Missed Tests & Exam Forms
Students will find information about submitting declaration of extenuating circumstances request and deferred final exam requests.
Declaration of Extenuating Circumstances Form
As a student, it is your responsibility to ensure that coursework is completed and submitted by the due date assigned by your instructor.
During the semester, when a situation beyond your reasonable control prevents you from completing a piece of coursework according to the timeline or due date provided by your instructor, use this form to request an exception. Not all exception requests are granted—your instructor has authority to grant or deny your request.
Exceptions for anticipated or planned absences:
You must contact your instructor prior to the absence: at minimum two weeks prior to the absence, and ideally earlier—within one week of knowing that you will be absent.
Exceptions for unanticipated absences:
You must contact your instructor within 48 hours of the missed event (or, in exceptional cases, as soon as reasonably possible).
Request to Defer a Final Exam Form
If required, you may request to have a final exam in the official exam period rescheduled due to one of the following reasons:
(i) serious illness, personal/family emergency, or unforeseeable adverse situation;
(ii) religious grounds, as per Academic Regulation 8.n.;
(iii) participation in regional, provincial, national, or international activity.
NOTE: Travel plans or other elective arrangements are not acceptable grounds for requesting a deferred final examination.
Exceptions for anticipated or planned absences: (ii and iii):
Your exam rescheduling request should be submitted within seven calendar days of the announcement of the exam date and include appropriate documentation to support the request.
Requests for unanticipated absences (i):
Your exam rescheduling request should be submitted within 48 hours of the missed exam (or, in exceptional cases, as soon as reasonably possible).
Requests for Deferred Exams are not considered retroactively for exams that have been written.
Review the Academic Regulation on Deferred Final Examinations.
NOTE: If approved, your instructor will set your make-up exam date. If you are unable to write the exam on your make-up date, you must submit a new deferred exam request, which will be assessed under the criteria above.
Students must use their @smu.ca email when submitting the form.