Troubleshooting Course Challenges
If an unexpected challenge with a course arises, the Student Success Centre can help.
When Unexpected Challenges Arise
Unexpected life events or other challenges can arise which might impact your ability to succeed in a course temporarily. The university has resources and processes in place to help you get support, and overcome difficulties that might arise while completing your degree.
Below, you will find video examples of student situations that can occur along with answers to common questions on university processes such as withdrawing from courses, deferring term work or managing a missed assignment. You will also find information on relevant services on campus where students can access support.
Missing an Assessment
In this video, we meet Jack who due to some health challenges accidentally missed their midterm. Learn about Jack's options and where they can get support.
Watch the video.
Read the transcript.
To contact their instructor, Jack might find it helpful to review our Making a Request to a Course Instructor via Email tipsheet. Jack can also visit the university's Advising website for up to date information on how to meet with an advisor in their faculty.
Since Jack is managing some recent health challenges, they may want to meet with Student Accessibility Services to explore possible accommodations and review information on how to register with Student Accessibility Services.
Lastly, Jack may be asked to provide documentation to support their request. Information on supporting documentation regulations can be found in the Academic Calendar. In addition to medical notes, references, police reports and other possible forms of documentation, students may choose to provide a statutory declaration. Statutory declarations are made through commissioners of oaths and involve swearing an oath. This service can be accessed at various locations in Calgary, including through Student Legal Assistance and the Calgary Immigrant Women's Association Business Centre.
Deferral of Term Work
In this video, we meet Ahmed, who due to a family emergency, is unable to complete his assignments prior to the end of the term. Ahmed has questions about the process for complete a deferral of term work request.
Watch the video.
Read the transcript.
To contact his course instructors, Ahmed might find it helpful to review our Making a Request to a Course Instructor via Email tipsheet. Information on Deferral of Term Work policies can be found in the Academic Calendar. Ahmed can also access the Deferral of Term Work Form online.
Ahmed may be asked to provide documentation to support his request. Information on supporting documentation regulations can be found in the Academic Calendar. In addition to medical notes, references, police reports and other possible forms of documentation, students may choose to provide a statutory declaration. Statutory declarations are are made through commissioners for oaths and involve swearing an oath. This service be accessed in various locations in Calgary, including through Student Legal Assistance and the Calgary Immigrant Women's Association Business Centre.
Ahmed may also want to engage with services at the Student Success Centre to make a plan for completing his academic work and/or Student Wellness Services to support his wellbeing. Lastly, he may want to meet with an academic advisor. He can visit the university's Advising website for up to date information on how to meet with an advisor in his faculty.
Withdrawing from a Course
In this video, we meet Ingrid, who is wondering if she should withdraw from a course where her grade to date has been very low.
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Read the transcript.
Ingrid can learn more about the types of withdrawals in the Academic Calendar and reach out to her academic advisor by visiting the university's Advising website. Ingrid may also find the how to calculate your interim course grade tipsheet helpful.
To learn more about potential impacts to her scholarship, Ingrid can book an appointment with Enrolment Services or visit their website for more contact options.
Deferred Exams / Extenuating Circumstances Withdrawals
In this video, we meet Caleb who has been experiencing mental health concerns this semester and is considering deferring his final exams or requesting extenuating circumstances withdrawals from all his courses, while he adjusts to his medication.
Watch the video.
Read the transcript.
Caleb can access information on deferred exams and extenuating circumstances withdrawals online. The Deferred Final Exam website provides details on deferred exam dates as well as additional information on when a deferred final exam may be requested as well as frequently asked questions and instructions on how to apply for a deferred exam. More information on Extenuating Circumstances Withdrawals is also available on the bottom of the Registration Changes and Exemption Requests webpage.
Since Caleb is managing some recent mental health challenges, he may want to meet with Student Accessibility Services to explore possible accommodations and review information on how to register with Student Accessibility Services.
Lastly, Caleb may be asked to provide documentation to support his requests. Information on supporting documentation regulations can be found in the Academic Calendar. In addition to medical notes, references, police reports and other possible forms of documentation, students may choose to provide a statutory declaration. Statutory declarations are are made through commissioners for oaths and involve swearing an oath. This service be accessed in various locations in Calgary, including through Student Legal Assistance and the Calgary Immigrant Women's Association Business Centre.
Academic Review
Students' grades and course progression are assessed yearly through an academic review. Through this review, students receive an Academic Standing which tracks progress toward degrees. Students who do not meet their faculty’s academic review requirements will receive an email from their faculty in the spring or summer months (typically mid-May to end of July) with their academic review results and important next steps. Have you received an Academic Standing email? Or would like to understand what each standing means?