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Appeals Procedure

The following advice is for students considering an appeal.

Appeals considered by the Student Appeals Committee (SAC)

The following is a list of the appeals accepted by the SAC:

  1. The final result awarded in a unit (including Honours and Postgraduate Coursework).
  2. The result of examination of a Doctoral, Masters, or Honours Thesis and resolution of final result..
  3. Inadequate provision of alternate arrangements for a student with a conscientious belief which is in conflict with a teaching or assessment practice.
  4. Denial of a deferred assessment.
  5. Denial of a retrospective withdrawal from a unit.
  6. Exclusion from the University or from a course (if the student has applied successfully to the Program Chair for continued enrolment).
  7. Denial of admission and/or enrolment to the University or to a course (following unsuccessful review by the Admissions Officer).
  8. Denial of credit/exemption or advanced standing towards a University qualification.
  9. The non-award of a scholarship.
  10. Any finding of, or penalty for misconduct, made in accordance with University legislation.

How do I know whether or not I should appeal?

The Guidelines approved by Academic Council, setting out what are valid and invalid grounds for submitting an appeal are detailed below.

If you are considering an appeal against a unit grade, it is a requirement that you consult with the Unit Coordinator or nominee prior to submitting an appeal. It is often useful beforehand to see your examination script (if the unit had an examination). Under the Bachelor Degree Regulations 43(2), you are entitled to inspect your marked examination script and to discuss the marking with the Unit Coordinator or nominee within 14 days of the notification of results. Inspecting your script will give you a better feel for how well you actually performed in the examination; sometimes your memory of this may be overly rosy, or you may find that your performance was far from the grade you expected and so any procedural matters you wish to raise in an appeal might be insufficient to warrant a change in grade. Just because you may believe that you deserve a higher grade, does not mean you can submit an appeal.

Additionally, should you have concerns about teaching and/or assessment, these should be raised with the Program Chair or Dean of School in the first instance. Such concerns are not valid grounds for appeal. Should you be seeking a review or re-mark of your examination or assessment, the procedure to do this can be found through the Student Grievance Handling Process.

Students must be realistic in evaluating whether their appeal has prospects of success, as the Student Appeals hearing panel does not uphold all appeals. Assistance is available to students to discuss their appeal.

Grounds for appeal

  1. The final result awarded in a unit (including Honours and Postgraduate Coursework:

    Valid Grounds:
    • the student can provide evidence of disadvantage in one or more of the following ways:
      1. a piece of work handed in on time was not marked;
      2. feedback on assessed work was not obtained within a reasonable time; or
      3. alleged wrong advice from staff teaching the unit (e.g., about the content of the examination or approval of an extension for an assignment).
    • the student's grade was not based on the assessment methods specified in a study guide or unit handout at the start of the unit.
    • the assessment methods used were in breach of the University's Assessment Policy, and resulted in disadvantage.
    • demonstrated bias by the tutor, Unit Co-ordinator against the student that affected the grade or mark awarded to the student (this allegation must be supported by specific examples that can be confirmed).
    • in exceptional circumstances, other grounds (except those in the list of invalid grounds) will be considered if the Chair or Alternate Chair of the Student Appeals Committee accepts these as reasonable.

    Invalid Grounds:
    • the objectives of the unit;
    • disagreement with the assessment methods approved for the unit;
    • disagreement with the standard required to receive particular grades in the unit;
    • a study overload has prevented the student from earning a higher grade;
    • personal and medical problems, which normally are dealt with by deferred assessment or a retrospective withdrawal;
    • financial implications of not passing the unit;
    • the student received a higher grade in other units;
    • the amount of time, work or effort the student has expended;
    • a penalty imposed for plagiarism in accordance with University guidelines;
    • general grievances;
    • poor teaching and supervision;
    • the need for additional marks to secure a pass grade;
    • a delay in receiving written notification of supplementary assessment;
    • the award of an interim grade (supplementary assessment);
    • the non-award of supplementary assessment (in situations where the Assessment Policy indicates the decision is at the discretion of the Unit Coordinator);
    • requesting a review or re-mark; and
    • an administrative error or miscalculation.

  2. The result of examination of a Doctoral, Masters or Honours Thesis and resolution of final result:

    Valid Grounds:
    • failure or neglect by the University to follow procedures for thesis examination or determination of final result or overall class of Honours (must be supported by specific examples);
    • demonstrated prejudice or bias on the part of one or more of the examiners;
    • one or more of the examiners lacked the qualifications or experience necessary for proper examination of the thesis as stipulated in the relevant Regulation or policy; or
    • demonstrated prejudice or bias on the part of one or more members of the relevant sub-committee responsible for determining the final result for a thesis or overall class of Honours (this allegation must be supported by specific examples that can be confirmed).

    Invalid Grounds:
    • the amount of time, work or effort the student has expended;
    • financial implications;
    • poor supervision;
    • a study overload;
    • work and family commitments; or
    • an administrative error or miscalculation.

  3. Inadequate provision of alternate arrangements for a student with a conscientious belief which is in conflict with a teaching or assessment practice:

    Valid Grounds:
    • the University did not make reasonable alternate arrangements for the student.

    Invalid Grounds:
    • the student did not identify their conscientious objection prior to undertaking the practice or submitting an appeal.

  4. Denial of Deferred Assessment:

    Valid Grounds:
    Provided the student is still able to pass the unit:
    • the student can supply supporting evidence of medical and/or exceptional personal circumstances that prevented them from completing assessment work by the end of the teaching period or sitting the examination;
    • the ruling made by the Examinations Office was in breach of the Assessment Policy (must be supported by specific examples); or
    • the student can demonstrate that incorrect information was supplied by the Unit Coordinator.

    Invalid Grounds:
    • illness or extenuating circumstances occurred in the first three weeks of the semester (pro rata for other teaching periods); or
    • financial implications.

  5. Denial of a Retrospective Withdrawal from a Unit:

    Valid Grounds:
    • the decision to deny a Retrospective Withdrawal was in breach of the University’s guidelines (must be supported by specific examples); or

    Invalid Grounds:
    • financial implications; or
    • lack of knowledge or understanding of the University’s or HESA’s (Higher Education Support Act) standards and/or procedures.

  6. Exclusion from the University or from a course (if the student has applied unsuccessfully to the Program Chair for continued enrolment:

    Valid Grounds:
    • a breach of due process (must be supported by specific examples).

    Invalid Grounds:
    • problems commonly encountered in everyday life (such as moving house; financial implications; pregnancy; parental responsibilities);
    • contrition;
    • family and personal implications; and
    • visa implications.

  7. Denial of admission and/or enrolment to University or to a course (following unsuccessful review by the Admissions Officer):

    Valid Grounds:
    • the selection methods used were in breach of the University’s admission processes (must be supported by specific examples).

    Invalid Grounds:
    • financial implications;
    • visa implications; or
    • family and personal implications.

  8. Denial of a Credit/Exemption or Advanced Standing towards a University qualification:

    Valid Grounds:
     Invalid Grounds:
    • financial implications.

  9. The non-award of a Scholarship:

    Valid Grounds:
    • the assessment and application methods breached due process; or
    • demonstrated evidence that the selection criteria were not applied correctly.

    Invalid Grounds:
    • a student has met the general criteria but is not awarded a scholarship due to ranking/points; or
    • the student has further information that was not presented in the application.

  10. Any finding of, or penalty for misconduct made in accordance with University Legislation:

    Valid Grounds:
    • There was a lack of procedural fairness at any hearing, which led to the student not receiving a fair hearing;
    • The decision made was manifestly wrong;
    • The penalty imposed was unavailable, inappropriate or manifestly excessive; or
    • Evidence becomes available that, in the opinion of the Chair of the Student Appeals Committee was not reasonably ascertainable by the student prior to any hearing or written submissions and would probably have affected the decision or penalty.

Deadlines to submit an appeal

The submission of appeals (from the date of notification to the decision) shall be in accordance with the following table:

Type of Appeal Deadline to Submit
Denial of Admission/Enrolment 10 Working Days
Inadequate provision of alternate arrangements 10 Working Days
Denial of Credit/Exemption/Advanced Standing 10 Working Days
Denial of Deferred Assessment 5 Working Days
Any finding or penalty of misconduct 20 Working Days
Exclusion (If the student has applied unsuccessfully to the Program Chair for continued enrolment) 10 Working Days
Denial of a Retrospective Withdrawal 28 Calendar Days
Result of an examination of doctoral or Masters thesis 10 Working Days
Non award of a scholarship 10 Working Days
Unit Results 10 Working Days

What information must my appeal contain?

Your appeal letter must give your name and student number, your contact details (street address, telephone number and email address). When stating your grounds of appeal, you need to do more than simply list a ground or recite what happened; you need to argue your case and provide any necessary supporting documentation, such as medical certificates, evidence of disadvantage, etc to support your claims.

For example:

  1. For an appeal against exclusion, you are encouraged to view your academic transcript and take note of the units you failed and when. You should try and address the issues that were impacting your performance during these times. If you were subject to a performance contract and did not meet the stipulated conditions, you must demonstrate why you did not satisfy the conditions. You are also encouraged to identify a proposed future study plan with your appeal.
  2. If you are citing the wrong advice has been provided causing disadvantage, you must demonstrate how the wrong advice caused disadvantage, i.e. a copy of an email sent from the staff member providing the wrong advice.

On the other hand, it is not necessary to submit a lengthy document; the appeal should be concise and students should aim to keep it to two to three pages. If more is needed then a limit of 10 pages will be accepted.

How and where do I lodge my appeal?

All appeals submitted against a final unit result must:

  • be submitted in accordance with the Student Appeals Policy;
  • include a completed and typed appeals cover sheet;
  • include a typed A4 letter of appeal;
  • state the ground(s) for appeal and outline how these grounds support your case;
  • provide a breakdown of your assessment marks;
  • provide a copy of the assessment requirements within the Unit Information and Learning Guide;
  • provide any correspondence with University staff; and
  • provide any other supporting documentation as necessary.

In instances where a student does not provide the above, the appeal will not be considered and the student will be provided one opportunity to resubmit an appeal within 5 working days, in accordance with the Student Appeals Policy. Any further applications will not be accepted.

For all other appeals, a student must submit the following:

  • a typed A4 letter of appeal; and
  • any necessary supporting documentation.

All appeals submitted shall be acknowledged electronically by the SAC Appeals Officer within 3 working days of receipt.

Although, the submission of an appeal may be electronic (email), posted, faxed or hand delivered, the preferred method is electronic.

Appeals may be emailed to: studentappeals@murdoch.edu.au. Posted or hand delivered to SAC Appeals Officer, Office of Legal & Governance, Level 4, Chancellery Building, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch WA 6150. Fax to (08) 9360 6847.

If you are emailing any attachments, these must be accessible by Microsoft Office.

Appeal Against a Final Unit Result Application Form

Appeal Application Form

Who can help me with my appeal?

A student may seek assistance in preparing their appeal from the following:

Support services

For some students the appeals process can be an intimidating, traumatic and stressful process. Murdoch University has a free and confidential counselling service that is available to assist with any emotional or stress problems as well as academic, financial difficulties, social or personal issues.

How long will my appeal take?

Appeals against exclusion are generally processed within 15 working days.

Appeals against deferred assessment (where submitted prior to the examination date) are processed within 5 working days.

All other appeals generally are processed within 12 weeks.

Note: During high peak periods, there may be additional delays associated with the appeals processing given the large volume of appeals received.

Can I attend the appeals hearing?

Only in disciplinary cases shall students be permitted to attend the SAC hearing.

In exceptional circumstances as deemed by the Chair of the SAC, a student is invited to attend the SAC hearing.

Where an appeal has been accepted, except in an appeal deferred assessment and a Retrospective Withdrawal, appellants shall be provided the opportunity to view comments, reports, correspondence and any material associated with their appeal and provide rebuttal comments. Appellants shall generally be provided 3 working days to provide their response.

Appeals policy and guidelines

Information regarding the Student Appeals policy can be found at the following webpage: https://www.murdoch.edu.au/admin/policies/studentappeals.html

It is the student's responsibility to read this.

The information that you provide in your application for appeal including any associated documents is required to process your appeal. The University will keep the information that you supply in a confidential file that will only be available to relevant staff.

All appeals accepted to be considered, with the exception of an appeal against the decision not to award deferred assessment are heard by the Student Appeals Hearing Panel (SAHP), whose decision on the merits of the appeal is final. For appeals against the decision not to award deferred assessment, the Chair will make a ruling.

The SAHP membership includes a Chair; two academic staff; a student member (who is not present as an advocate for each student appeal, but to represent wider student interests in the fairness and justice of decisions); and the SAC Appeals Officer (non voting). Appellants are entitled to brief the student representative on their appeal.

Membership shall be in accordance with the Student Appeals Policy.

I have submitted my appeal, what happens next?

Once you have submitted your appeal, you will receive a confirmation email from the SAC Appeals Officer within three working days acknowledging your appeal will be assessed. If your appeal is assessed as invalid, the SAC Appeals Officer will notify you via email and you will be provided one opportunity to resubmit your appeal as per the SAC Policy guidelines. Any further applications will not be accepted.

If your appeal is assessed as valid, the SAC Appeals Officer will notify you via email that your appeal has been accepted for consideration and outline the grounds that will be considered. Advice regarding the timeframe will also be provided.

If your appeal is accepted for consideration, the SAC Appeals Officer will forward your appeal to the relevant staff for comment. Generally (sometimes this timeframe may be extended due to various factors such as the Christmas shutdown) a timeframe of ten working days is provided to staff to do this (the exception being an appeal against the decision not to award deferred assessment and where a student has been excluded). In the latter cases, staff are required to respond as soon as practical.

Once staff comments have been received, these will in turn be forwarded to you giving you the opportunity to provide a rebuttal. The timeframe to do this is three working days.

The Student Appeals Hearing Panel will be arranged to hear your appeal. In disciplinary cases, students will be provided attendance details. In cases where the panel may require further information or clarification your appeal may be adjourned. In such cases the SAC Appeal Officer will notify you and outline the reasons why your appeal was adjourned and the expected date your appeal will be rescheduled.

Once your appeal has been heard and a decision reached, you will be notified of the outcome via email by the SAC Appeals Officer. Pending approval of the minutes by the Chair, you will be provided a formal outcome notification letter that provides details of the panel's decision. Within this letter you will be provided details of the external agency to lodge a grievance should you believe an error in law has occurred.

Note: It is important to check your emails during this period.

Can I re-enrol pending the appeal outcome?

In the case of an appeal against a unit grade, a student who wished to re-enrol in a unit whilst their appeal is in progress, must seek permission from the Program Chair in the first instance.

In the case of an appeal against exclusion, in accordance with the Academic Progress Rules of Bachelor and Diploma Courses (13D) a student's enrolment shall be allowed to continue until such time a decision has been made by the SAC.

I am dissatisfied with the decision of my appeal, what can I do?

In accordance with the Student Appeals policy the decision on the merits of the appeal by the Student Appeals Hearing Panel shall be final. And there is no further avenue of appeal within the University.

In instances where a student believes there has been an error of law in the appeals process, the student shall be provided the details of the external agency to lodge a grievance. Please note: the external agency will only review matters of process, they will not re-examine the merits of the case.

I am seeking a re-mark or review?

In accordance with Murdoch University’s Assessment Policy:

Students have the right to request an explanation of grades allocated for work completed during the relevant teaching period. Initially, students should discuss any concerns with the person who marked the work. If the student is still dissatisfied and feels there are grounds for requesting that an assignment be re-marked, they should initially informally discuss the matter with the Unit Coordinator. If the matter is not resolved at this time, the student should write to the School Dean requesting, and providing justification for, a re-mark. Students have the right to request re-marking of an assessment if they believe the mark received is inaccurate. Requests for re-marking must be received prior to the deadline for appeals against unit results. The School Dean will decide if a re-mark is warranted. For students who request a re-mark, the re-marked result will be the officially recorded result for that assessment item. A re-mark should be undertaken on a clean copy of the assignment as submitted.

The procedure for requesting a re-mark or review of an examination and/or assessment falls outside the Student Appeals scope and students should refer to the following webpage for further details:

http://www.oss.murdoch.edu.au/grievances/remark.html.

Other grievances?

For all other general grievances; appeals against decisions made by the University; concerns regarding poor teaching and or supervision; judgements regarding quality or teaching/supervision students should refer to the Student Grievance Handling Process.
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