Academic appeals are highly technical in nature – students often find themselves lost in the bureaucracy of the process. Without proper guidance, students become overwhelmed and make poor choices as a result.

Exploratory meetings tend to be very formal and can result in a student being unprepared and making unnecessary admissions – evidence which can be used against them before the faculty committee or tribunal. Despite a faculty member claiming the initial meeting is meant to be informal, our experience is that they are not. With our team on your side, we can assure you that will be aware of what rights you have from the very first step.

Students often believe they just need to tell their side of the story and the process will be over. While this sometimes happens, the student usually does not fully grasp the allegation against them and may effectively help the university build a case against them. Through our years of experience dealing with academic disputes, we understand the relevant Codes of Conduct and know what the University needs to prove.

Sanctions can be quite severe and range from a transcript notation, a reduction in a grade, and suspension or expulsion from the University. Sanctions can be even more severe for repeat offenders, senior students, and those accused of more serious offences such as plagiarism, impersonation, purchasing an essay, etc. When considering how even a low or failing grade can affect a student’s ability to find work or be accepted to graduate or professional school, it becomes clear that the stakes are extremely high. Even in cases where a student’s guilt is clear, we can provide advice on minimizing the sanction.

Students are also at a disadvantage because they are being prosecuted by trained counsel who appear regularly before the relevant tribunal. The rules of evidence can make things even more difficult for a student who feels they have a strong argument to make.