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Rights & Responsibilities

Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a student helps you navigate your post-secondary experience with confidence and self-advocacy.

⚖ī¸ Your Rights

Transparency

You have the right to clear information about policies, procedures, grading criteria, course requirements, and institutional policies.

Respectful Treatment

You have the right to be treated with respect, dignity, and without discrimination based on protected grounds (race, gender, religion, disability, etc.).

Accommodation Process

You have the right to request reasonable accommodations for disabilities, medical conditions, or other barriers to learning, and to have those requests considered in good faith.

Privacy

You have the right to privacy of your personal information and academic records, protected under FIPPA (Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act) in BC.

Due Process

You have the right to fair procedures, notice of allegations, opportunity to respond, and appeal processes for academic or disciplinary matters.

Right to Appeal

Where available, you have the right to appeal grades, academic decisions, or disciplinary actions through formal institutional appeal processes.

✅ Your Responsibilities

Academic Integrity

You are responsible for submitting original work, properly citing sources, avoiding plagiarism, and following academic honesty policies.

Respectful Conduct

You are responsible for treating peers, instructors, and staff with respect, following codes of conduct, and contributing to a positive learning environment.

Deadlines

You are responsible for meeting assignment deadlines, understanding course requirements, and communicating proactively if you need extensions.

Documentation

You are responsible for providing required documentation for accommodations, appeals, or special circumstances in a timely manner.

Professional Communication

You are responsible for communicating professionally with instructors and staff, reading emails, checking course announcements, and responding appropriately.

📊 Grade Appeal & Escalation Ladder

If you have concerns about a grade, follow this escalation ladder. Note: Processes vary by institution. Always check your school's academic calendar or student handbook for specific procedures.

1

Step 1: Contact Your Instructor

Discuss your concerns directly with the instructor who assigned the grade. Ask for clarification on how the grade was calculated, request feedback, and seek understanding of the grading criteria.

Timeline: Usually within 5-10 business days of receiving the grade

2

Step 2: Course Lead / Program Chair

If the issue isn't resolved, escalate to the Course Lead or Program Chair. Provide documentation of your initial discussion and the specific concerns that remain.

Timeline: Varies, but typically after Step 1 attempt

3

Step 3: Program Director / Dean

If still unresolved, contact the Program Director or Dean of your faculty. Include all previous correspondence and a clear summary of your concerns.

Timeline: Usually after Step 2 attempt

4

Step 4: Formal Appeal Route

Submit a formal appeal through your institution's official appeal process. This may involve a department committee, academic appeals committee, or senate-level review. Follow your school's specific procedures and deadlines.

Timeline: Usually has strict deadlines (e.g., 10-30 days from grade release)

5

Step 5: Ombudsperson / Student Advocacy

If available at your institution, the Ombudsperson or Student Advocacy Office can provide neutral guidance, help you understand policies, and assist in navigating the appeal process. They do not make decisions but can support you through the process.

Available at any stage if your institution has this service

⚠ī¸ Important: Appeal processes, timelines, and available steps vary significantly by institution. Always check your school's academic calendar, student handbook, or policy documents for the specific procedures and deadlines that apply to you.

🔗Helpful Links

BC Ombudsperson

The BC Ombudsperson provides independent oversight for public post-secondary institutions in BC, including helping with complaints about administrative fairness.

Visit BC Ombudsperson →

BC Human Rights Tribunal

If you believe you've experienced discrimination based on protected grounds (race, gender, religion, disability, etc.), you can file a complaint with the BC Human Rights Tribunal.

File a Human Rights Complaint →

Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB)

If you're attending a private training institution in BC and have concerns about quality, policies, or tuition protection, PTIB handles complaints and provides oversight.

PTIB Complaints & Claims →