A grievance (challenge) may be initiated by a student who believes that a decision or action of a University of Waterloo authority has been unfair or unreasonable to them. Dislike of a low grade is not a sufficient reason to challenge it. An informal approach to the person whose judgment is being questioned is to precede the submission of a formal grievance. Policy 70 describes the principles and procedures (including timelines) for submitting a challenge (70B) or reassessment challenge (70C).
Petitions are appropriate when students seek relief from normal University or Faculty of Science rules and regulations for reasons beyond their control (e.g., illness or bereavement preventing completion of a course). Policy 70 describes the principles and procedures (including timelines) for submitting a petition (70A). Students seeking exemption from regulations should submit their petition as soon as possible to minimize delays in their academic progression. More information regarding petitions is available on the Science Petitions web page.