere on a Letter of Permission,
nor courses designated as “extra.” Courses taken as Non-degree students
and Non-degree visiting students are included in the CGPA.
Three types of grade point averages are used:
1. The Sessional GPA is based
on courses taken in a single session (Fall, Winter or Summer);
2. The Annual GPA is based on courses taken in the Fall-Winter
Sessions;
3. The Cumulative GPA takes into account all courses not marked
“extra” in the Faculty.
A Sessional, Annual, and Cumulative GPA is also calculated for all Non-degree and Non-degree visiting students. For Non-degree students who have completed a degree in the Faculty, the Cumulative GPA includes all courses taken both as a degree student and as a non-degree student.
Academic Standing
There are four kinds of academic standing: In Good Standing; On Probation; On Suspension; Refused Further Registration
Academic standing is assessed twice a year:
1. At the end of the Winter
Session; the GPAs used for this status assessment are the annual and
the cumulative GPAs.
2. At the end of the Summer Session; the GPAs used for this
status assessment are the sessional and the cumulative GPAs.
In Good Standing:
Students are described as In Good Standing if they are neither On Probation, Suspended nor Refused Further Registration; these terms are explained below. For students with particularly noteworthy academic results, there are three specific forms of recognition, which are described in the “Student Services & Resources” section.
Probation; Suspension; Refused Further Registration
The following regulations apply to students who have attempted at least four courses* in the Faculty.
A student shall be on academic probation who
a) has a cumulative GPA of less than 1.50 or
b) returns from suspension.
2. A student who, at the end of the Winter or Summer Session during which he or she is on probation
a) has a cumulative GPA of 1.50 or more shall be in good standing
b) has a cumulative GPA of less than 1.50 but an annual GPA of 1.70 or more (Winter Session)/sessional GPA of 1.70 or more (Summer Session) shall continue on probation.
c) has a cumulative GPA of less than 1.50 and an annual GPA of less than 1.70 (Winter Session)/sessional GPA of less than 1.70 (Summer Session) shall be suspended for one calendar year unless he or she has been so suspended previously, in which case he or she shall be suspended for three years.
3. A student who, having been suspended for three years, is again liable for suspension shall be refused further registration in the Faculty.
* Courses attempted are those in which a student remains formally enrolled on the last date for cancellation, unless the academic penalty normally attached to a later cancellation is removed by petition.
Grades Review Procedure
The Committee on Academic Standards administers the Grading Regulations, and reviews course grades submitted by Departments. The Faculty, through this Committee, is responsible for assigning the official course grades, which are communicated to the students by the Faculty Registrar.
Each Chair appoints a departmental review committee to review grades submitted by instructors. The committee may ask for clarification of any anomalous results or distributions, or disparity between sections of the same courses. Both the departmental review committee, through the Chair, and the Faculty review committee, through the Dean, have the right, in consultation with the instructor of the course, to adjust marks where there is an obvious and unexplained discrepancy between the marks submitted and the perceived standards of the Faculty. Final marks are official, and may be communicated to the students only after the review procedure has taken place. Grades, as an expression of the instructor’s best judgment of each student’s overall performance, will not be determined by any system of quotas.
Appeals and Petitions
Students are responsible for observing sessional dates, course prerequisites, and exclusion, satisfying the degree requirements and following the rules and regulations in the Calendar and the Registration Handbook and Timetable; failure to inform themselves of the preceding information may result in academic and/or financial penalties. Students should always consult their College Registrar immediately for guidance if anything happens that interferes with continuing or completing their courses, or that appears to be contrary to rules, regulations and deadlines.
Departmental Appeals
Issues arising within a course that concern the pedagogical relationship of the instructor and the student, such as the organization of a course, grading practices, or conduct of instructors, fall within the authority of the department or college sponsoring the course. Students are encouraged to discuss any issues regarding the academic aspects of a course with the instructor. It is recommended that if appropriate an issue should be documented in writing. The successive stages of appeal after the course instructor are as follows: the Undergraduate Secretary; the Chair of the Department or the College Program Director; then the Dean of the Faculty. An appeal must have been reviewed at the departmental level before referral to the Dean; appeals to the Dean MUST be in writing.
Petitions to the Faculty
Issues relating to degree requirements and administrative
regulations may be petitioned to the Faculty within specific time limitations.
The Faculty considers petitions to have regulations waived
or
varied, if a student presents compelling reasons; however, students
must
convince the Faculty that they have acted responsibly and with
good judgment
in observing Faculty regulations. The Committee on Standing
routinely denies petitions that in its view do not present a valid reason
for an exemption from the regulations. Students are encouraged
to seek
counselling and, if necessary, to initiate a petition through
the office of their College Registrar.
Petitions must 1) state the student’s request; 2) the reasons
for the request in a clear and concise manner; and 3) be accompanied
by relevant
supporting documentation. The petition is considered in confidence
by the Committee on Standing, which is charged with interpreting
and administering the regulations of the Faculty. The Committee
has the
authority to grant exceptions and to attach conditions to its
decisions.
It is the responsibility of the student to provide an accurate address to which a petition decision may be sent. Non-receipt of a decision due to postal error or incorrect address is not grounds for reconsideration.
Deadlines to File Petitions
Term Work: The last day of the examination period
Examinations: Within one week of the end of the examination period; end of first week of classes in January for the December examination period
Withdrawal
- Fall-Winter Session courses: the following 15 November
- Summer Session courses: the following 28/29 February
All supporting documentation must be submitted within three weeks of the date of initiating the petition. Late petitions and petitions with late documentation will not be considered.
Documentation in Support of Petitions
The Faculty seeks documentation that provides pertinent evidence for decisions determining whether or not an exception should be made to regulations that are designed to ensure equitable treatment for all students.
Medical Documentation:
The University of Toronto Student Medical Certificate must be submitted in support of a request for an exemption from Faculty regulations, if illness is being used as the reason for the request. The claim of illness, however, is not sufficient grounds in itself to guarantee approval of the request. This certificate is available online at www.utoronto.ca/health, or at the Health Services (Medical and Psychiatric Services), the Office of the Faculty Registrar, College Registrar’s Offices, departments and other offices of the University as well as in the Registration Handbook and Timetable. The certificate is titled as follows: University of Toronto Medical Certificate
Other medical notes will not be accepted. Note that the physician’s report must establish that the patient was examined and diagnosed at the time of illness, not after the fact. The Faculty will not accept a statement that merely confirms a report of illness made by the student for documentation by the physician.
Petitions Regarding Courses in Other Divisions–see above.
Petitions Regarding Term Work (see also above)
Matters concerning term work normally fall within the authority of the instructor. Students unable to comply with given deadlines must contact their instructor prior to the deadline if an extension to the deadline is requested. All term work must be submitted by the last day of classes, unless an earlier date has been specified. Instructors may grant extensions beyond their own deadlines or beyond the last day of classes up to the last day of the examination period provided that a student presents reasons of illness, etc., with appropriate documentation. Extensions beyond the last day of the examination period interfere with the Faculty’s schedule for the submission of final grades and must therefore be approved by petition. These petitions for an extension of time for term work must be initiated by the last day of the relevant examination period. Late requests will not be accepted. Students must file the petition after consultation with the instructor regarding a suitable extension date. The Committee on Standing consults the department concerned for information about the status of the course work, and the steps, if any, that must be taken to complete the course. Students seeking an extension of time for term work are expected to continue their course work while they await a decision. They will not be granted additional time after the petition decision has been issued.
Petitions Regarding Examinations (see also above)
Students are expected to write examinations as scheduled. Only in cases of documented debilitating illness or legitimate conflict should a student request a deferral of a final examination. Students who are too ill and/or incapacitated at the time of the examinations should petition to defer the examination they are unable to attend due to their medical condition. Petitions based on travel, employment, or personal plans will not be considered.
A deferred special examination at a subsequent examination period or the regular offering of the examination when next taught may be granted at the discretion of the Faculty. Satisfactory evidence in the form of the University of Toronto Student Medical Certificate* (see above) must be provided to corroborate the illness. Students with chronic illnesses must provide medical documentation for the specific date on which the illness was acute. Students must submit a petition within one week of the end of the examination period through their college registrar. There is a fee of $70.00 per deferred examination (maximum $140.00). In the petition decision students are notified of the examination period in which the deferred examination will take place, and if the examination will be a regular or special examination. They must register and pay the fee by a given deadline, in order that arrangements can be made, an examination requested, etc. The Faculty will notify those who do not register by the deadline that they have lost their privilege of a deferred examination and will revert the grade to one that includes a “0” for the final examination. No further consideration will be given. The Faculty sends written notification to the students who have registered for deferred examinations of the specific date (within the already specified examination period), time and location of a deferred examination, as well as the reserved seating (if a special examination). Note, letters are mailed as early as possible, but due to the constraints of scheduling with the regular examinations, the mailing will occur five working days after the release of the regular August examination schedule, and ten working days after the release of the April/May and December examination schedules. Those who do not respond lose the privilege of a deferred examination and their grade reverts to one that includes a “0” for the final examination.
Final Examination | Deferred Examination |
April/May | June examination period, if course is offered in Summer Session May to June; August examination period for all others |
June | August examination period, if course offered in Summer Session May/July - August; December examination period, if course offered in Fall Session; August examination periods for all others |
August | December examination period |
December | April/May examination period, if course offered in Winter Session; Reading Week for all others |
Students who must write a deferred examination in a course
that serves as a prerequisite for subsequent courses may
enrol in those courses with the approval of the department
concerned and provided that the term mark in the prerequisite
(deferred) course is at least 60%.
Notes:
N.B. Students who are granted Deferred Standing (i.e., the notation of “SDF”, for an extension of time for term work or for a deferred examination) and who have earned a Cumulative Grade Point Average of less than 1.50, will not be permitted to enrol in further courses until the outstanding course work has been completed and final cumulative and sessional GPAs and status for the session have been assessed.
If students decide to write an examination which does not go well, they MAY NOT PETITION FOR A REWRITE. Post hoc arguments claiming an inability to function at full potential or to exhibit full knowledge of the subject matter will not be accepted as grounds for consideration of a petition concerning performance on an examination. Furthermore, students who choose to write an examination against medical recommendation should do so knowing that they will not be given consideration after the examination has been written. Students must not only take responsibility for making appropriate judgements about their fitness to attend examinations, but also must accept the outcome of their choices.
Students who miss a deferred examination receive a grade of “0” for the examination in the calculation of the final grade. If the Faculty accepts the student’s reasons for missing a deferred examination as legitimate, a further deferred examination may be permitted; however, the “SDF” notation will be replaced by the original grade. Students are charged a further fee for each subsequent deferred examination. Note that in such situations of further deferrals the Committee on Standing regularly prohibits registration in further sessions until the outstanding course work has been completed.
Appeals Against Petition Decisions
Appeals against petition decisions progress as follows:
1. First petition to the Committee on Standing
by appropriate deadline submitted through College Registrar (see
Deadlines
to File Petitions);
2. Appeal to the Committee on Standing within ninety
days of the first decision; second petition submitted through
the College Registrar;
3. Appeal to the Faculty Academic Appeals Board within
ninety days of the second decision; written request for
a hearing submitted through the College Registrar;
4. Appeal to the Academic Appeals Committee of Governing
Council within ninety days of the decision of the Faculty
Academic Appeals Board; written request for a hearing submitted
directly to the Governing Council Office in Simcoe Hall,
to the attention of Mr. A. Gray.
Reassessment of Marks
Reread of Final Examination
If a student believes that a final examination has been incorrectly marked in its substance, he/she may request a “reread.” The student must first purchase a photocopy of the final examination from the Office of the Faculty Registrar, for a fee of $13.00 per course. The student must then fill out a “Request for Reread of Final Examination” form, which is available at the Office of the Faculty Registrar and on the Faculty Registrar’s web site at www.artsandscience.utoronto.ca/current/exams. The student must demonstrate that his/her answers are substantially correct by citing specific instances of disagreement, supported by such documentary evidence as course handouts, textbooks, lecture notes, etc. The student must do more than simply assert that “I disagree with the marking,” or that “I believe I deserve more marks.” The Department concerned will reread the examination in light of the arguments presented. There is a $35.00 fee for this procedure, which is in addition to the fee of $13.00 charged for the photocopy of the final examination. The fee must be submitted, with the completed form, to the Office of the Faculty Registrar within six months of the final examination period. If the mark is changed as a result of this review both the photocopy and reread fees will be refunded. It should be noted that when a course is failed, the examination must be reread before the mark is reported.
Recheck of Course Mark
If a student believes that there has been an arithmetical error in calculating the course mark, he/she may request a “recheck.” This can be done with or without purchasing a photocopy of the final examination. The student must fill out a “Request for Recheck of Course Mark” form, which is available at the Office of the Faculty Registrar and on the Faculty Registrar’s web site at http://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/undergraduate/exams. The student must indicate precisely where he/she thinks the error has occurred. The Department concerned will check that all answers have been marked, and that the marks have been added correctly; the examination will not be reread. The Department will also check that all term work marks have been correctly calculated. There is no charge for this procedure. The completed form must be submitted to the Office of the Faculty Registrar within six months of the final examination period. If the mark is changed as a result of this review, the photocopy fee will be refunded.
Note:
A reread or recheck may result in a raised mark, a lowered mark, or no change.
Deadlines for requesting a photocopy of a final examination, a reread or a recheck:
- February examinations: the following August 31
- April/May examinations: the following November 15
- June examinations: the following January 15
- August examinations: the following February 28/29
- December examinations: the following June 30
Student Records
The “official student academic record” is maintained by the Faculty, which shall designate the document, form or medium containing the official version and how official copies of such information will be identified.
Student academic records refer to information concerning admission to, and academic performance at, this University. The “official student academic record” contains:
1. personal information which is required in the administration of official student academic records such as name, student number, citizenship, social insurance number;
2. registration and enrolment information;
3. results for each course and academic period;
4. narrative evaluations of a student’s academic performance, used to judge his or her progress;
5. basis for a student’s admission such as the application for admission and supporting documents;
6. results of petitions and appeals;
7. medical information relevant to a student’s academic performance, furnished at the request or with the consent of the student;
8. letters of reference, whether or not they have been provided on the understanding that they shall be maintained in confidence;
9. personal and biographical information such as address, and telephone number.
Access to Student Records
1. Access by a student.
(i) Students may examine and have copies made of their academic record as defined above, with the exception of those portions of the record which comprise letters of reference which have been provided or obtained on the expressed or implied understanding that they shall be maintained in confidence. A student may however, be advised of the identity of the authors of any confidential letters contained in his or her official academic record.
(ii) Students’ requests to examine any part of their “official student academic record” shall be made in writing and shall be complied with within thirty days of receipt.
(iii) Students may challenge the accuracy of their academic record with the exception of the materials specifically excluded above and may have their record supplemented with comments so long as the sources of such comments are identified and the official student academic record remains securely within the custody of the academic division. Reference to such comments would not necessarily appear on official academic reports such as the transcript or the Statement of Results. (Note that access to medical information shall only be granted to members of the teaching and administrative staff with the prior expressed or implied consent of the student and, if applicable, in the case of a medical assessment, the originator (physician, etc.) of such.)
(iv) It is assumed that all documents relating to petitions and appeals and not provided on the understanding that they shall be maintained in confidence will be retained within the division, and when needed by the student, will be made freely available. In addition, The Statutory Powers Procedure Act, 1971 of Ontario requires that where the good character, propriety of conduct or competence of a party is in issue in any proceedings in a tribunal to which the Act applies (such as the Academic Appeals Board of the Governing Council), the part is entitled to be furnished prior to the hearing with “reasonable information” of any allegations with respect hereto.
2. Access by University Staff.
Members of the teaching and administrative staff of the University shall have access to relevant portions of a student’s academic record in the performance of their duties.
3. Access by U of T campus organizations.
Student organizations in the U. of T. may have access to all information available freely to persons outside the university and to the residence address and telephone number of the student, for the legitimate internal use of that organization.
4. Access by Others
a) By the act of registration, a student gives
implicit consent for a minimal amount of
information to be
made freely available to all inquirers:
- the academic divisions(s) and the session(s)
in which a student is or has been registered,
- degree(s) received and date(s) of convocation.
b) Any other information shall be released
to other persons and agencies only with the
student’s
prior
expressed written consent, or on the presentation
of a court order,
or in accordance with the requirements of
professional licensing or certification bodies
or the Ministry
of Colleges and Universities for an annual
enrolment audit,
or otherwise
under compulsion of law. A record shall be
kept of permissions granted to any persons
or agencies
outside
the university
for access to a student’s academic record.
c) General statistical material drawn from
academic records not disclosing the identities
of students
may be released for research and informational
purposes.
Refusal of Access
The University reserves the right to withhold transcripts of students who have outstanding debts.
Custody of Student Academic Records
Academic records are normally under the custodial responsibility of the academic divisions. Seventy-five years after a student has ceased to be registered, all such records become the responsibility of the University Archivist and become open to researchers authorized by the University of Toronto.
Personal Information
Personal information is a vital part
of the student’s official University
record
and
is used to issue
statements of results,
transcripts, graduation information,
diplomas and other official documents.
The University
is also
required
by law to collect certain information
for the Federal and
Provincial Governments; this
is reported only in aggregate form and is considered
confidential
by
the University.
Any change in the following must
therefore be reported immediately
to the College
Registrar:
1. legal name;
2. Social Insurance Number;
3. citizenship status in Canada;
Mailing Address
Address information (mailing and permanenet) must be viewed and changed on the Student Web Service (at www.rosi.utoronto.ca) or in your College Registrar’s Office. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the mailing address is kept up-to-date on the SWS.
E-Mail Address
As a student at the University of Toronto, you have automatic access to the Information Commons, which is your passport to e-mail, the library and the Internet. Once you have your TCard, you must activate your University of Toronto e-mail account. Setting up a UTORmail account is mandatory.
The T Card is a wallet-sized card bearing the student’s photograph, and serves as evidence of registration in the Faculty and as a library card. It is used for identification purposes within the University, such as Faculty examinations, student activities, and Athletic Association privileges. The loss of the card must be reported promptly to the College Registrar, and the card must be surrendered if a student withdraws from the University or transfers to another College or Faculty. There is a fee for the replacement of lost cards.
Statement of Results
Statements of Results are sent to students at their mailing address as it appears on ROSI at the end of the Winter and Summer Sessions. Students should expect to receive their Statements within six weeks of the end of the examination period, and should contact their College Registrar immediately if the Statement of Results has not been received. Statements of Results are not issued at the end of the Fall Session. Results for “F” courses are available on the Student Web Service in January for the Fall Session and in July for the first subsession of the Summer Session.
Transcripts
The transcript of a student’s record reports courses in progress and the standing in all courses attempted along with course average, information about the student’s academic status including record of suspension and refusal of further registration, and completion of degree requirements and of subject POSt(s).
Final course
results
are added
to
each
student’s record
at
the end
of each
session
and Summer
subsession.
GPAs
are calculated
at the
end
of each
session.
Individual
courses
that
a student
cancels
within
the
normal
time
limit are
not shown.
Copies
of the
transcript
are issued
at the
student’s
request,
subject
to reasonable
notice.
In
accordance
with
the University’s
policy
on access
to
student
records,
the student’s
signature
is
required
for the
release
of the
record.
The University
of Toronto
issues
only
a consolidated
transcript,
including
a student’s
total
academic
record
at
the
University.
Students
may request
consolidated
transcripts
on the
Web at:
www.rosi.utoronto.ca.
Requests
may
also
be
made
in person
or
by writing
to:
University of Toronto Transcript Centre
Room 1006, Sidney Smith Hall
100 St. George Street
Toronto, ON M5S 3G3
A fee of $10.00 (subject to change), which includes GST., is charged for each transcript. Cheques and money orders should be made payable to the University of Toronto. Students must indicate at the time of the request if the purpose of the transcript is for enclosure in a self-administered application. Such transcripts are issued in specially sealed envelopes.
The University of Toronto cannot be responsible for transcripts lost or delayed in the mail. Transcripts are not issued for students who have outstanding financial obligations with the University.
University Grading Practices Policy
Purpose
The purpose of the University Grading Practices Policy is to ensure:
a) that grading practices throughout the University
reflect appropriate academic standards;
b) that the evaluation of student performance is made in a fair
and objective manner against these academic standards;
c) that the academic standing of every student can be accurately
assessed even when courses have been taken in different divisions
of the University
and evaluated according to different grade scales.
Application of Policy
The Policy applies to all individuals and committees taking part in the evaluation of student performance in degree, diploma, and certificate credit courses (hereafter referred to as courses).
Amendment to Policy
Amendments to the Policy shall be recommended to the Academic Board. Changes to the divisional regulations on grading practices shall be forwarded to the Committee on Academic Policy and Programs.
Distribution of Policy
A copy of the Grading Practices Policy as well as the description of the grade scales and the substance of divisional regulations indicated in Part II of this Policy shall be published in the Calendar of the division. Similarly a copy shall be given to all students upon initial registration and to all instructors and others, including teaching assistants, involved in the evaluation of student performance. The Policy is in three parts: Part I deals with grades, Part II outlines grading procedures to be adhered to in divisional regulations adopted as part of this Policy, and Part III is an administrative appendix available upon request from the Office of the Provost.
Part I: Grades
Meaning of Grades
Grades are a measure of the performance of a student in individual courses. Each student shall be judged on the basis of how well he or she has command of the course materials.
I.1 A grade assigned in a course is not an assessment of standing within a program of studies. To determine the requirements for credit and standing in a program of studies, the academic regulations of the division in which the program is offered should be consulted.
I.2 Grades for each course shall be assigned with reference to the following meanings (which may be expanded in the divisional regulations under Part II): Excellent, Good, Adequate, Marginal, Inadequate.
Grade Scales
I.3 Once a judgment on the performance of the student has been made, the following grade scales are to be used:
a) the refined letter grade scale: A+, A, A-,
B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, F;
b) the numerical scale of marks, consisting of all
integers from 0 - 100; and/or
c) for graduate divisions only, a truncated refined
letter grade scale in which FZ replaces the C, D
and F grades
in (a) above.
d) the scales Honours/Pass/Fail and Credit/No Credit.
Grades vs. Scores
I.4 Grades should always be based on the approved grade scales. However, students may find that on any one evaluation they may receive a numerical or letter mark that reflects the score achieved on the test or essay. The cumulative scores may not be directly identified with the final grade. Grades are final only after review by the divisional review committee described below. (NOTE: A table of correspondence and a translation table are defined (under “Grading Regulations” on page 461) for each of the letter grade scales referred to in I.3(a) in order to allow the conversion, when necessary, of a grade assigned from one scale to the corresponding grade in another. It should be noted that these tables are not to be used to translate a score to a grade directly.)
Grade Reporting
I.5 Grades will be assigned according to the numerical scale of marks referred to in I.3 (b) above, and converted to the refined letter grade scale of I.3(a) above. The H/P/FL and CR/NCR scales of I.3(d) above may also be used. However, the grades assigned in a course must all be from the same scale.
I.6 All non-grade designators used in reporting course results must correspond to the University-wide standard. A list of the currently approved designators and their meanings is given in the Appendix A.2
I.7 The information in grade reports and transcripts must be communicated to the user, whether within or outside the University, in a clear and meaningful way. To that end, transcripts must include:
a) an enrolment history, which traces
chronologically the student’s entire
participation at the
University;
b) a “grade point average” based
on a 4-point scale for all undergraduate
divisions (Note:
grade point
average values
will
be assigned as follows A+/A = 4.0;
A-
= 3.7, B+ = 3.3, B = 3.0, B- = 2.7,
C+ =
2.3, C=
2.0, C-
= 1.7,
D+ =
1.3, D
= 1.0,
D- =
0.7, F = 0.0),
c) an average grade for each course
expressed using the refined letter
grade scale (Note:
these calculations
should
be restricted
to courses of a specific size),
d) both numeric mark and its letter
grade equivalent, where possible, for
all courses,
e) course weight values, expressed
using a uniform system of values allowing
for
the relative values
needed by
each division,
f) transfer credits granted,
g) academic honours, scholarships
and awards sanctioned by the University,
h) a comprehensive guide explaining
all grades and symbols used on the
transcript.
Part II: Grading Procedures
Approval of Grades
Grades shall be recommended by the
instructor to the chair or division
head. The grades
shall then
be reviewed
and
approved following the divisional
review procedure. Grades shall not
be
reported or released to students
as official until the divisional review
procedure
has been carried
out. The
divisional review
constitutes final approval of
grades except when grades are changed
on appeal.
Divisional Review Committee
II.1 In each division, a committee chaired by the divisional head or designate, and where appropriate, an additional committee structure, with the chairs (or their designates) of departments or other academic units of divisions serving as chairs, shall:
a) administer the implementation
of the University Grading
Practices Policy
at the
divisional level
and oversee
the general consistency
of grading procedures with
the division;
b) approve and administer
the University’s specific
regulations concerning the
grade scale or scales
to be used, the assignment
of non-grade designators
for
course work, classroom procedures
and
approval methods
of evaluation;
c) review, adjust and approve
course grades recommended
by instructors. The grades
recommended
for any individual
student in the professional
faculties may be adjusted
according to his or her performance
in
the
course or program
as determined
by the committee.
The divisional committee has the final responsibility for assigning the official course grade.
Classroom Procedures
II.2 To ensure that the method of evaluation in every course reflects appropriate academic standards and fairness to students, divisional regulations governing classroom procedures must be consistent with the practices below.
a)
As early as possible in each course (and
no later than the
division’s last
date for
course enrolment)
the instructor
shall
make available to
the class, and shall file
with the
division or
department, the methods
by which
student
performance
shall be evaluated.
This should include
whether
the methods
of evaluation shall
be essays, tests,
examinations, etc.,
the relative weight
of these methods
in relation
to the overall
score, and the timing
of each major evaluation.
b) After the methods
of evaluation have
been known,
the instructor
may not change
them or
their relative
weight without
the consent
of at least a simple
majority of the students
enrolled
in the course.
Any
changes shall
be reported to
the division or the
department.
c) Student performance
in a course shall
be assessed on
more than
one occasion.
No one
essay, test,
examination, etc.
should have a value
of more
than 80% of the grade.
Criteria for
exemption may be
determined by the
division.
d) In courses that
meet regularly as
a class
there shall be an
examination (or examinations)
conducted
formally
under divisional
auspices and worth
(alone or in
the aggregate)
at least one-third
of the final grade.
Criteria
for
exemption
may be determined
by the division.
The relative value
of each
part of an
examination
shall be
indicated to the
student. In
the
case of a written
examination, the
value shall be
indicated on the
examination paper.
e) Commentary on
assessed term work
and time for
discussion of it
shall be made available
to students.
f) At least one
piece of term work
which is
a part
of the evaluation
of a student
performance, whether
essay,
lab report,
review,
etc., shall be returned
to the student
prior to the last
date for cancelling
the
course without
academic
penalty.
g) Grades shall
be recommended by
the instructor in
reference to the
approved
grades scales
on the basis of each
student’s overall
performance.
In formulating their own regulations divisions may add to items (a) to (g) and may adopt fuller or more specific provisions, for example in place of such terms as “a simple majority” (b), “one-third of the final grade” (d), or in particularizing the evaluation methods referred to in (a) and (b).
Procedures in the Event of Disruptions
II.3 The following principles shall apply in the event of disruption of the academic program:
(i) The academic
integrity
of academic programs
must be honoured;
and
(ii) Students
must be treated
in a fair
manner
recognizing
their freedom
of choice
to attend
class or
not without
penalty.
Procedures:
a) The Vice-President
and Provost,
or the
Academic Board,
shall
declare
when a disruption
of the
academic
program
has occurred.
The Provost
shall take
steps
to inform
the
University
community
at large
of the
changes to be implemented,
and will
report
to the Committee
on Academic
Policy
and Programs
regarding
the
implementation
of the
procedures and changes
to the
status of
the academic
programs.
b) Individual
instructors
or multi-section
co-ordinators
responsible
for
courses
that are
disrupted
shall determine,
as
the disruption
proceeds,
whether
any changes
to classroom
procedures
are needed
to complete
the
course.
c) Changes
to the
classroom
procedures
should,
where
possible,
first be
discussed
with students
prior
to the
class in
which
a vote
of the
students
present
on
the proposed
changes
is
to be taken.
Changes
agreed
upon by
consensus
should
be forwarded
to the
department
or division
with a
report
on the
attendance
at the
class where
the
vote was
taken.
d) Where
consensus
on changes
has
not been
arrived
at, or
where
a vote
is not
feasible,
the instructor,
after
class
discussion,
will provide
the division
head or
chair of
the department
in multi-departmental
faculties,
with
his or
her recommendation,
along with
the results
of the
classroom
votes.
The chair
or division
head
shall then
make a
decision.
e) Where
classes
are not
able
to convene,
the instructor,
with
the
prior approval
of the
chair in
multi-departmental
faculties
or the
division
head,
shall make
changes
deemed
necessary
to the
classroom
procedures.
In the
absence
of
the instructor
such
changes
will be
made by
the divisional
head
and require
the approval
of the
Provost.
Where courses
are
to be
cancelled,
approval
of the
divisional
council
is required.
If the
divisional
council
cannot
meet,
approval
of the
division
head, or
in
the absence
of the
division
head,
the approval
of
the Provost
is required.
f) Students
must be
informed
of changes
to
classroom
procedures.
This may
be done
by circulating
the changes
in writing
to
the class,
posting
in
the departmental
and
faculty
offices,
reporting
to the
divisional
council,
as
well
as listing
in the
campus
press.
Should
classes
resume
students
must be
informed,
at class,
of any
changes
made during
the disruption.
g) Where
a declared
disruption
occurs
in a specific
course
after the
last
date to
drop courses
for the
academic
term
or session,
students
who do
not wish
to complete
the
course(s)
during
that term
or session
may,
prior to
the last
day of
classes,
withdraw
without
academic
penalty.
Students
who cancel
a course
prior to
the last
day of
classes
as a result
of declared
disruption
in that
course
shall receive
a full
refund
of the
course
tuition
fee.
h) Where
students
have not
attended
classes
that are
meeting,
they
nonetheless
remain
responsible
for the
course
work
and
meeting
course
requirements.
However,
where possible,
reasonable
extension
of
deadlines
for the
course
requirements,
or provision
of make-up
tests shall
be made
and
reasonable
alternative
access
to material
covered
should
be
provided.
i) A
student
who considers
that disruption
has unreasonably
affected
his or
her grade
in
a course
may
appeal
the grade
following
the procedures
as set
out in
each division.
If
the petition
is
approved,
the student’s
original
grade
will be
replaced
by
either
an
assessed
grade or
by a
grade of
CR/NCR,
or as deemed
appropriate
in the
particular
circumstances.
Assessment in Clinical and Field Settings
II.4 Divisions may make reasonable exemptions to the classroom procedures described above in circumstances such as field or clinical courses where adherence to these procedures is not possible. Nevertheless, it is obligatory that the assessment of the performance of students in clinical or field settings should be fair, humane, valid, reliable and in accordance with the principles enunciated in the University Grading Practices Policy. Accordingly, where a student’s performance in a clinical or field setting is to be assessed for credit, the evaluation must encompass as a minimum:
a)
a
formal statement
describing
the
evaluation
process,
including
the
criteria
to
be
used
in
assessing
the
performance
of
students
and
the
appeal
mechanisms
available.
This
statement
should
be
available
to
all
students
before
or
at
the
beginning
of
the
clinical
or
field
experience;
b)
a
mid-way
performance
evaluation
with
feedback
to
the
student;
c)
written
documentation
of
the
final
assessment.
In
addition,
for
such
clinical
and
field
experiences,
divisions
must
ensure
that:
d)
clinical
and
field
assessors
are
fully
informed
regarding
University,
divisional
and
course
policies
concerning
evaluation
procedures,
including
the
specific
assessment
procedures
to
be
applied
in
any
particular
field
or
clinical
setting.
Any
exception
from
the
above
would
require
a
divisional
request
with
explanation
for
approval
by
the
Governing
Council.
Grade Review and Approval Process
II.5 The following principles and procedures shall govern the grade review and approval process.
a)
The distribution
of grades
in any
course shall
not be
predetermined by
any system
of quotas
that specifies
the number
or percentage
of grades
allowable at
any grade
level.
b)
However, a
division may
provide broad
limits to
instructors setting
out a
reasonable distribution
of grades
in the
division or
department. Such
broad limits
shall recognize
that considerable
variance in
class grades
is not
unusual. The
division may
request an
explanation of
any grades
for a
course that
exceed the
limits and
hence appear
not to
be based
on the
approved grade
scales or
otherwise appear
anomalous in
reference to
the Policy.
It is
understood that
this section
shall only
be used
when the
class size
is thirty
students or
greater. Each
division shall
make known
in the
divisional Calendar
the existence
of any
such limits.
c)
The criterion
that the
Divisional Review
Committee shall
employ in
its evaluation
is whether
the instructor
has followed
the University
Grading Practices
Policy. The
Review committee
shall not
normally adjust
grades unless
the consequences
of allowing
the grades
to stand
would be
injurious to
the standards
of the
University, or
the class
in general.
d)
Membership on
the Divisional
Review Committee
may include
students but
should not
include members
of the
divisional appeals
committee(s).
e)
Where grades
have been
adjusted by
a divisional
committee, the
students as
well as
the instructor
shall be
informed. On
request, the
students or
the instructor
shall be
given the
reason for
the adjustment
of grades,
a description
of the
methodology used
to adjust
the grades,
and a
description of
the divisional
appeal procedure.
f)
Where a
departmental review
committee changes
course grades,
the faculty
office shall
be so
informed. Having
done so,
the faculty
office shall
relay this
information, upon
request, to
the students
or the
instructor with
a description
as to
the reason
for the
change and
the methodology
used.
g)
Past statistical
data, including
drop-out rates,
mean arithmetic
average, etc.,
should be
provided to
the Divisional
Review Committee
as background
information where
available. The
committee will
not use
this information
exclusively to
judge whether
a specific
grades distribution
is anomalous.
Rather, the
information should
provide part
of the
basis for
an overall
review of
grades in
a division.
h)
Where class
grades have
been changed,
or when
the Divisional
Review Committee
had reservations
about the
grades, the
issue will
be taken
up with
the instructor
by the
division or
department head,
with a
view
to
ensuring that
the Grading
Practices Policy
is followed
in future.
Appeal Procedure
II.6 Every division shall establish divisional appeal procedures. Students may appeal grades according to the procedures established for that purpose in the division. The appeal may be made whether marks have been altered by the review process or not. These procedures shall be outlined in the divisional Calendar, and available upon request at the faculty or registrar’s office.
Student Access to Examination Papers
II.7
a)
All divisions
should provide
access to
copies of
the previous year’s final
examination papers
and other
years’ papers
where feasible.
Exemptions may
be
granted
by an
appropriate committee
of the
division or
department.
b)1All
divisions should
provide students
with the
opportunity within
a reasonable time to
review their
examination paper
where feasible.
A recovery
fee should
be set
to cover
administrative costs
including photocopying.
c)1All
divisions should
provide, in
addition to
the customary
re-reading of papers and
the re-checking
of marks,
the opportunity
for students
to petition
for the
re-reading of
their examination
where feasible.
A cost
recovery fee
should
be
set and
returned where
appropriate.
Conflict of Interest
II.8
Where the instructor or a student has a conflict of interest, or is in a situation where a fair and objective assessment may not be possible, this should be disclosed to the chair or division head who shall take steps to ensure fairness and objectivity.
Discipline: Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters
The Governing Council of the University of Toronto has approved a Code of Behaviour, which sets out clearly the standard of conduct in academic matters expected of members of the University community. The Code is enforced by the Provost and the Disciplinary Tribunal. Below are extracts from the Code, covering offences, sanctions and procedures as they apply to students. The full text is available from the Office of the Dean, and the Offices of College Registrars.
The University and its members have a responsibility to ensure that a climate that might encourage, or conditions that might enable, cheating, misrepresentation or unfairness not be tolerated. To this end all must acknowledge that seeking credit or other advantages by fraud or misrepresentation, or seeking to disadvantage others by disruptive behaviour is unacceptable, as is any dishonesty or unfairness in dealing with the work or record of a student.
Wherever in the Code an offence is described as depending on “knowing”, the offence shall likewise be deemed to have committed if the person ought reasonably to have known.
B.I. Offences
1. It shall be an offence for a student knowingly:
a)
to forge
or in
any other
way alter
or falsify any document
or evidence
required for
admission to
the University,
or to
utter, circulate
or make
use of
any such
forged, altered
or falsified
document, whether
the record
be in
print or
electronic form;
b)
to use
or possess
an unauthorized
aid or
aids or obtain unauthorized
assistance in
any academic
examination or
term test
or in
connection with
any other
form of
academic work;
c)
to personate
another person,
or to
have another
person personate, at any
academic examination
or term
test or
in connection
with any
other form
of academic
work;
d)
to represent
as one’s
own any
idea or
expression of an idea
or work
of another
in any
academic examination
or term
test or
in connection
with any
other form
of academic
work, i.e.
to commit
plagiarism;
e)
to submit,
without the
knowledge and
approval of
the instructor to whom
it is
submitted, any
academic work
for which
credit has
previously been
obtained or
is being
sought in
another course
or program
of study
in the
University or
elsewhere;
f)
to submit
for credit
any academic
work containing
a purported statement
of
fact or
reference to
a source
which has
been concocted.
2. It shall be an offence for a faculty member knowingly:
a)
to approve
any of
the previously
described offences;
b)
to evaluate
an application
for admission
or transfer
to a course or
program of
study by
other than
duly established
and published
criteria;
c)
to evaluate
academic work
by a
student by
reference to any
criterion
that does
not relate
to its
merit, to
the time
within which
it is
to be
submitted or
to the
manner in
which
it
is to
be performed.
3.
It shall
be an
offence for
a faculty
member and student alike
knowingly:
a)
to forge
or in
any other
way alter
or falsify any academic
record, or
to utter,
circulate or
make use
of any
such forged,
altered or
falsified record,
whether the
record be
in print
or electronic
form.
b)
to engage
in any
form of
cheating, academic
dishonesty or misconduct,
fraud
or misrepresentation
not herein
otherwise described,
in order
to
obtain
academic credit
or other
academic advantage
of any
kind.
4. A graduate of the University may be charged with any of the above offences committed intentionally while he or she was an active student, when, in the opinion of the Provost, the offence, if detected, would have resulted in a sanction sufficiently severe that the degree would not have been granted at the time it was.
B.II. Parties to Offences
1.
a)Every
member is
a party
to an
offence under
this Code who
knowingly:
i)
actually
commits it;
ii)
does or
omits to
do anything
for the
purpose of aiding
or
assisting another
member to
commit the
offence;
(iii)
does or
omits to
do anything
for the
purpose of aiding
or
assisting any
other person
who, if
that person
were a member, would
have committed
the offence;
(iv)
abets,
counsels, procures
or conspires
with another
member to commit
or
be a
party to
an offence;
or
(v)
abets, counsels,
procures or
conspires with
any other
person who, if
that
person were
a member,
would have
committed or
have been a part
to the
offence.
b)
Every party
to an
offence under
this Code
is liable upon
admission
of the
commission thereof,
or upon
conviction, as the case
may be,
to the
sanctions applicable
to that
offence.
2. Every member who, having an intent to commit an offence under this Code, does or omits to do anything for the purpose of carrying out that intention (other than mere preparation to commit the offence) is guilty of an attempt to commit the offence and liable upon conviction to the same sanctions as if he or she had committed the offence.
3. When a group is found guilty of an offence under this Code, every officer, director or agent of the group, being a member of the University, who directed, authorized or participated in the commission of the offence is a party to and guilty of the offence and is liable upon conviction to the sanctions provided for the offence.
C.I.(a) Divisional Procedures
NOTE: Where a student commits an offence, the faculty in which the student is registered has responsibility over the student in the matter. In the case of Scarborough and Erindale colleges, the college is deemed to be the faculty.
1. No hearing within the meaning of Section 2 of the Statutory Powers of Procedures Act is required for the purposes of, or in connection with, any of the discussions, meetings and determinations referred to in Section C.I.(a), and such discussions, meetings and determinations are not proceedings of the Tribunal.
2. Where an instructor has reasonable grounds to believe that an academic offence has been committed by a student, the instructor shall so inform the student immediately after learning of the act or conduct complained of, giving reasons, and invite the student to discuss the matter. Nothing the student says in such a discussion may be used or receivable in evidence against the student.
3. If after such discussion, the instructor is satisfied that no academic offence has been committed, he or she shall so inform the student and no further action shall be taken in the matter by the instructor, unless fresh evidence comes to the attention of the instructor, in which case he or she may again proceed in accordance with subsection 2.
4. If after such discussion, the instructor believes that an academic offence has been committed by the student, or if the student fails or neglects to respond to the invitation for discussion, the instructor shall make a report of the matter to the department chair or through the department chair to the dean. (See also Section C.I.(B)1.)
5. When the dean or the department chair, as the case may be, has been so informed, he or she shall notify the student in writing accordingly, provide him or her with a copy of the Code, and subsequently afford the student an opportunity for discussion of the matter. In the case of the dean being informed, the chair of the department and the instructor shall be invited by the dean to be present at the meeting with the student. The dean shall conduct the interview.
6. Before proceeding with the meeting, the dean shall inform the student that he or she is entitled to seek advice, or to be accompanied by counsel at the meeting, before making, and is not obliged to make, any statement or admission, but shall warn that if he or she makes any statement or admission in the meeting, it may be used or receivable in evidence against the student in the hearing of any charge with respect to the offence or alleged offence in question. The dean shall also advise the student, without further comment or discussion, of the sanctions that may be imposed under Section C.I.(B), and that the dean is not obliged to impose a sanction but may instead request that the Provost lay a charge against the student. Where such advice and warning have been given, the statements and admissions, if any, made in such a meeting may be used or received in evidence against the student in any such hearing.
7. If the dean, on the advice of the department chair and the instructor, or if the department chair, on the advice of the instructor, subsequently decides that no academic offence has been committed and that no further action in the matter is required, the student shall be so informed in writing and the student’s work shall be accepted for normal evaluation or, if the student was prevented from withdrawing from the course by the withdrawal date, he or she shall be allowed to do so. Thereafter, the matter shall not be introduced into evidence at a Tribunal hearing for another offence.
8. If the student admits the alleged offence, the dean or the department chair may either impose the sanction that he or she considers appropriate under Section C.I.(B) or refer the matter to the dean or Provost, as the case may be, and in either event shall inform the student in writing accordingly. No further action in the matter shall be taken by the instructor, the department chair or the dean if the dean imposes a sanction.
9. If the student is dissatisfied with a sanction imposed by the department chair or the dean, as the case may be, the student may refer the matter to the dean or Provost, as the case may be, for consideration.
10. If the student does not admit the alleged offence, the dean may, after consultation with the instructor and the department chair, requires that the Provost lay a charge against the student. If the Provost agrees to lay a charge, the case shall then proceed to the Trial Division of the Tribunal.
11. Normally, decanal procedures will not be examined in a hearing before the Tribunal. A failure to carry out the procedures referred to in this Section, or any defect or irregularity in such procedures, shall not invalidate any subsequent proceedings of or before the Tribunal, unless the chair of the hearing considers that such failure, defect or irregularity resulted in a substantial wrong, detriment or prejudice to the accused. The chair will determine at the opening of the hearing whether there is going to be any objection to defect, failure or irregularity.
12. No degree, diploma or certificate of the University shall be conferred or awarded, nor shall a student be allowed to withdraw from a course from the time of the alleged offence until the final disposition of the accusation. However, a student shall be permitted to use University facilities while a decision is pending, unless there are valid reasons for the dean to bar him or her from a facility. When or at any time after an accusation has been reported to the dean, he or she may cause a notation to be recorded on the student’s academic record and transcript in a course and/or the student’s academic status is under review. A student upon whom a sanction has been imposed by the dean or the department chair under Section C.I.(B) or who has been convicted by the Tribunal shall not be allowed to withdraw from a course so as to avoid the sanction imposed.
13. A record of cases disposed of under Section C.I.(A) and of the sanctions imposed shall be kept in the academic unit concerned and may be referred to by the dean in connection with a decision to prosecute, or by the prosecution in making representations as to the sanction or sanctions to be imposed by the Tribunal, for any subsequent offence committed by the student. Information on such cases shall be available to other academic units upon request and such cases shall be reported by the dean to the Secretary of the Tribunal for use in the Provost’s annual report to the Academic Board. The dean may contact the Secretary of the Tribunal for advice or for information on cases disposed of under Section C.II. hereof.
14. Where a proctor or invigilator, who is not a faculty member, has reason to believe that an academic offence has been committed by a student at an examination or test, the proctor or invigilator shall so inform the student’s dean or department chair, as the case may be, who shall proceed as if he or she were an instructor, by analogy to the other provisions of this section.
15. In the case of alleged offences not covered by the above and not involving the submission of academic work, such as those concerning forgery or uttering, library or computer material or library or computer resources, and in cases involving cancellation, recall or suspension of a degree, diploma or certificate, the procedure shall be regulated by analogy to the other procedures of this section.
C.I.(b) Divisional Sanctions
1.
In an
assignment worth
10 percent
or less
of the final
grade,
the department
chair may
handle the
matter if:
a)
the student
admits guilt;
and
b)
the assignment
of a
penalty is
limited to
at most a
mark
of zero
for the
piece of
work.
If
the student
does not
admit guilt,
or if
the department chair
chooses,
the matter
shall be
brought before
the dean.
2.
One or
more of
the following
sanctions may
be imposed by
the
dean where
a student
admits to
the commission
of an offence:
a)
an oral
and/or written
reprimand;
b)
an oral
and/or written
reprimand and,
with the
permission of the instructor,
the resubmission
of the
piece of
academic work,
in respect
of which
the offence
was committed,
for evaluation.
Such a
sanction shall
be imposed
only for
minor offences
and where
the student
has committed no previous
offence;
c)
assignment of
a grade
of zero
or a
failure for the
piece
of academic
work in
respect of
which the
offence was committed;
d)
assignment of
a penalty
in the
form of
a reduction of
the
final grade
in the
course in
respect of
which the offence was
committed;
e)
denial of
privileges to
use any
facility of
the University, including
library
and computer
facilities;
f)
a monetary
fine to
cover the
costs of
replacing damaged property
or
misused supplies
in respect
of which
the offence
was committed;
g)
assignment of
a grade
of zero
or a
failure for the
course
in respect
of which
the offence
was committed;
h)
suspension from
attendance in
a course
or courses,
a program, an academic
division or
unit, or
the University
for a
period of
not more
than twelve
months. Where
a student
has not
completed a
course or
courses in
respect of
which an
offence has
not been
committed, withdrawal
from the
course or
courses without
academic penalty
shall be
allowed.
3.
The dean
shall have
the power
to record
any sanction imposed on
the student’s
academic record
and transcript
for such
length of
time as
he or
she considers
appropriate. However,
the sanctions
of suspension
or a
notation specifying
academic misconduct
as the
reason for
a grade
of zero
for a
course shall
normally be recorded for
a period
of five
years.
4.
The Provost
shall, from
time to
time, indicate
appropriate sanctions for
certain
offences. These
guidelines shall
be sent
for information to the
Academic
Board
and attached
to the
Code as
Appendix “C”.
Conduct: Code of Student Conduct
Summary of Code of Student Conduct
Non-academic offences are defined in the University’s Code of Student Conduct (2002), the full text of which may be obtained from the Office of the Assistant Vice-President, Student Affairs. A summary of the Code is provided below.
Extracts from the Code are printed here in ordinary type, and additional comments etc., are in italics. References in square brackets are to original section numbering in the Code.
[B.] Offences
The following offences constitute conduct that
shall be deemed to be offences under this Code, when committed
by a student of
the University of Toronto, provided that such conduct:
(i) has not been dealt with as failure to meet standards of professional
conduct as required by a college, faculty or school; and
(ii) is not specifically assigned to the jurisdiction of the
University Tribunal, as in the case of offences described in
the Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters, or to another disciplinary
body within the University of Toronto, as in the case of sexual
harassment as described in the Policy and Procedures: Sexual
Harassment; or to a divisional disciplinary body, such as a residence
council or a recreational athletics disciplinary body; or is
covered under these policies but which is deemed by the head
of the division to be more appropriately handled by the Code
of Student Conduct; and
(iii) except as otherwise provided herein, occurs on premises
of the University of Toronto or elsewhere in the course of activities
sponsored by the University of Toronto or by any of its divisions;
and
(iv) has not been dealt with under provisions for the discipline
of students with respect to University offices and services whose
procedures apply to students in several academic divisions, such
as University residences, libraries or athletic and recreational
facilities.
1. Offences Against Persons
a) No person shall assault another person sexually or threaten
any other person with sexual assault.
b) No person shall otherwise assault another person, threaten
any other person with bodily harm, or knowingly cause any other
person to fear bodily harm.
c) No person shall knowingly create a condition that unnecessarily
endangers the health or safety of other persons.
d) No person shall threaten any other person with damage
to such person’s property, or knowingly cause any other person
to
fear damage to her or his property.
e) No person shall engage in a course of vexatious conduct
that is directed at one or more specific individuals, and that
is
based on the race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic
origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, creed, age, marital
status, family status, handicap, receipt of public assistance
or record of offences of that individual or those individuals,
and that is known to be unwelcome, and that exceeds the bounds
of freedom of expression or academic freedom as these are understood
in University policies and accepted practices, including but
not restricted to, those explicitly adopted.
(Note: terms in this section are to be understood as they are
defined or used in the Ontario Human Rights Code.Vexatious
conduct that is based on sex or sexual orientation is considered
an offence
under the University’s Policy and Procedures: Sexual Harassment.
If the Sexual Harassment Officer believes, after consultation
with relevant parties, that a complaint based on sex or sexual
orientation would be better handled under the Code of Student
Conduct, the Officer may refer the matter to the appropriate
head of division.)
f) (i) No person shall, by engaging in the conduct described in subsection (ii) below, whether on the premises of the University or away from the premises of the University, cause another person or persons to fear for their safety or the safety of another person known to them while on the premises of the University of Toronto or in the course of activities sponsored by the University of Toronto or by any of its divisions, or cause another person or persons to be impeded in exercising the freedom to participate reasonably in the programs of the University and in activities in or on the University premises, knowing that their conduct will cause such fear, or recklessly as to whether their conduct causes such fear.
(ii) The conduct mentioned in subsection (i) consists
of:
a) repeatedly following from place to place the other person
or anyone known to them;
b) repeatedly and persistently communicating with, either directly
or indirectly, the other person or anyone known to them;
c) besetting or repeatedly watching the dwelling-house, or place
where the other person, or anyone known to them, resides, works,
carries on business or happens to be; or
d) engaging in threatening conduct directed at the other person
or any member of the family, friends or colleagues of the other
person.
2. Disruption
No person shall cause by action, threat or otherwise, a disturbance
that the member knows obstructs any activity organized by
the University of Toronto or by any of its divisions, or the right
of another member or members to carry on their legitimate
activities, to speak or to associate with others.
For example, peaceful picketing or other activity outside
a class or meeting that does not substantially interfere
with
the communication
inside, or impede access to the meeting, is an acceptable
expression of dissent. And silent or symbolic protest is
not to be considered
disruption under this Code. But noise that obstructs the
conduct of a meeting or forcible blocking of access to an
activity
constitutes disruption.
3. Offences Involving Property
a) No person shall knowingly take, destroy or damage premises
of the University of Toronto.
b) No person shall knowingly take, destroy or damage
any physical property that is not her or his own.
c) No person shall knowingly destroy or damage information
or intellectual property belonging to the University
of Toronto or to any of its members.
d) No person, in any manner whatsoever, shall knowingly
deface the inside or outside of any building of the University
of Toronto.
e) No person, knowing the effects or property to have
been appropriated without authorization, shall possess
effects
or property of the
University of Toronto.
f) No person, knowing the effects or property to have
been appropriated without authorization, shall possess
any property
that is not
her or his own.
g) No person shall knowingly create a condition that
unnecessarily endangers or threatens destruction of the
property of the
University of Toronto or of any of its members.
4. Unauthorized Entry or Presence
No person shall, contrary to the expressed instruction of a person or persons authorized to give such instruction, or with intent to damage or destroy the premises of the University of Toronto or damage, destroy or steal any property on the premises of the University of Toronto that is not her or his own, or without just cause knowingly enter or remain in or on any such premises.
5. Unauthorized Use of University Facilities, Equipment or Services
a) No person shall knowingly use any facility,
equipment or service of the University of Toronto
contrary
to the expressed instruction of a person or persons
authorized
to give such
instruction,
or without just cause.
b) No person shall knowingly gain access to
or use any University computing or internal or
external
communications facility
to which legitimate authorization has not been
granted. No person
shall use any such facility for any commercial,
disruptive or unauthorized purpose.
c) No person shall knowingly mutilate, misplace,
misfile, or render inoperable any stored information
such as books,
film,
data files or programs from a library, computer
or other such information storage, processing
or retrieval
system.
6. False Charges
No person shall knowingly or maliciously bring a false charge against any member of the University of Toronto under this Code.
7. Aiding in the Commission of an Offence
No person shall counsel, procure, conspire
with or aid a person in the commission
of an offence
defined
in this
Code.
8. Refusal to Comply with Sanctions
No person found to have committed an offence
under this Code shall refuse to comply
with a sanction
or sanctions
imposed
under the procedures of this Code.
9. Unauthorized Possession or Use of
Firearms or Ammunition
No person other than a peace officer or a member
of the Canadian Forces acting in the
course of duty shall possess or use any firearm or ammunition on the premises
of the University
of Toronto without the permission of
the
officer of the
University having authority to grant such permission.
[C.] Procedures
1. General
a) The University shall establish a centrally appointed pool
of trained Investigating and Hearing Officers, who shall be available
to the divisions, at the discretion of the head of the division,
if that is considered appropriate or preferable for any reason.
b) Each division shall appoint an Investigating Officer and
a Hearing Officer, who may be a student, staff or faculty member
from that division.
c) Whether the incident is investigated locally or centrally,
every effort shall be made to conclude the case through to delivery
of a final decision within the University whithin one year form
the alleged incident or misconduct.
d) Pursuant to the provisions of Section D., interim conditions
may be imposed by the head of the division.
e) For purposes of confidential and central record keeping,
a one-page summary of the outcome of all investigations, whether
or not they have proceeded to a Hearing, shall be copied to the
Judicial Affairs Officer in the Office of Governing Council.
f) Whenever possible and appropriate, informal resolution and
mediation shall be used to resolve issues of individual behaviour
before resort is made to formal disciplinarary procedures.
2. Specific
a) An Investigating Officer shall be appointed for a term of
up to three years by the principal, dean or director (hereinafter
called "head") of each faculty, college or school in which students are registered (hereinafter called "division"), after consultation with the elected student leader or leaders of the division, to investigate complaints made against student members of that division. Investigating Officers shall hold office until their successors are appointed.
b) A Hearing Officer shall be appointed for a term of up to
three years by the council of each division to decide on complaints
under this Code made against student members of that division.
Hearing Officers shall hold office until their successors are appointed.
c) If the Investigating Officer is unable to conduct an investigation,
or the Hearing Officer is unable to conduct a hearing, or where
the head of the division believes on reasonable grounds that the
appointed officer is inappropriate to conduct the particular investigation
or chair a particular hearing, then the head of the division shall
seek ann appointment from the central pool for that particular
case. If the head of the division intends to request either suspension
from registration or expulsion from the University as a sanction
in a particular case, or if the case appears to the head of the
division to require a Hearing Officer with legal qualifications,
then the Senior Chair of the University Tribunal may, on the application
of the head of the division, appoint a legally qualified person
as Hearing Officer for that particular case.
d) Where the head of the division has reason to believe that
a non-academic offence as defined in this Code may have been committed
by a student member or members of the division, the Investigating
Officer will conduct an investigation into the case. After having
completed the investigation, the Investigating Officer shall report
on the investigation to the head of the division. If the head of
the division concludes, on the basis of this report, that the student
or students may have committed an offence under the Code of Student
Conduct, the head of the division shall have the discretion to
request that a hearing take place to determin whether the student
or students have commited the offence alleged.
e) The hearing will be chaired by the Hearing Officer. The
case will be presented by the Investigating Officer, who may be
assisted and represented by legal counsel. If the right to a hearing
is waived, or after a hearing, the Hearing Officer will rule on
whether the student or students have committed the offence alleged
and may impose one or more sanctions as listed below. The accused
student or students may be assisted and represented by another
person, who may be legal counsel.
f) Appeals against decisions of bodies acting under authority
from the council of a division to hear cases arising out of residence
codes of behaviour may be made to the Hearing Officer of the division,
where provision therefor has been made by the council of that division.
g) Appeals against the decision of the Hearing Officer may be
made to the Discipline Appeals Board of the Governing Council.
h) Where the head of a division has reason to believe
that a non-academic offence may have been committed by a group
of students including students from that division and from another
division or divisions, the head may consult with the head of
the other division or divisions involved and may then agree that some
or all of the cases will be investigated jointly by the Investigating
Officers of the divisions of the students involved and that some
or all of the cases will be heard together by the Hearing Officer
of one of the divisions agreed upon by the head and presented
by one of the Investigating Officers agreed upon by the heads.
[D.] interim conditions and measures
1. Interim Conditions: Ongoing Personal Safety
In those cases where the allegations of behaviour are serious and,
if proven, could constitute a significant personal safety threat
to other students or members of the University community, the head
of the division is authorized to impose interim conditions that
balance the need of complainants for safety with the requirement
of fairness to the respondent student. The interim conditions are
in no way to be construed as indicative of guilt, and shall remain
in place until the charges are disposed of under the Code’s procedures.
2. Interim Measures: Urgent Situations
In some circumstances, such as those involving serious threats
or violent behaviour, it may be necessary to remove a student from
the University. Where the head of the division has requested an
investigatioin by the Investigating Officer and the investigation
is pending, the Vice-President & Provost (or delegate) may, on the advice of the head of the division, suspend the student or students temporarily for up to three working days if, in the opinion of the Vice-President & Provost (or delegate), there is reasonable apprehension that the safety of others is endangered, damage to University properly is likely to occur, or the continued presence of the student(s) would be disruptive to the legitimate operations of the University. The student(s) shall be informed immediately in writing of the reasons for the suspensionb and shall be afforded the opportunity to respond. Any such temporary suspension may be reviewed by the Vice-President & Provost (or delegate) within the three-day temporary suspension period, following a preliminary investigatioin, and either revoked or continued. If the suspension is continued, the student(s) may appeal to the Senior Chair (or delegate), or the Associate Chair (or delegate) of the University Tribunal, who shall hear and decide on the appeal within five days.
[E.] Sanctions
The following sanctions or combinations of them may be imposed upon students found to have committed an offence under this Code. In addition, students found to have committed an offence may be placed on conduct probation for a period not to exceed one year, with the provision that one or more of the following sanctions will be applied if the conduct probation is violated.
1. Formal
written reprimand.
2. Order for restitution, rectification or the payment of damages.
3. A fine or bond for good behaviour not to exceed $500.
4. Requirement of public service work not to exceed 25 hours.
5. Denial of access to specified services, activities or facilities
of the University for a period of up to one year.
The following two sanctions, which would directly affect a student’s registration in a program, may be imposed only where it has been determined that the offence committed is of such a serious nature that the student’s continued registration threatens the academic function of the University of Toronto or any of its divisions or the ability of other students to continue their programs of study. Where the sanction of suspension and/or expulsion has been imposed on a student, the Vice-President & Provost (or delegate) shall have the power to record that sanction on the student’s academic record and transcript for such length of time as he or she considers appropriate.
A sanction of suspension shall be recorded on the student’s academic
record and transcript up to five years. The following wording shall
be used: "Suspended from the University of Toronto for reasons of non-academic misconduct for a period of [length of suspension], [date]."
A sanction of expulsion shall be permanently recorded on a student’s
academic record and transcript. The following wording shall be
used: "Expelled from the University of Toronto for reasons of non-academic miscondut, [date]."
6. Suspension from registration in any course
or program of a division or divisions for a period of up to one
year.
7. Recommendation of expulsion from the University.