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The Policy on Academic Considerations for Students in Extenuating Circumstances allows students with extenuating circumstances to request academic consideration in a fair, reasonable and consistent manner.

Below are the steps to follow if a student experiences a circumstance outside their control (e.g., sudden physical illness or mental distress, severe injury to self or significant others, bereavement, traumatic event, etc.) and it will have a direct and substantial impact their ability to temporarily meet essential academic requirements.

If medical or mental health care is needed, students can book a medical or mental health appointment at Student Wellness Services. 

If students are registered with Accessibility Services for the circumstance that is currently impacting their academics, they should:

• Email their course instructor(s) and copy their Accessibility Advisor with a request for accommodation.
• Email the Exams Office (exams@queensu.ca) to cancel their accommodation if the request is for a deferral for a centrally scheduled final exam

Students should consider how long they think this extenuating circumstance will impact their academics:

If 3 days or less, no documentation is required but students must:

• Complete the Request for Academic Consideration Form.
• Follow instructions for their Faculty/School (in Section F).
• Students in Arts and Science, Commerce, and Engineering may need to complete the Formal Attestation Form (in Section F). 

If 3 days or more, supporting documentation is required which varies depending on the circumstance. If students have an appointment with a healthcare provider, they should ask for documentation.

Types of Supporting Documentation

• Health Condition/Injury/Compassionate/Personal Circumstance
• Complete the Verification of Extenuating Circumstance Form with the relevant professional
• Form may be completed by a health care provider (i.e., physician, nurse practitioner, nurse, mental health therapist, occupational therapist) or other professional who is familiar with the circumstance (e.g., Human Rights Advisor, Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Service Advisor, Chaplain, etc.).
• Student must submit the completed form to their Faculty/School Office then contact their course instructor to negotiate academic consideration.
• Excused Absence for Significant Event
• May include: varsity or non-varsity athletic events, showcasing an achievement or talent on a provincial/national/international stage as a distinguished guest or serving in the student reserve forces
• Complete the relevant Excused Absence Request Form
• Other documentation may include an obituary or death certificate for bereavement related circumstances, an accident report or police report or a court order.

Submitting Documentation to Faculty/School Office

Once student have obtained and/or completed the relevant supporting documentation, they must:

• Submit documentation their Faculty/School Office
• Contact their course instructor to negotiate academic consideration