Final exams are around the corner! The Fall 2020 exam period runs from December 12 to December 18 2020, inclusive.

While you’ll no doubt make every effort to prepare for your exams, sometimes unplanned life events happen. In the event of illness, accidents or family misfortune, you may be eligible for an exam deferral.

What’s that?

Exam deferrals allow students additional time to complete their studies, write an exam and earn a complete final grade.

What do I do if I need a deferral?

In the event that you miss an exam due to unforeseen circumstances, you must  follow these procedural guidelines to be approved for a deferred exam.

1.  Notify your instructor within 24 hours of missing an exam.

2.  Submit a Deferred Standing Request form within 48 hours online:

3.  Student & Enrolment Services will then notify your instructor and cc you by email if appropriate documentation has been received.

4.  A deferred exam date will be communicated by the instructor (or area) after the original exam has taken place. Deferred exam dates are scheduled by the instructor and not at the request of the student. All attempts will be made to hold a deferred exam as soon as possible.

Submitting the Statement and/or submitting documentation substantiating the reason for the absence does not guarantee approval of a deferred final exam. Permission to write a deferred exam is subject to review by Student & Enrolment Services and the course instructor.

What happens when I receive my deferral decision?

If a deferred final exam is denied, you can petition to the Student Affairs Committee within 14 calendar days of the decision.

If approved, it is your responsibility to arrange the deferred final exam with the course instructor.

Please refer to the Graduate Policy Handbook as well as the Important Dates table on the Schulich website for the Examination Policy and key dates about accommodations and deferrals. 

Happy Studying! 

*Currently, students are not required to submit a doctor’s note or an Attending Physician’s Statement in support of requests for deferred standing for courses impacted by the COVID-19 situation.