McGill has numerous policies that protect students, define appropriate conduct, and lay out steps students can take to seek redress. A selection of policies and other documents that speak to these rights and procedures is listed here. Please consult the McGill Secretariat's directory of Policies and Regulations for a complete list.
- Charter of Students' Rights
- Policy on Assessment of Student Learning
- Code of Student Grievance Procedures
- Guidelines for the Academic Accommodation of Pregnant Students and Students Caring for Dependants
- Policy Concerning the Rights of Students with Disabilities
- Policy for the Academic Accommodation of Religious Observances
- Policy on Academic Freedom
- Policy on Email Communications with Students
- Policy on Harassment and Discrimination
- Policy on the Disclosure of Wrongdoing
For policies related to research conduct, please visit Research Policies.
Many of these policies also lay out specific processes for when students feel their rights have not been upheld. For example, if a student feels that one or more academic right laid out in the Charter of Student Rights has been violated, they should first attempt to resolve the issue informally. They may first reach out to the instructor to discuss the issue. If they cannot find a resolution, the student may go to the Director or Chair of the academic unit offering the course. If they cannot find a solution, the student may go to the Faculty’s Student Affairs Office, Associate Dean (Student Affairs), or Associate Dean (Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies). If the student feels their concerns remain unresolved, they may reach out to the Office of the Dean of Student or the Ombudsperson for Students. If a problem still exists, the student may seek redress via the Code of Student Grievance Procedures.
If a student feels they did not receive a fair assessment or if they feel that any other right in the Policy on Assessment of Student Learning has been violated, they may inform the instructor and/or Director or Chair of the Department in writing. If the problem remains unresolved after these initial steps, anyone involved may reach out to the Dean of Students or the appropriate Associate Dean. Students may also request a reread by a third party designated by McGill. Before requesting a reread by a third party, the student should write to the instructor to request an explanation for the grade they received and explain why they believe the grade received is not appropriate. If they are not satisfied with the instructor's response, they may request a reread by a third party.
Please consult the relevant policy for complete information.
If you have any questions about student rights, please contact the Office of the Dean of Students.
