Though it is rare, medical or compassionate circumstances may arise which prevent a student from taking an exam as scheduled. An exam deferral is a privilege that may be granted under extenuating circumstances. UM developed the Self-Declaration Policy for Students with this in mind.

If you are unable to write an exam, and have no other available documentation, you must complete the Online Self-Declaration Form to request a deferred exam. Students must be aware that submitting a Self-Declaration Form either dishonestly, or for a non-valid reason, is the same as submitting any other fraudulent (false) document, which may result in disciplinary action under the UM Student Discipline By-Law.

Examples of non-valid reasons

• Attending a personal or family event (e.g., vacation, wedding)
• Optional travel
• Technological difficulties
• Competitions or events, related to personal interests (choir, acting, pageants, exhibitions)
• Employment-related commitments

Examples of valid reasons

• Sudden illness or injury on the day of an exam
• Unexpected compassionate circumstances
• Known conflicts of religious observance
• Bereavement or loss of a loved one
• Participation in an inter-university, provincial, inter-provincial, national or international scholastic or athletic event

Be sure to check in with an advisor in your home faculty to confirm which events and other reasons are relevant and may be supported by the Self-Declaration form. There are some circumstances in which other documentation may be required by your faculty.

If you are experiencing anxiety around your academic obligations, please view the student supports and resources that are available to you, such as:

• Student Wellness Centre, Student Counselling Centre, or other Student Supports to manage stress and anxiety
• Academic Learning Centre for study skills, exam preparation, writing workshops
• Student Accessibility Services if related to an ongoing or chronic health condition

Best wishes to all students preparing for final examinations.

Even the most prepared student, however, may be faced with unexpected circumstances. In this case, a deferred exam may be considered. In the case that a medical or compassionate circumstance arises which prevents a student from writing an exam as scheduled, they may request a deferral. A deferral is a privilege for students. The UM’s Self-Declaration Policy for Students considers the reasons students may be unable to write an exam.

If you are unable to write an exam, and no other documentation is available, you must complete the Fillable Self-Declaration Form for submission with your request for a deferred exam(s).  Students should be aware that submitting a Self-Declaration form either dishonestly, or for a non-valid reason, is the same as submitting any other fraudulent (false) document, which may result in disciplinary action under theUM Student Discipline By-Law.

Examples of non-valid reasons 

• Attending a personal or family event (e.g., vacation, wedding) 
• Optional travel
• Technological difficulties
• Competitions or events, related to personal interests (choir, acting, pageants, exhibitions)
• Employment-related commitments
• Academic/Exam Related Stress

Examples of valid reasons

• Sudden illness or injury on the day of an exam
• Unexpected compassionate circumstances
• Known conflicts of religious observance
• Bereavement or loss of a loved one
• Participation in an inter-university, provincial, inter-provincial, national or international scholastic or athletic event

If you are unsure if your reasons is valid or not, please check with an advisor in your faculty to help navigate the Self-Declaration form.

Even if the circumstances may not fall under what is acceptable for the Self-Declaration form, UM understands that regardless, students may be stressed or may have some difficulties preparing for their exams.  In those cases, now is the time to reach out to student supports and resources. Student Affairs is in full swing for the exam season and students looking for support should reach out.

• For students who are not able to meet academic requirements due to stress reasons, health reasons, or have other accessibility concerns, please contact the Student Accessibility Services.
• The Academic Learning Centre is ready to help students with study skills, exam preparation, and writing workshops.
• The Student Wellness Centre, Student Counselling Centre, or other Student Supports are there to help manage stress, anxiety, and approach the exam season head-on.

Best wishes to all students in their preparations for final examinations.

Although rare, medical or compassionate circumstances may arise which prevent a student from writing an exam as scheduled. An exam deferral is a privilege that may be granted under extenuating circumstances.   UM developed the Self-Declaration Policy for Students with these circumstances in mind. 

If you are unable to write an exam, and no other documentation is available, you must complete the Fillable Self-Declaration Form for submission with your request for a deferred exam(s).  Students should be aware that submitting a Self-Declaration form either dishonestly, or for a non-valid reason, is the same as submitting any other fraudulent (false) document, which may result in disciplinary action under the UM Student Discipline By-Law. 

Examples of non-valid reasons 

• Attending a personal or family event (e.g., vacation, wedding) 
• Optional travel
• Technological difficulties
• Competitions or events, related to personal interests (choir, acting, pageants, exhibitions)
• Employment-related commitments
• Academic/Exam Related Stress

Students who are not able to meet academic requirements due to experiencing high levels of academic or exam-related stress should seek out support by contacting Student  Accessibility Services or Student Support Case Management.  

Examples of valid reasons 

• Sudden illness or injury on the day of an exam
• Unexpected compassionate circumstances
• Known conflicts of religious observance
• Bereavement or loss of a loved one
• Participation in an inter-university, provincial, inter-provincial, national or international scholastic or athletic event 

Be sure to check with an advisor in your home faculty (or your faculty’s website) to confirm which events and other reasons may be supported by the Self-Declaration form. There are some circumstances in which other documentation may be required by your faculty. If you are experiencing anxiety around your academic obligations, please use the student supports and resources available to you, such as: 

• Academic Learning Centre for study skills, exam preparation, writing workshops 
• Student Wellness Centre, Student Counselling Centre, or other Student Supports to manage stress and anxiety
• Student Accessibility Services if related to an ongoing or chronic health condition 

 Best wishes to all students preparing for final examinations.