Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Yes. Retaining legal representation is strongly encouraged. (See Finding Legal Representation to locate legal assistance)

The ADFG Office establishes a hearing date convenient for all parties.  Sometimes, the parties agree on a schedule beforehand. The ADFG Office then sends the Student the Notice of Academic Discipline Appeal Hearing, in which the following information is provided:

• Date and time of the hearing (held Monday to Friday, either morning, afternoon or evening)
• Location of the hearing
• The names of Discipline Appeals Board members who will hear the case

*Note: Academic Discipline Appeal hearings are held 12 months of the year.

The period between the filing of the appeal to the hearing date varies depending on factors such as ordering of transcripts, the schedule regarding submission of documents, and the availability of the parties and the availability of panel members.

A panel of three people consisting of a legally qualified Chair, one Student member, and one Faculty member adjudicates each Academic Discipline Appeal hearing at the Appeal Division of the University Tribunal.

• The Chair will make introductory remarks and will introduce themselves and the other panel members.
• The Division/Division's representative will introduce himself or herself and any observers that he or she have brought with them.
• The Student and his or her representative/family and friends will introduce themselves. Or, the Student and his or her counsel will introduce themselves.
• The party who appealed will outline their arguments and what they are seeking (i.e. Student be found guilty/not guilty and/or the Tribunal's sanction was not appropriate).
• In exceptional circumstances, new evidence may be permitted, with the permission of the Chair.
• The Respondent will have an opportunity to rebut or assent to the remedy being sought.
• The Appellant or their counsel will have an opportunity to respond to arguments that the Respondent made.
• The Panel may ask questions. The Panel will end the hearing and will deliberate in camera (i.e. in private) to determine the appropriate outcome.

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Yes, hearings are open to the public in accordance with s.9.(1) of the Statutory Powers Procedure Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chap. S.22 as amended. Normally, however, only the individuals who are directly involved in a case will attend the hearing, that is, the three (3) panel members, the Student, with counsel if applicable, Discipline Counsel, with divisional representatives and the ADFG Secretary or designate.

Hearings are normally held in Simcoe Hall.

The start time for appeal hearings may vary.  The duration of each Discipline Appeal hearing also varies as each case is unique.  The ADFG Office suggests that hearing attendees reserve at three (3) hours in their calendar. The ADFG Office asks that attendees bring their calendars to the hearing to facilitate scheduling if another day is needed.

These hearings are usually recorded.  If there is a recording, the ADFG Office keeps the original recordings and facilitates the ordering of transcripts, should you or Discipline Counsel make a request.

Parking will depend on the location of your hearing. For hearings held in Simcoe Hall, ADFG suggests parking along King's College Circle. For other parking locations, please refer to the University of Toronto Parking and Transportation Services website. *Please note that most parking locations on campus are not free of charge.

Although there is no dress code, attendees usually dress in business casual to business attire.

Hearings are always catered, and the offerings depend on the timing. With enough notice (at least two days), the ADFG Office can accommodate dietary restrictions and requirements. 

If you need a disability-related accommodation to participate in this academic appeal process, please review and follow the procedure set out in the Protocol for Requesting Accommodation for Disabilities in the Academic Discipline Process.