Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Yes. If you wish to appeal the decision of a Hearing Officer, retaining legal representation is strongly encouraged. (See Finding Legal Representation to locate legal assistance)

The ADFG Office will try to establish a hearing date convenient for all parties.  Sometimes, the parties agree on a schedule beforehand. The ADFG Office then sends you the Notice of Non-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: Non-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 the schedule regarding submission of documents, availability of the parties and the availability of panel members. 

• A panel of four people consisting of a legally qualified Chair, one faculty member and two student members adjudicates each Non-Academic Discipline Appeal hearing at the Appeal Division of the University Tribunal.
• The Chair of the panel will make introductory remarks and will introduce him or herself and the other panel members.
• The Division/Division's representative will introduce him or herself and introduce any observers that he or she has brought with them.
• You and your representative (if any) will introduce yourselves. If you have brought any observers, you will also introduce them.
• You will outline your arguments and what you are seeking (i.e. to find you not guilty and/or the Hearing Officer's sanction was not appropriate).
• In exceptional circumstances, new evidence may be permitted, with the permission of the Chair.
• The Division and/or its representatives will have an opportunity to respond to your arguments.
• You or your representatives will have an opportunity to respond to arguments that the Division has raised.
• The panel may ask questions at any point during the arguments.
• The panel will end the hearing and will deliberate in closed session (i.e. in private) to determine the appropriate outcome.

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 four (4) panel members, the Student, with counsel if applicable, a divisional representative who may have counsel, and the ADFG Secretary or designate.

Hearings are held virtually, over Zoom.

The start time for appeal hearings varies.  The duration of each non-academic discipline appeal hearing also varies as each case is unique. The ADFG Office suggests that hearing attendees reserve at least 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 the Division make a request.

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

For a detailed explanation of the publication of records, please see the Code of Student Conduct ’s Memorandum on the Maintenance and Use of the Records of Non-Academic Discipline Proceedings.

The Hearing Officer or the Discipline Appeals Board may make recommendations to the Vice-President & Provost that the nature of the offence and the sanction be published in the University newspapers. Where circumstances warrant, the Hearing Officer or the Discipline Appeals Board may also order the publication of your name.
The Vice-President & Provost has the discretion to withhold publication of your name.

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 Non-Academic Discipline Process.