Guidelines

Fairness and Equity

Students are responsible for knowing the rules and regulations pertaining to their program of study by using the SFU resources available to them. However, the University recognizes that from time to time circumstances arise that make it difficult to complete an academic program. The dominant principles governing the Withdrawal Under Extenuating Circumstances (WE) process are fairness and equity. The university is prepared to help students who experience unexpected and uncontrollable events that seriously threaten their academic obligations. But in doing so, the University must be careful not to disadvantage students who continue their studies when faced with similar circumstances. The University has the sole discretion to approve WE applications.

Withdrawal requests may be complete or selective, current term or retroactive.

1. Complete Withdrawal
   Since the reasons for a WE request are likely to have a pervasive influence on a student's academic performance, they will typically affect all the courses in which a student is enroled. For this reason, most WE requests are for a complete withdrawal from all courses in a term.
    
   
2. Selective Withdrawal
   Occasionally, however, circumstances may be such that not all courses are affected, in which case the request is for a selective withdrawal. Students applying for a selective withdrawal must specify the reasons why one course is affected but another is not.
    
   
3. Current Term
   Normally, a withdrawal request of courses in progress is considered current under extenuating circumstances provisions, if the request is made prior to the last day of the term
   (April 30, August 31, December 31).
    
   
4. Retroactive Withdrawal
   Occasionally, circumstances may not allow a current withdrawal application, in which case procedures for retroactive withdrawal under extenuating circumstances may be used.

It is not possible to lay down clear rules specifying precisely how WE applications will be assessed because the reasons for such requests are so varied. However, the following criteria are stated in a manner intended to help students determine whether they are eligible to apply for a withdrawal under extenuating circumstances.

1. Medical Grounds
   Students have grounds for a WE request if they suffer a medical condition during the term which so impairs their ability to study that course requirements cannot be satisfied. Hospitalization for a week or more is almost certain to be regarded as sufficient evidence, while a short bout of the flu is likely to be insufficient. Students should seek counselling or advising assistance early in the term, so they can adjust their academic schedules if necessary. Withdrawal requests arising from failure to manage academic priorities will not be accepted as reasons for a WE.
    
   
2. Employment Grounds
   Students have grounds for a WE request if they experience an unexpected change in conditions of employment that is so disrupting that course requirements cannot be completed. Sudden increases in employment hours interfering with studies is likely to be sufficient evidence for a withdrawal, while a requirement to work occasional overtime is most likely to be insufficient.
    
   
3. Compassionate Grounds
   Students have grounds for a WE request if they have a traumatic experience that renders them unfit to complete course requirements during the term. The death of an immediate family member may be regarded as a sufficient reason.
    
   
4. Other Grounds
   Most WE applications are based on medical, compassionate, or employment related circumstances. However, other types of overwhelming personal difficulties such as divorce or family commitments may also be considered with the appropriate explanation and supporting documents.

The University has the sole discretion to approve WE applications. Normally, applications will be denied for students who apply more than once for the same reason, apply for a retroactive WE more than five years from the date of application or have an academic dishonesty incident report filed for the course.

Situations that do not fall within the scope of WE appeals

Although most students requesting a WE have experienced academic difficulties in the course in question, the fear of a poor grade is not, in and of itself, acceptable as a basis for granting a withdrawal. The assessment of a WE request is based on the nature and severity of the reasons for the poor performance. It is important for students requesting a selective withdrawal to keep this point in mind, particularly where academic performance is weak in the course from which withdrawal is sought and noticeably stronger in courses in which the student wishes to stay enroled. The following examples, in and of themselves, will not be considered as a basis for granting a withdrawal (WE):

• A class that has been withdrawn with a WD notation
• Students experiencing language difficulties
• Students having academic difficulties in the course in question
• Administrative error in enrolling or withdrawing from a course
• Issues with course delivery and assignment preparations
• Academic standing
• Repeat course limitations
• Careless academic planning. Wrongfully registered and not dropped
• Students having a conflict with their instructor/or other SFU staff 
• Scheduling of course assignments
• Grading practices
• No longer requiring a course due to program requirements, or transfer credit approval
• A class in which a passed grade was achieved
• Any course with an academic integrity report filed in Student Services
• Cleaning up an academic record prior to graduation
• Conferral of a degree or the approval of a degree by Senate

Students having problems because of these issues should speak to their instructor or an advisor in the department offering the course.

Documentation

All appeals to withdraw require a high standard of documentation that must accompany each application. At times, it may be necessary for the Manager, Student Academic Appeals to verify the validity of any documents submitted.  

Some examples of required documents include:

• An ICBC or a Police Report for motor vehicle accidents or crimes committed resulting in victim services  (business cards listing case numbers are not accepted)
• Employment letters, dated and signed and presented appropriately on business letterhead
• Illnesses that are overseas must be presented on proper hospital or medical reports normally available from a hospital or doctor’s office.

All compassionate withdrawals must include a copy of the death certificate, prayer card or obituary (proof of relationship may be required). 

1. Medical Documentation
   Students with a medical condition severe enough to warrant a WE request must have consulted with a medical practitioner and must document that consultation. A medical explanation documented on the SFU Health Care Provider Statement form must be attached to the WE application form. Students who did not see a doctor at the time of the accident or illness and cannot provide evidence to back up the explanation will not be awarded a withdrawal. A note on a prescription pad is not adequate documentation.  Health care providers need to present the information that is requested on the SFU Health Care form. 
2. Employment Documentation
   Students appealing on employment grounds must submit a letter outlining details about the employment circumstance from their employer. The letter must include information about the nature of the employment change, its date of onset and duration. This must be presented on business letterhead, dated and signed.
3. Compassionate Grounds Documentation
   For students applying for a WE on compassionate grounds, such as the death of a loved one, evidence of the loss must be provided. For example, an obituary, death certificate and/or prayer card must be submitted (verification of relationship may be requested).
4. Personal Letter
   WE applicants must write a clear and concise letter (no longer than two pages double-spaced or one page single-spaced and typed) staging the reason for why they are applying to withdraw.  Explain the extenuating circumstance and refer to the facts of the case only and chronologically list the date that the extenuating circumstance(s) occurred and how it impacted you throughout the term. There should be a direct link between information presented in the cover letter and the supporting documents. A chronological list of relevant events is helpful when reviewing all requests. A vague cover letter accompanied by weak supporting documents or none at all will delay the outcome or result in a denied decision.

1. Students who are considering a WE application, or require clarification about any of the rules, regulations and deadline dates in the academic calendar regarding withdrawals should consult with an academic advisor in Student Services, located in Maggie Benston, or speak to a department advisor from the faculty in which they are enroled. Since these rules, regulations and deadline dates are an important component of a university program, students should know them.
   
   
2. Once a decision is made to pursue a WE application, the package of information should be submitted to the Manager, Student Academic Appeals in Senate and Academic Services. Each WE package includes: the WE Application Form, a personal letter outlining the extenuating circumstances and how it is affecting their academic studies and all supporting documents to back up the information in the personal letter.
   
   In most cases, the Appeals Manager will contact the instructor to request an “academic progress report” (APR) on all the assignments for the course, their due dates and grades achieved from across the term. A copy of all correspondence between the student and the instructor will also be requested and filed with the WE request.
   
   All WE applications are adjudicated by the Manager, Student Academic Appeals. It is the student’s responsibility to provide a clear explanation on why they are applying for this withdrawal and provide all necessary documents to back up an explanation so that a fair assessment can be made.
   
   Due to the volume of requests, it is not possible to lay down a single time for how long it will take to adjudicate an application.  If supporting documents are delayed or not received, then no decision can be made on the withdrawal application and the applicant risks receiving a denied decision or having it returned unprocessed.
   
   Once a decision is made on a WE application, the Manager, Student Academic Appeals will change the withdrawal under extenuating circumstances (WE) notation and notify the student by email.  The notation “WE” will be placed on a student record in lieu of a course grade.  Please note that students are responsible to ensure their academic statuses are up to date by checking their student records on the Student Information System (SIMS).
   
   Requests submitted after the term has ended (after the last day of exams), or requests relating to a course taken in a previous term, are referred to as "retroactive". Retroactive WE applications follow the procedures as explained above.  Requests that are for terms more than five years from the date of application will not be considered.

Students whose WE applications are denied and feel they have grounds for appealing a WE decision should refer to the General Appeals for detailed information.