Western University Academic Consideration: Complete Guide
Western University (officially the University of Western Ontario) uses an Academic Consideration system for students who miss assessments due to illness. Understanding this system is crucial — Western has specific requirements that differ from other Ontario universities.
How Academic Consideration Works at Western
When you miss an exam or assessment due to illness at Western, you must:
1. Submit a request through the Dean's Office within your faculty
2. Provide medical documentation from a licensed physician
3. Meet the deadline — typically within 2 business days of the missed assessment
Western's Self-Reported Absence Policy
Western introduced a Self-Reported Absence system that allows students to:
- Report absences of up to 48 hours without documentation
- Use this for assessments worth 10% or less of the final grade
- Use it a maximum of twice per term
This does NOT apply to:
- Final exams
- Midterms or assessments worth more than 10%
- Absences longer than 48 hours
- Clinical, practicum, or co-op placements
When You Need a Sick Note at Western
Medical documentation is required for:
- Final exam deferrals (Special Examination requests)
- Midterms and major assessments worth more than 10%
- Extended illness beyond 48 hours
- After using both self-reported absences for the term
Western's Documentation Requirements
Western requires a Student Medical Certificate (SMC) that includes:
- The physician's name, address, and registration number
- Date of examination
- A statement confirming the student was incapacitated
- Whether the condition is acute or chronic
- The recommended period of absence
Faculty-Specific Processes
- Ivey Business School: Has its own academic policies; contact Ivey Program Services
- Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry: Strict attendance; contact the Undergraduate Medical Education office
- Faculty of Engineering: Submit through the Engineering Academic Counselling office
- Faculty of Science: Standard academic consideration through the Dean's Office
Getting Medical Documentation in London, Ontario
Western's campus is in London, Ontario (population ~420,000). Options include:
1. Western Student Health Services: Located in the University Community Centre (UCC). Free but extremely busy during exams — waits of 3-5 hours are common
2. London walk-in clinics: Oxford Street, Richmond Row, and Wonderland Road clinics. Expect 2-3 hour waits
3. Online sick note (MedLetter): Documentation delivered within hours. $49 flat fee. No travel required
Why Western Students Choose Online
- London's walk-in clinics are overwhelmed during exam season (December and April)
- Many Western students are from the GTA and don't have a London family doctor
- Student Health Services cannot always accommodate same-day appointments during finals
- International students (20%+ of Western's population) often lack a local physician
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Western University accept an online sick note?
Yes. Western accepts medical documentation from any CPSO-licensed physician. The note must include the physician's registration number and confirm you were incapacitated on the relevant date.
How long do I have to request a Special Examination at Western?
You must submit your request within 2 business days of the missed exam. Act immediately — don't wait for a clinic appointment.
Can I use self-reported absence for a final exam at Western?
No. Self-reported absences only cover assessments worth 10% or less. Finals require full medical documentation through the Academic Consideration process.
What if Western denies my academic consideration request?
You can appeal through the Senate Review Board Academic. Strong medical documentation significantly improves your chances.
How to Get Your Documentation
Western students: the 2-business-day deadline means you can't afford to wait. [Get your sick note now](/get-started/sick_note?province=ontario) — $49 flat fee, delivered by email within hours. Our notes meet Western's Student Medical Certificate requirements.
Conclusion
Western University's academic consideration process is straightforward but time-sensitive. The 2-business-day deadline for Special Examination requests means you need documentation fast. Don't risk your academic standing by waiting for a clinic appointment — get your medical documentation online and submit your petition on time.