Appeals as discussed in the following sections, including re-reads, will be handled according to the University's Revised Procedures for Student Appeals in Academic Matters. Unless the CGPS Dean agrees otherwise, the first formal step in grievance procedure is to be taken within 30 days of the alleged grievance. Other time limits for appeals will be those applying in the College to which the student's academic unit belongs.  See Policy 2.1 for information about admission decision appeals.
 Revisions approved Section 16.1
by CGPS Council October 12, 2023
 Implementation
October 16, 2023

16.1. ASSESSMENT IN COURSEWORK

Procedures for informal and formal reassessment in coursework will be handled according to the University’s Procedures for Student Appeals in Academic Matters, Section IV. Students concerned with the evaluation of coursework should refer to these procedures.

  1. Students should first try to resolve the matter at the level of the academic unit as per the Procedures for Student Appeals in Academic Matters, Section IV.A) 
  2. If the matter cannot be resolved at the level of the academic unit, students may request that the Graduate Academic Affairs Committee of CGPS make a formal decision on reassessment (see the Procedures for Student Appeals in Academic Matters, Section IV).  All requests and inquiries can be directed to gradprograms.academicaffairs@usask.ca.

Students seeking a formal appeal for dealing with matters other than substantive academic judgment should refer to 16.2 and to the Revised Procedures for Student Appeals in Academic Matters, section V. 

 Revisions approved Section 16.2
by CGPS Council January 19, 2024
 Implementation
January 19, 2024

16.2. STANDING IN PROGRAM

Students may appeal matters relating to standing in the program including, but not limited to, program progression, recommendations for requirements to discontinue (RTD), leave requests, probationary terms, and graduation eligibility.

In all instances, students should seek to resolve the issue informally with their advisory committee (if applicable), the graduate program chair, and/or the head of the academic unit.

If the matter cannot be resolved through consultation within the academic unit, students should contact the Associate Dean, CGPS.  The Assostudents and the academic units of the decision with the process for appealing the decision to the Graduate Academic Affairs Committee of CGPS.

Inquiries, requests for decision of the Associate Dean, and requests for appeal can be sent directly to gradprograms.academicaffairs@usask.ca.

Students may appeal their standing in program for matters other than substantive academic judgement, as outlined in the University Council's Procedures for Student Appeals in Academic Matters, Section V.

  • To initiate a formal appeal, written notice of appeal must be sent to the Graduate Academic Affairs Committee, CGPS within 30 days of the decision that is being appealed. Notices of appeal can be sent to gradprograms.academicaffairs@usask.ca.
  • The notice of appeal will be reviewed by the Associate Dean, CGPS (i.e. the academic administrator), who will determine if the grounds for appeal are valid.
    • If the Associate Dean determines that there are no valid grounds under these procedures for an appeal, the appeal will be dismissed without a hearing.
    • If the Associate Dean determines that there may be valid grounds for an appeal, then the appeal hearing will proceed.
    • The rationale for the decision will be communicated to the appellant (i.e., student).

 If the hearing is proceeding:

  • An academic hold will be placed on the student account. Where a decision of CGPS is being appealed, the student record will reflect the decision pending the outcome of the appeal.
  • An appeal board will be constituted, composed of two faculty members of CGPS Faculty Council and one graduate student, with one of the faculty members also appointed as chair. Whenever possible, the appeal board will be comprised of members of the Graduate Academic Affairs Committee.  Conflict of interest will be avoided when constituting the appeal board. A staff member in CGPS will act as secretary to the hearing board.
  • The hearing will be scheduled to occur as quickly as possible and all parties will be provided with at least 7 days written notice of the hearing. Where there are special circumstances (as determined by the Associate Dean), the matter may be held on less than 7 days' notice. Hearings will be held as soon as practicable in the circumstances and in accordance with principles of procedural fairness. receipt of notice of appeal. 
  • All parties will be provided with the following in advance of the hearing:
    • the hearing order of proceedings
    • copies of supporting documents to be considered in the hearing
    • each participant's rights and responsibilities
  • The decision of the hearing board will be final, and all parties will be notified of the results in writing within 15 days of the hearing board’s decision. 
    • The results of the hearing will be shared with the student’s supervisor, (if applicable), the graduate chair, the dean/executive director of the home academic unit, the dean of CGPS, the University Secretary, and the Registrar. 
    • Where applicable, the student’s record will be updated following the notification of the hearing results.
Appeals, on limited grounds, of the CGPS hearing board's decision can be submitted to the University Secretary https://governance.usask.ca. Information on the limited grounds for appeal can be found in Section V. B. 1. of the University Council’s Procedures for Student Appeals in Academic Matters.