There are two reasons to get an extension to your graduate funding as a Unit 1 or Unit 3 member: Ontario Human Rights Code based grounds, or service on the union’s executive committee or bargaining team.
The OHRC grounds extensions can be up to two years, but funding is not guaranteed in the second year, despite the union’s best efforts to try to secure work for members in this situation. The union service extension is only ever for a single year. If you are eligible for both extensions, we recommend that you contact the union before applying to discuss which one you should apply for.
Application Process
All extension applications are processed through the Academic Petition Portal: Visit the Academic Petition Portal
If you have any problems or questions about your application, we are always happy to help.
Supporting Documentation
For an extension based on disability or illness/injury, you will need to provide medical documentation explaining how your disability/illness/injury impacted your time to completion. You are not required to disclose a diagnosis. If you are registered with Student Accessibility Services, they may be able to provide you with a letter documenting your need for an extension. This would need to be a letter specifically for a program extension request, not the generic ‘for course directors’ one SAS usually generates.
Members who apply on medical grounds will need to provide supporting documentation from SAS or a medical practitioner that is empowered to diagnose patients (e.g. the new AD does not accept documentation from psychotherapists). However, members applying on other code based grounds will need to provide supporting documentation based on the grounds they are applying (e.g. birth certificates of dependants, diagnostic information for children with disabilities, proof of complaints filed if on the basis of discrimination/harassment). Feel free to contact the Union office to discuss documentation possibilities.
For union service extensions, you will need a letter from the union detailing your service.
For all extensions, you will also need the documentation listed below:
Personal Statement
You must include a brief personal statement that links the effects/limitations arising from the Code-based ground issue with the need for more time. You should also confidently state that an accommodation of more time will lead you to completion.
Timeline to Completion
You must map out a “timeline to completion”, detailing what you have done to date to complete your degree and, specifically, what you plan to accomplish each term for which you are asking to be extended.
Supervisor Support
You need an email or letter from your thesis or dissertation advisor that attests to your program progress, and wholeheartedly supports your timeline to completion and extension request.
Timelines and Next Steps
If at all possible, you should file your extension request at least three months before the date at which the extension would begin. The more you apply in advance, the more likely you are to be approved with enough time to avoid interruptions in your funding or enrollment.
The decisions of all OHRC-based extensions for CUPE 3903 members should be automatically copied to the Equity Officer so that the union can help you contest any unfair decision. Feel free to get in touch at any point in the process if you need assistance.