The meaning of 'academic decision' is defined in section 1.5 of the University of Sydney (Student Academic Appeals) Rule and applies to a range of decisions made by University staff, including a decision:
The academic appeals process does not give you an automatic right to have an assessment reviewed or re-marked, and is not a process for negotiating higher marks simply because you are dissatisfied or disagree with the outcome.
To make an appeal, you'll need to follow the process for late discontinuation under special circumstances.
To contest a non-academic decision, including those related to unit of study administration and access to University facilities, you'll need to make a complaint instead.
There are three escalating levels in the academic appeals process outlined in the Academic Appeals Rule.
Each level is managed by a different unit within the University. To ensure your appeal is considered in a timely manner, you should submit your appeal to the correct unit.
For appeal-related correspondence, including submitting an appeal or requesting updates, you must use your University email account.
Within 15 working days of receiving an academic decision, you should first attempt to resolve your concerns with the original decision-maker to better understand how the decision was made.
Depending on your concern, you may need to submit a request online or reach out directly to the relevant staff member.
If an informal resolution doesn’t resolve your concerns, the next level available to you is to apply for a review from the relevant faculty or administrative unit.
You must apply within 20 working days of receiving:
It is important to include everything you want the faculty or Academic Panel to consider when you apply for this review. This includes your reasons for disagreeing with the decision and any documents or evidence that support your application.
You cannot appeal to the SAB simply because you disagree with the faculty or Academic Panel review outcome.
If you believe there is a specific problem with how the faculty or Academic Panel review decision was made, then you may be able to appeal to the SAB. This is the final level of the academic appeals process.
If you apply for a SAB appeal, you must apply within 15 working days of receiving the outcome of your faculty or Academic Panel review. If you are granted an extension, you must apply within the extended timeframe.
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Before you prepare or submit an appeal, you can seek free advice and support from one of the independent student organisations.
SRC and SUPRA staff are trained professionals with knowledge and experience with University regulations and responsibilities and are available to you at no cost.
You can also contact the Student Affairs Unit (SAU) to get clarification on the Academic Appeals Rule or the appeals process. However, SAU cannot advise you on whether to submit an appeal or what information to include in your any appeal.
If you find that the appeals process is causing you distress or you think the outcome could be upsetting or challenging, support is available through Student Wellbeing by telephone on 02 8627 8433, or email at student.wellbeing@sydney.edu.au.
For more information on academic appeals, refer to the University of Sydney (Student Academic Appeals) Rule.
Procedures for informal resolution are outlined in Part 2.
Procedures for applications for review to the faculty/school or Academic Panel are outlined in Part 3.
Procedures for appealing to the Student Appeals Body are outlined in Part 5.
