MED notations
What to do if a long-term medical situation interferes with your final exams
If you missed a final examination due to a long-term illness, you may apply to replace your grade with a MED notation. This page explains when you may apply for a MED notation, how to do it, and when you will write your replacement final exam.
Be sure to review all the university regulations concerning “MED” notations in the undergraduate calendar.
What does an MED notation mean?
- A MED notation on your transcript indicates that you were unable to write a final examination and/or complete other assignments due to a long-term medical situation.
- A MED notation provides a student with two options. The student can either write the deferred exam or keep the MED notation on their transcript. If the student is scheduled to re-write the exam, and cannot attend, the MED remains. The exam cannot be rescheduled again.
- A MED notation does not affect the GPA.
- If the student decides to write the deferred exam, the final grade in the course will replace the MED notation on the transcript.
- A long-term medical condition is an illness or condition that has been ongoing throughout the term and has severely interfered with your ability to complete course assignments and write the final exam or submit your final papers.
- You cannot apply for a MED notation if:
- your long term medical illness only impacted you during the final exam session
- you experience a short-term illness just before the exam or the exam period.
- If you cannot attend your final exam due to a medical reason, you may apply to defer your exam. Learn more about DEF notations.
You may apply for a MED notation if you missed a final exam and/or cannot complete other assignments due to long-term illness.
Check your transcript when you apply for a MED notation. Your transcript must show one of these grade options listed below:
- An original grade (A,B,ect) and the DNW (Did Not Write) notation if you missed the final exam
- An original grade (A,B, ect) and the INC (Incomplete) notation if you did not submit all the necessary term work
- An original grade (A,B,ect) with the DNW/INC notations if you missed both the final exam and did not submit all the necessary term work
We cannot process your application if you receive one of the following grades:
- R
- NR
- NCR
If you believe you have received a failing grade in error, you must discuss your situation with the instructor.
Be sure to review all the university regulations concerning MED notation in section 16.3.8 II in the undergraduate calendar.
Apply online using the following link:
If you are unable to apply online, you may also download and print the Request for “MED” Notation form. You can also pick up the form at the Birks Student Service Centre (LB-185).
By submitting a MED notation application, you agree to the terms and conditions that are outlined on the MED request form.
Submit your application by the deadline. If you submit your application online, please note that the processing fee of $40 will be charged to your student account.
| Term | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall | January 15 |
| Fall/Winter (6-credits) or Winter | May 10 |
| Summer | August 31 |
Always submit the request form before the deadline. If you are missing any of the documents to support your request, you may submit them afterwards.
You can email any supporting documents to examsoffice@concordia.ca. Make sure you include your full name and student ID number in your email.
Collect your supporting documents and submit them as soon as possible. If you cannot have the Medical Physician Form provided by Concordia completed by your physician, you can submit other additional documentation. These documentations must be on a physician’s original letterhead. While the nature of your medical condition does not need to be explained, we do require an indication of the range of dates when you were unable to perform schoolwork during the academic year. You can email any supporting documents to examsoffice@concordia.ca. Make sure you include your full name and student ID in your email.
All applications must be submitted along with a statement explaining the situation and the reasons for the request. All statements should be maximum one page long.
If you are applying online, you will find space to submit this statement on the online MED notation application form. A member of the Exams Office may be in contact with you to request additional information regarding your application.
If your request is approved, you will receive further information regarding your MED notation and be granted the option of writing a replacement examination. Be sure to review all the university regulations concerning replacement examinations in section 16.3.7 II in the undergraduate calendar.
If your request is denied, you will receive information regarding why, and further documentation can be provided. If further documentation is provided, your application will be re-assessed.
You may also visit Concordia’s Health Services, who may be able to provide a medical note depending on the nature of your medical condition.
If you repeatedly submit medical certificates, the university reserves the right to refer you to a university-appointed physician for a recommendation.
INC notations
Be sure to review all the university regulations concerning INC notations and late completion of course work in section 16.3.5 in the undergraduate calendar.
You must complete any outstanding assignments and submit them by the deadline:
| Term | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall | February 15 |
| Fall/Winter (6-credits) or Winter | May 30 |
| Summer | September 15 |
Check with your instructor; some may have earlier deadlines than those stated above.
Incomplete course work and INC notations
If you have been granted an INC notation for outstanding assignments, but you feel that you cannot complete these assignments due to a long term illness, do apply for a MED notation.
The MED notation has no grade point value in the calculation of a student’s GPA. The MED notation will stay on a student’s Concordia transcript if the assignments/requirements are not submitted and/or the deferred final exam is not written. If a student chooses to have the MED notation remain, and the course is required for their degree, they would be required to re-register for it at a future date.
