Student Appeals Against Academic Decisions

The Faculty procedure for student appeals against academic decisions aligns with the University policy.

View the Faculty procedure

The most commonly-questioned academic decisions relate to assessment marks. If you are concerned about an assessment mark or overall unit grade:

1. Look over the assessment guidelines and feedback on the assessment already provided to you (e.g. Course Outline; comments on your assessment paper). Re-read your assessment and reflect on whether you have answered the question and met the assessment criteria. Consider the grade descriptions in the unit outline; you do not start with 100% and "lose marks".
2. If you are still concerned about your result contact your lecturer to discuss your concerns. Feedback will be more constructive if you ask specific questions rather than requesting "more feedback".
3. If, after the above steps, you believe an error has been made you should undertake an appeal. To appeal against your grade you must apply in writing, setting out your reasons, to the relevant teacher or unit of study coordinator or, in the case of postgraduate courses, the course coordinator (the “decision-maker”). The 15 working day time limit for commencing an appeal is flexible where there is a good reason for the delay. If you submit your Exam Script Request or contact the lecturer for feedback within the time limit this will be acceptable. The Law School will take the deadline as 15 working days from the end of that process (receipt of exam script; concluding the feedback process with the lecturer). SRC (undergraduate) or SUPRA (postgraduate) caseworkers can provide support and assistance with appeals.
   
   The decision-maker will respond to your appeal, giving a full explanation for their decision.
4. If the issue cannot be resolved by step 3, a student may appeal to the Office of the Dean.
   
   The student must put his or her concerns in writing and should submit them to within 15 working days of the outcome of step 3. The Dean will not meet with students to discuss the appeal – the appeal is considered on the facts and on the reasons provided in writing by the student. The appeal should include:
   
   a) the reasons for the appeal;
   b) the response of the decision-maker under step 3; and
   c) reasons why the student is not satisfied with the response of the decision-maker.
   
   Parts a) and c) above should be no longer than two A4 pages.
5. If the issue cannot be resolved by the Dean of the Faculty, the student may appeal to the University Student Appeals Board. This must be done within 20 business days of the outcome of step 4.