Departmental Policies on Late Assignments and Missed Term Tests

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COVID-19 Policy Update – Important information regarding ‘Special Consideration Requests’ for missed tests, attendance marks and essay/paper extension request

As per the University’s guidelines, if you are symptomatic with cold/flu like illnesses, the Department of Philosophy will not require you to submit a Verification of Illness Form (VOI) for accommodation requests.  For courses using the Departmental policies on late assignments and missed tests, students are however still required to complete a Special Consideration Form and declare their absence in ACORN, should you miss any course work.  Absence declaration must be done on the day of the missed deadline/test or immediately after (i.e., the next day).  Forms and further information can be found below.  Students who do not reach out to the Department could result in NOT receiving any accommodation for any missed work or attendance.

In some philosophy courses, one or more of the departmental policies listed below are in effect. The syllabus for each course indicates the operative policies.  Where a departmental policy is in effect, requests for extensions/make-ups of term work are granted or denied by the department (ultimately by the chair), not by the instructor. (See the policy on final exams on the UTM Office of the Registrar website).

No Late Coursework

This policy applies to all of the term work for a course. No late assignment will be accepted, and no make-up term test will be given, without an authorized extension (see below).

On Time Only

This policy may be applied to one or more individual assignments or term tests in a course. No credit will be given for a late assignment, or make-up given for a missed term test, without an authorized extension (see below).

5% Deduction

This policy may be applied to one or more individual assignments for a course. Late assignments without authorized extensions (see below) will be penalized at the rate of 5% for each calendar date past the deadline. No assignment more than one week late will be accepted.

Extension of Time Special Consideration Process

If you are registered with Accessibility Services and want to request an extension of time for an assignment in advance of the due date based on an accommodation letter already provided to your instructor, please email your accommodation letter as well as a completed Special Consideration Form directly to the Undergraduate Advisor.

In all other cases, if you miss an assignment deadline due circumstances beyond your control and seek an extension of time beyond the due date, please complete the following steps in order to be considered for academic accommodation:

  1. Declare your absence in ACORN.
  2. Submit a completed Special Consideration Form within three (3) days (including weekends and holidays) of the assignment due date.
  3. If illness/injury is cited as the reason for the missed deadline, you must submit a U of T Verification of Student Illness or Injury form (VOI) stating you were examined and diagnosed on the day of the missed deadline or immediately after (i.e., the next day), and indicating a serious degree of incapacitation on academic functioning (e.g. unable to complete an assignment, unable to write a test/examination). The VOI must include a statement by the physician that notes the precise period that you are unable to complete your assignment. A statement from a physician that merely confirms a report (after the fact) of illness/injury made by the student is not acceptable. If you need additional extensions for the same assignment, you must follow the aforementioned procedures with the same physician.
  4. Other documentation can include, but is not limited to: a U of T Verification of Extenuating Circumstances form; automobile collision or police reports; a death certificate; and supporting documentation from employers, lawyers, and other professional persons. When in doubt, please consult the Undergraduate Advisor regarding appropriate supporting documentation for your special consideration request.
  5. For an extension, supporting documentation must specify the exact period that you were unable to complete your assignment. The department will then determine if any extension is merited and if so, the period of extension approved. For extensions of time beyond the examination period, you must submit a petition for an extension of time beyond end of term through the Office of the Registrar.
  6. The department may request additional documentation in order to assess your case fully.

Important Information

The department evaluates special consideration requests carefully and approval is not guaranteed.

  • If there is concern about your special consideration request(s), your request may be refused and/or you may be asked to meet with the Associate Chair.
  • If you have multiple special consideration requests (excluding requests pertaining to a documented disability with appropriate supporting documentation), your request may be refused.
  • If you do not comply with the above instructions and timelines, or if or if your special consideration request is deemed unacceptable, your request will be denied and you will receive a grade of zero for the item you missed.
  • If the department approves your special consideration request, you will be notified of the period of extension permitted.

The department (not the instructor) will inform you of the decision on your special consideration request via email to your U of T email account typically within one (1) week. However, you must submit your assignment per the instructions in your course outline as soon as you are able to do so; do NOT wait for the outcome of your special consideration request.

False statements and/or documentation will be treated as academic offences and handled accordingly.