Requesting Relief for Missed Course Work

What you need to know:

• The McMaster Student Absence Form (MSAF) applies only to work that is due within the period for which the request applies (i.e. the three-day period that is specified in the MSAF)
  • All work due within the specified period can be covered by one MSAF
• The MSAF tool is available on the Mosaic Student Center under the ‘Other Academics’ drop-down menu
  • To submit a Request for Relief for missed academic work worth 24% or less, use the MSAF on-line self-reporting tool
    • For missed academic work worth 25% or higher, students must complete a Notification of Absence form and submit to buscom@mcmaster.ca.
    • You have five business days from the date of the missed course work to complete this process
• Students may only submit a Request for Relief using the MSAF tool once per term
• After submitting a Request for Relief via MSAF, an automated email will be sent to the course instructor, who will determine the appropriate relief
  • Students must immediately follow up with their instructors
  • Failure to do so may negate the opportunity for relief
• Students experiencing technical difficulties at the time of an online test/quiz should contact their instructor or designate immediately and should not submit a Request for Relief via MSAF

The MSAF cannot be used:

• To meet a religious obligation or to celebrate an important religious holiday
  • Students who require accommodations to meet Religious, Indigenous or Spiritual Observances (RISO) are expected to read the University Policy & Procedures and submit a RISO accordingly
• For academic work that has already been completed or attempted
  • Attempting online work includes opening a test/quiz on Avenue to Learn or other online platform