Procedure for Policy 2.2 - Policy on Academic Continuity

The official version of this procedure is housed with the University Secretariat.  In the event of a discrepancy, the official version will prevail. Click here for a printable version of this procedure.


Parent Policy: 2.2 Policy on Academic Continuity 
Approving Authority: Senate
Responsible Office: Provost & Vice-President (Academic)
Responsible Officer: Provost & Vice-President (Academic)
Original Approval Date: June 3, 2019
Most Recent Revision Date: N/A
Previous Revisions: N/A

1. Communication and Dissemination of Information

1.1. When an Academic Disruption occurs, the Provost & Vice-President (Academic) or designate shall declare its existence, and request:

1.1.1. The Registrar use best efforts to inform and update relevant external bodies about the Academic Disruption;

1.1.2. University officers use best efforts to have externally imposed deadlines extended, especially where the lack of transcripts would impose a hardship on current students;

1.1.3. The University Librarian disseminate information about the impact of an Academic Disruption on access to collections and services as early and as frequently as possible via print and electronic notices, messages on websites, and other means;

1.1.4. Any adjustments be announced widely, including through links posted on the University home page;

1.1.5.  A communication plan is established and implemented.

1.2. When an Academic Disruption ends:

1.2.1. The Provost & Vice-President (Academic) or designate shall declare its conclusion and shall give notice to students, deans, and chairs/directors of the procedures then in effect under this policy.

1.2.2. A report shall be provided to Senate as soon as possible after the end of the Academic Disruption regarding actions undertaken, any changes to the Schedule of Dates required for remedy, and proposed changes to academic regulations as may be required in accordance with the principles of this Policy and Senate bylaws.

1.3. A decision to cancel classes when the University remains open will be made by the Provost, with the same consultation and announcement procedures as described above. A decision to cancel classes but stay open on other campuses (Ridgetown, Guelph-Humber) may be made by administration, taking into consideration local conditions and the principles articulated in the Policy.

2. Short Disruptions

2.1. In the case of brief Academic Disruptions of seven or fewer days, individual course instructors and faculty are expected to determine, in the first place, the extent to which their courses, seminars, graduate supervision, labs, practica, etc. are affected by the Academic Disruption and what curricular adjustment, if any, is required.

2.1.1. Where an individual class is differentially impacted by an Academic Disruption (e.g. in cases where a three-hour class is disrupted), course instructors and faculty should consult with chairs/directors and deans regarding appropriate curricular adjustment.

2.2. If, in the opinion of the chair/director after consultation with the course instructor or faculty member, curricular adjustment ought to include rescheduling to preserve course integrity, they shall take actions consistent with the principles articulated in the Policy, in consultation with the Registrar and/or the Assistant Vice-President, Graduate Studies.

3. Examination Disruptions

3.1. In the case of Academic Disruptions in the examination period, the Provost & Vice-President (Academic) or designate shall oversee the process of directing and implementing the necessary remedial action.

4. Long Disruptions

4.1. In the case of an Academic Disruption of longer than seven days, the Provost & Vice-President (Academic) shall receive reports from the deans on the impact of the Academic Disruption.

4.2.  In the case of an Academic Disruption of longer than fourteen days, the Senate shall receive modifications to the Schedule of Dates with any related changes in examination scheduling.

4.3. In cases where substantial amounts of instructional time have been lost due to Academic Disruption, the Provost & Vice-President (Academic) shall call a meeting of the Deans, who shall oversee the process of directing and implementing the necessary curricular adjustments, and in doing so shall:

4.3.1. Have authority to extend a term and to authorize the rescheduling of examinations, in order to preserve academic integrity. The length of the term may not be extended more than seven days. Implementation of changes to the academic term will be organized centrally. Appropriate central offices, such as the Office of the Registrar, will be consulted prior to the decision and asked to assist in any rescheduling.

4.3.2. Resolve conflicts between the principles of academic integrity and fairness to students as articulated in the Policy.

4.4. Tests and mid-term examinations for all courses will not be rescheduled until at least one class meeting has been held, or in the case of distance education courses or hybrid courses, no sooner than three days after the Academic Disruption has ended.

4.5. Assignments due during the Academic Disruption need not be submitted until at least one class meeting has been held, or in the case of distance education courses or hybrid courses, no sooner than three days after the Academic Disruption has ended.

4.6. If required, provision will be made for the alternative scheduling of presentations, performances, practica, etc. so collaborative classroom or studio work may take place at a time convenient for course instructors and students.

4.7. If an Academic Disruption continues to a point where no feasible remedy consistent with the principle of academic integrity is available, the Provost & Vice-President (Academic), in consultation with the Deans, shall recommend to Senate credit not be given for a given course or courses.

5. Academic Consideration and Appeals

5.1. Normal academic consideration and appeals procedures shall apply to deal with academic issues arising from an Academic Disruption which lasts longer than seven days. Where an Academic Disruption occurred for longer than seven days, the Senate Petitions Committee, the Committee on Admissions and Progress, and Academic Review Subcommittees shall monitor requests for academic consideration to ensure fairness and reasonable consistency of outcomes.