The Senate Appeals Board hears appeals from students on matters involving the application of academic policies and requirements relating to but not limited to:

• Withdrawal Under Extenuating Circumstances
• Special Circumstances for Admission/Readmission

Appeals will be considered if new information or documentation not originally presented is provided

or

• a decision under appeal was made without jurisdiction;
• a fundamental procedural error
• inconsisten application of the relevant regulations

Appeals must be filed with the secretary within 3 weeks of receipt of the denied decision. To open an appeal, email sabapp@sfu.ca  a completed application form. Indicate that you require time to obtain new supporting documentation.

Please contact the Secretary at sabapp@sfu.ca if there is a delay.

• All appeals are heard on a first come first serve basis. 
• All appeals for admission/re-admission are reviewed for special circumstances by University Admissions prior to going forward to the Board.
• Appeal meetings are typically held monthly.
• All appeals are reviewed by the Secretary to the Senate Appeals Board prior to the meeting date. Due to high volume and the complexity of appeals, your appeal may not go forward to the Board at their next available meeting date. The Secretary will confirm the status of your appeal.
  

• Evidence submitted, both written and oral.
• Your academic record. (the Board may request further information from the instructor).
• Probable actions of a hypothetical "reasonable person" who might encounter circumstances similar to those encountered by you.

• Any appeal with no new evidence to support the appeal
• Dissatisfaction with University Policy
• Failure to meet published deadlines sfu.ca/students/deadlines
• Grades. (Reviewed by Instructor, Department Chair or Dean as per policy T20.01)
• Tution and fees refunds. (sfu.ca/students/appeals/fees)
• Academic penalties. (Reviewed by Senate Committee on University Disciplanary Appeals)
• Entry to limited enrolment program or a Faculty. (See Department Chair or Dean)
• Special accommodations for documented disabiling condition. (See the Centre for Accessible Learning)

Students should first seek out the advice of the University Ombudsperson prior to submitting an appeal. Please contact for an appointment.  https://www.sfu.ca/ombudsperson/contact_us.html

Email or drop off your appeal to the attention of:

Secretary to the Senate Appeals Board

Student Services

Maggie Benston Centre 3200

Burnaby campus, 8888 University Drive

Fax 778-782-5732

Email: sabapp@sfu.ca

Selective Withdrawal Under Extenuating Circumstances

The Senate Appeals Board wants to know why your circumstances impacted only some courses and not the others in a term. A clear timeline of events is helpful for the Board to determine your special circumstances, including dates.

The Senate Appeals Board will review the written submission to determine if you have

(a) grounds for an appeal and

(b) if you have evidence to support your appeal.

The Board will then:

1. Make a decision based on the documentation provided
2. Table your appeal and ask for more information, or
3. May ask you to appear at an in-person hearing.

In exceptional cases, students may be asked to appear if the Board needs more information to make a decision on your appeal. The Secretary will contact you to book the date and time. Questions will be posed by the members of the Board and you will be provided with an opportunity to clarify your situation. You have the right to bring a support person with you.