*NEW* Missed Academic Work
Please note changes have been made to the University’s Policy on Requests for Relief for Missed Academic Term Work, effective September 1, 2023.
Relief for Missed Academic Work
McMaster recognizes that students periodically require relief from academic work for medical and other personal situations. The academic regulations surrounding this aim to manage these requests by taking into account the needs and obligations of students, instructors and administrators.
Academic Regulations re: Missed Academic Work
McMaster Student Absence Form (MSAF) – SELF REPORT
MSAF Self Report is a self-reporting tool for undergraduate students to report absences due to minor medical or personal concerns that last up to three (3) calendar days. It provides the ability to request accommodations for any missed academic work worth equal to or less than 24% of the course work.
MSAF Self Report requests:
- may only be submitted once per term;
- must be submitted within 24 hours of the end of the three (3) day period, and failure to do so may negate the opportunity for relief;
- applies only to work due within the period for which the request applies, i.e., the three-day period specified in the MSAF; however, all work due in that period can be covered by one request; and
- where applicable, students must provide documentation proving they have not attempted the work if they submit a request for relief.
It is the student’s responsibility to follow up with their instructor immediately regarding the nature of the accommodation. The instructor(s) will determine the appropriate relief for the request.
This tool cannot be used during any final examination period.
MSAF Self Report is located in your Mosaic Student Centre in the drop-down menu, ‘other academic…’
McMaster Student Absence Form (MSAF) – ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
There are cases where the McMaster Student Absence Form is not the appropriate tool to report an absence.
These include if you:
- Need to report a subsequent absence within the same term where the MSAF Self Report tool has already been used once,
- Are absent for more than three (3) calendar days, or
- Miss a piece of work worth 25% or more of the final grade.
If any of these situations occur, you must visit your faculty office within 24 hours after returning to your academic activities to discuss the absence and missed work. Students in Humanities must complete a Humanities MSAF Administrative Report form. The Humanities MSAF Administrative Report form is appropriate for coursework that will be submitted prior to the last day of classes. Supporting documentation may be requested. If the absence was for medical reasons and supporting documentation is requested, students should arrange for a health practitioner to complete the McMaster Student Health Certificate. If students believe they will not be able to submit work until after classes have ended, they should meet with an advisor to discuss the option of incomplete term work. For final examinations, students should refer to information regarding deferred examinations.
To submit a Humanities MSAF Administrative Report Request:
- Download the Humanities MSAF Administrative Report Request form.
- Fill out all fields and save it to your computer.
- Submit the completed request form to Chester New Hall 107 or the Humanities Documents Drop Folder. An appointment with a Humanities Academic Advisor may be required to discuss a request. If this is the case, students will be notified via their McMaster email.
Request for Incomplete Term Work
Students with exceptional cases who wish to request an extension beyond the last day of classes due may submit a Petition for Special Consideration: Request for Deferred Term Work. Students must meet with a Humanities Academic Advisor before submitting such a request.
If approved, the advisor will email you and the instructor(s) confirming the approval. The nature of the accommodations for missed work is at the discretion of the instructor. It is the student’s responsibility to follow up with each instructor to discuss how, when and where the work will be submitted.
To submit a Request for Incomplete Term Work form:
- Download the Petition for Special Consideration: Request for Deferred Term Work form.
- Fill out all fields and save it to your computer.
- Arrange to speak with a Humanities Academic Advisor. Appointment information can be found at the bottom of this webpage.
Request for Deferred Examination
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Ongoing Accommodations (Student Accessibility Services)
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Religious, Indigenous and Spiritual Observances
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Academic Conflicts for Student-Athletes
STUDENT-ATHLETES: It is your responsibility to review your competition schedule with your course outlines to determine any academic conflicts.
You are encouraged to plan and resolve your athletic/academic conflicts well in advance. However, as a minimum, requests are to be completed at least five business days prior to the conflict.
After completing the online form linked below, the Athlete Services Coordinator will validate your athletic commitment with the Humanities Academic Advising Office. It is your responsibility to do the following:
- Visit the Humanities Academic Advising Office so that they can instruct you with next steps.
- Contact your instructor (or designate) regarding the request for relief of missed academic work. The final decision as to what accommodation will be offered is at the discretion of the instructor.
Athletic commitment verification is provided for McMaster Athletics & Recreation sanctioned events only.
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