Student Advocacy

Student Advocacy is a safe place for students. We help you navigate university processes and advocate for your rights as a student at UM.

We're here to help

If anything in your personal or academic life is affecting your studies, contact our confidential intake assistant. Everything you tell us is kept completely confidential.

We do our utmost to respond to phone and email inquiries as quickly as possible. Please note that during periods of high call and email volumes, our response time could take up to 5 working days.

Student Advocacy works on an appointment basis.We offer in person, virtual or phone appointment options. Please note we do not offer walk-in/drop-in appointments.

Alternate formats of any documents on this website are available upon request to stadv@umanitoba.ca or (204) 474-7423

We can help you if you face an allegation of academic misconduct

  • The University of Manitoba takes academic integrity seriously. As a member of the International Centre for Academic Integrity, the university defines academic integrity as a commitment to six fundamental values: honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility and courage.

    Technology and modern life can make it difficult to act with integrity. If you face an allegation of academic misconduct, call our confidential intake assistant as soon as possible so a student advocate can help you navigate the process.

    If you would like to do some self-directed research before your appointment with a student advocate, here are some resources:

    How an academic misconduct investigation works

We can help you navigate university policies and procedures

The university's policies and procedures can be confusing. If you find yourself in need of help, call our confidential intake assistant to make an appointment with a student advocate.


If you would like to do some self-directed research before your appointment with a student advocate, here are some resources:

Academic probation or suspension is based on the unique requirements of the program you are in. Speak to your faculty’s advisor as soon as possible if you feel you will not be able to meet your program’s requirements or come talk to us at Student Advocacy.

We can help you advocate for your rights

If you need help navigating policies related to disability and accessibility, if you face racism, sexism or harassment, call our confidential intake assistant to book an appointment with a student advocate.


If you would like to do some self-directed research before your appointment with a student advocate, here are some resources:

We can help if you are facing an emergency or crisis in your life

Student Advocacy works closely with Case Management to provide you with crisis support if you are experiencing or have experienced:

  • financial concerns including homelessness and food insecurity
  • mental health concerns
  • addiction
  • sexual violence
  • concern for your your safety on or off campus

Discipline Appeals Procedures

Academic Misconduct Discipline Appeals

For Undergraduate students

Step 1: Department HeadStep 2: Dean, Director of College Step 3: Local Discipline Committee (LDC)Step 4: University Discipline Committee (UDC)
Hears undergraduate discipline cases in most first instances, with some exceptions.

Within 10 working days from date of decision letter, submit your appeal of previous discipline decision and/or penalties.

Note: If first instance of discipline case is heard at this level, the first appeal is with the LDC.

Within 10 working days from date of decision letter, submit your appeal of previous discipline decision and/or penalties.Within 10 working days from date of decision letter, submit your appeal of previous discipline decision and/or penalties.

More information

For Graduate Students

Step 1: Associate Dean, Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (FGPS)Step 2: Dean, FGPSStep 3: FGPS, Local Discipline Committee (LDC)Step 4: University Discipline Committee (UDC)
Hears academic discipline cases in first instance.

Within 10 working days from date of decision letter, submit your appeal of previous discipline decision and/or penalties.

Note: If first instance of discipline case is heard at this level, the first appeal is with the LDC.

Within 10 working days from date of decision letter, submit your appeal of previous discipline decision and/or penalties.Within 10 working days from date of decision letter, submit your appeal of previous discipline decision and/or penalties.

More information

Non-Academic Misconduct And Concerning Behaviours Discipline Appeals

For Undergraduate students

Step 1: Dean of Faculty or Director of CollegeStep 2: Local Discipline Committee (LDC)Step 3: University Discipline Committee (UDC)

May hear discipline cases for non-academic misconduct investigations (refer to the Non-Academic Misconduct and Concerning Behaviours Procedure).

This includes breaches under the Respectful Work and Learning Environment Policy and the Sexual Violence Policy (refer to the Complaint and Disclosures Procedure).

Note: Some cases are heard by the Vice-Provost (Students) instead of the Dean or Director of the relevant faculty or college.

Within 10 working days from date of decision letter, submit your appeal of previous discipline decision and/or penalties.

Note: Only cases heard at the Faculty or College level can appeal to the LDC.

Within 10 working days from date of decision letter, submit your appeal of previous discipline decision and/or penalties.

Note: Decisions made by the Vice-Provost (Students) are only appealable to the UDC. They are not heard at the LDC prior to submission to UDC.

Step 1b: Vice-Provost (Students)

May hear discipline cases under relevant policies instead of the Dean or Director of the faculty or college. In this instance, appeals go directly to Senate and by-pass the LDC.

For Graduate Students

Step 1: Dean, Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (FGPS)Step 2: FGPS Local Discipline Committee (LDC)Step 3: University Discipline Committee (UDC)

May hear discipline cases for non-academic misconduct investigations (refer to the Non-Academic Misconduct and Concerning Behaviours Procedure).

This includes breaches under the Respectful Work and Learning Environment Policy and the Sexual Violence Policy (refer to the Complaint and Disclosures Procedure), and the Responsible Conduct of Research Policies and Procedure.

Note: Some cases are heard by the Vice-Provost (Students), instead of the Dean, FGPS.

Within 10 working days from date of decision letter, submit your appeal of previous discipline decision and/or penalties.

Note: Only cases heard at the Faculty or College level can appeal to the LDC.

Within 10 working days from date of decision letter, submit your appeal of previous discipline decision and/or penalties.

Note: Decisions made by the Vice-Provost (Students) are only appealable to the UDC. They are not heard at the FGPS LDC prior to submission to UDC.

Step 1b: Vice-Provost (Students)

May hear discipline cases under relevant policies instead of the Dean, FGPS. In this instance, appeals go directly to Senate and by-pass the FGPS LDC.

Residence Non-Academic Discipline Appeals

For Undergraduate students

Step 1: Residence Life Coordinator or Associate Director of ResidenceStep 2: Director of ResidenceStep 3: Residence Local Discipline Committee (LDC)Step 4: University Discipline Committee (UDC)
Hears discipline cases regarding breach of residence contract or community standards, in most first instances.

Within 10 working days, submit your appeal decision regarding a breach of residence contract or community standards.
Note: If first instance of discipline case is heard at this level, the first appeal is with the residence LDC.

Note: If first instance of discipline case is heard at this level, the first appeal is with the residence LDC.

Within 10 working days from date of decision letter, submit your appeal of previous discipline decision and/or penalties.
(ICM students final appeal level).		Within 10 working days from date of decision letter, submit your appeal of previous discipline decision and/or penalties.
(ICM are students not eligible to appeal to UDC).

For Graduate Students

Step 1: Residence Life Coordinator or Associate Director of ResidenceStep 2: Director of ResidenceStep 3: Residence Local Discipline Committee (LDC)Step 4: University Discipline Committee (UDC)
Hears discipline cases regarding breach of residence contract or community standards, in most first instances.

Within 10 working days, submit your appeal decision regarding a breach of residence contract or community standards.

Note: If first instance of discipline case is heard at this level, the first appeal is with the residence LDC.

Within 10 working days from date of decision letter, submit your appeal of previous discipline decision and/or penalties.Within 10 working days from date of decision letter, submit your appeal of previous discipline decision and/or penalties.

See also the residence handbooks for the Colleges’ residences:

Academic Appeals Procedures

For Undergraduate students

Accommodation AppealsSenate Committee On Appeals
Request reconsideration to the Director, Student Accessibility Services (SAS) regarding a modification of a course or program requirement or address concerns about fair treatment and implementation of accommodations. See Student Accessibility Procedure for reconsideration details and contact your SAS coordinator.

Within 10 working days from the date of the reconsideration decision (admissions or accommodations) from the previous level. 
Specific procedures outlined in the Senate Committee on Appeals policy and procedure.

See also Appeal Form and Appeal Flowchart.

Admissions AppealsSenate Committee On Appeals
Request reconsideration to the Chair of the Faculty, School, or College Selection Committee within 10 working days of the mailing date of the decision. See admissions requirements for your program for appeal committee information.

Within 10 working days from the date of the reconsideration decision (admissions or accommodations) from the previous level. 
Specific procedures outlined in the Senate Committee on Appeals policy and procedure.

See also Appeal Form and Appeal Flowchart.

Fee Appeals2nd Level Fee Appeal Committee
Apply for a refund of tuition fees within 12 months of approved AW or VW. Appeals are submitted via Aurora. See information on Registrar’s Website regarding appealing of fees.Within 30 calendar days from the date of the original decision, submit your appeal and all relevant documents to fee.appeals@umanitoba.ca. 
Final Grade AppealsFaculty, School, or College Council/CommitteeSenate Committee on Appeals
Deadlines vary based on term, spanning courses, summer schedule, and irregular courses. Refer to the Registrar’s Office website for deadlines. Submit Final Grade Appeal via Aurora with $50 fee.

Earlier decisions are appealable to the Faculty, School, or College academic appeal committee within 10 working days.

To find your program’s specific academic appeal process, refer to the program regulations in the academic calendar for details.

Within 10 working days from the date of the decision from the previous level. Specific procedures outlined in the Senate Committee on Appeals policy and procedure.

See also Appeal Form and Appeal Flowchart.

Term Work Grade AppealsFaculty, School, or College Council/CommitteeSenate Committee on Appeals
Submit Term Work Grade Appeal form (from Registrar’s Office website) to your department within 10 working days of obtaining marks. Fee of $50 to be submitted to Cashier’s Office.

Earlier decisions are appealable to the Faculty, School, or College academic appeal committee within 10 working days.

To find your program’s specific academic appeal process, refer to the program regulations in the academic calendar for details.

Within 10 working days from the date of the decision from the previous level. Specific procedures outlined in the Senate Committee on Appeals policy and procedure.

See also Appeal Form and Appeal Flowchart.

Other Academic AppealsFaculty, School, or College Council/CommitteeSenate Committee on Appeals
Requests and processes overseen by the Associate Dean (i.e., Authorized Withdrawal, Required to Withdraw, etc.)

Earlier decisions are appealable to the Faculty, School, or College academic appeal committee within 10 working days.

To find your program’s specific academic appeal process, refer to the program regulations in the academic calendar for details.

Within 10 working days from the date of the decision from the previous level. Specific procedures outlined in the Senate Committee on Appeals policy and procedure.

See also Appeal Form and Appeal Flowchart.

For Graduate Students

Accommodation AppealsSenate Committee on Appeals
Request reconsideration to the Director, Student Accessibility Services (SAS) regarding a modification of a course or program requirement or address concerns about fair treatment and implementation of accommodations. See Student Accessibility Procedure for reconsideration details and contact your SAS coordinator.

Within 10 working days from the date of the reconsideration decision from the previous level. 

Accommodation Reconsideration appeals are not heard by the Dean of FGPS nor the FGPS Appeals Committee.

Admissions Appeals must be heard by the Dean prior to submission to Senate. They are not heard by the FGPS Appeals Committee.

Specific procedures outlined in the Senate Committee on Appeals policy and procedure.

See also Appeal Form and Appeal Flowchart.

Admissions AppealsSenate Committee on Appeals

Request reconsideration to the Dean, Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (FGPS) within 15 working days of the mailing date of the decision.

See FGPS Appeals – Procedures and Guidelines for appeal information.

Within 10 working days from the date of the reconsideration decision from the previous level. 

Accommodation Reconsideration appeals are not heard by the Dean of FGPS nor the FGPS Appeals Committee.

Admissions Appeals must be heard by the Dean prior to submission to Senate. They are not heard by the FGPS Appeals Committee.

Specific procedures outlined in the Senate Committee on Appeals policy and procedure.

See also Appeal Form and Appeal Flowchart.

Fee Appeals2nd Level Fee Appeal Committee
Apply for a refund of tuition fees within 12 months of approved AW or VW. Appeals are submitted via Aurora. See information on Registrar’s Website regarding appealing of fees.Within 30 calendar days from the date of the original decision, submit your appeal and all relevant documents to fee.appeals@umanitoba.ca. 
Final Grade AppealsDean, Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (FGPS)FGPS Appeals CommitteeSenate Committee on Appeals
Deadlines vary; refer to the Registrar’s Office website for deadlines. Submit Final Grade Appeal via Aurora with $50 fee.

Earlier decisions are appealable to the Dean, FGPS within 15 working days.

Appeals may be referred directly to FGPS Appeals Committee.

Refer to FGPS Appeal Procedures and Guidelines

Earlier decisions issued by the Dean, FGPS are appealable to the FGPS Appeals Committee within 15 working days.

Refer to FGPS Appeal Procedures and Guidelines

Within 10 working days from the date of the decision from the previous level. Specific procedures outlined in the Senate Committee on Appeals policy and procedure.

See also Appeal Form and Appeal Flowchart.

Term Work Grade AppealsDean, Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (FGPS)FGPS Appeals CommitteeSenate Committee on Appeals
Submit Term Work Grade Appeal form (from Registrar’s Office website) to your department within 10 working days of obtaining marks. Submit $50 fee to Cashier’s Office.

Earlier decisions are appealable to the Dean, FGPS within 15 working days.

Appeals may be referred directly to FGPS Appeals Committee.

Refer to FGPS Appeal Procedures and Guidelines

Earlier decisions issued by the Dean, FGPS are appealable to the FGPS Appeals Committee within 15 working days.

Refer to FGPS Appeal Procedures and Guidelines

Within 10 working days from the date of the decision from the previous level. Specific procedures outlined in the Senate Committee on Appeals policy and procedure.

See also Appeal Form and Appeal Flowchart.

Other Academic AppealsDean, Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (FGPS)FGPS Appeals CommitteeSenate Committee on Appeals
Requests and processes overseen by the appropriate unit of study and/or Associate Dean, FGPS (i.e., Authorized Withdrawal, Required to Withdraw, etc.)

Earlier decisions are appealable to the Dean, FGPS within 15 working days.

Appeals may be referred directly to FGPS Appeals Committee.

Refer to FGPS Appeal Procedures and Guidelines

Earlier decisions issued by the Dean, FGPS are appealable to the FGPS Appeals Committee within 15 working days.

Refer to FGPS Appeal Procedures and Guidelines

Within 10 working days from the date of the decision from the previous level. Specific procedures outlined in the Senate Committee on Appeals policy and procedure.

See also Appeal Form and Appeal Flowchart.

Our team

Information for faculty and staff

Contact us

Student Advocacy
Room 520 UMSU University Centre
65 Chancellor's Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus) 
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

student_advocacy@umanitoba.ca
204-474-7423