Dispute Resolution and Academic Appeals Process

1. Policy Overview

At Am-Can Business & Tech Institute, we are committed to providing a fair, equitable, and transparent learning environment. All student evaluations and assessments are conducted in strict accordance with the Ontario Ministry of Education’s Growing Success guidelines.

However, we recognize that occasional disagreements may arise regarding academic evaluations, course administration, or disciplinary actions. This policy outlines a structured process for students (and their parents/guardians) to voice their concerns and formally appeal academic decisions.

2. Scope of Appeals

Students may use this process to appeal the following:

• A final course grade or the grading of a major culminating assessment.

• A penalty applied for a violation of the Academic Integrity and Anti-Plagiarism Policy.

• A decision regarding a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) or Mature Student Assessment (MSA) application.

• Administrative withdrawal due to inactivity.

Note: Minor, formative assignments and day-to-day quizzes are generally not eligible for formal appeal unless they significantly impact the student's ability to pass the course.

3. The Three-Step Resolution Process

We encourage all disputes to be resolved as close to the source as possible. Therefore, Am-Can Business & Tech Institute utilizes a progressive, three-step dispute resolution model.

Step 1: Informal Resolution (Instructor Level)

• The student should first contact their instructor directly via the techstudy.ca e-LMS messaging system or by email.

• This communication must occur within three (3) business days of receiving the grade or academic decision in question.

• The student must clearly and politely explain why they are questioning the grade or decision, referencing the specific assignment rubric or course expectations.

• The instructor will review the concern, provide additional feedback if necessary, and attempt to resolve the issue directly with the student. Most academic disputes are successfully resolved at this stage.

Step 2: Formal Appeal (Principal Level)

• If the issue cannot be resolved informally with the instructor, the student (or their parent/guardian if under 18) may file a Formal Academic Appeal.

• The student must submit a completed Formal Appeal Form to the Office of the Principal within five (5) business days of receiving the instructor’s final decision from Step 1.

• The appeal must include:

  • The specific decision or grade being appealed.

  • The steps already taken to resolve the issue with the instructor.

  • A clear rationale for the appeal, supported by evidence (e.g., assignment instructions, grading rubrics, medical documentation, or e-LMS submission logs).

Step 3: Review and Final Decision

• Upon receiving a formal appeal, the Principal will conduct an objective review. This may involve:

  • Reviewing the student's submitted work and the instructor's grading rubric.

  • Examining digital logs and timestamps within the techstudy.ca platform.

  • Consulting with the instructor or an independent subject-matter expert.

  • Requesting a meeting (virtually or at our Vaughan campus) with the student and their parent/guardian to discuss the matter further.

• The Principal will issue a written decision within seven (7) business days of receiving the formal appeal.

• The Principal may decide to uphold the original grade/decision, adjust the grade, or offer the student an opportunity to resubmit the assignment under specific conditions.

4. Finality of the Decision

The decision made by the Principal at the conclusion of Step 3 is considered final and binding. There is no further avenue for appeal within Am-Can Business & Tech Institute.

5. Non-Academic Disputes

Disputes of a non-academic nature (e.g., fee disputes, technical platform issues, or peer-to-peer behavioral conflicts) should be directed to the school administration desk. Cases involving severe breaches of the Student Code of Conduct (such as harassment or bullying) will bypass Step 1 and be handled directly by the Principal in accordance with our Anti-Bullying and Student Conduct policies.