Information on the University's Appeals Process

A student has the right of appeal against any academic and administrative decision. Before you access this formal process, you are strongly encouraged to try and resolve any issue through relevant Staff such as the Unit Coordinator or School Dean.

The following advice is for students considering an appeal.

Appeals considered by the Student Appeals Committee (SAC)

Below is a list of the types of appeals that may be considered. An appeal will only be considered where a student has established a basis or valid ground for appeal.

What determines a basis or valid ground for appeal?

For an appeal to be considered, a student must establish a basis or ground as set out below.

An appeal against a final unit result:

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 Unit Information and Learning Guide at the start of the unit;
  • the assessment methods used were in breach of the University's Assessment Policy, and resulted in disadvantage;
  • an allegation of Bias that must be supported by specific examples and supporting evidence;
  • in exceptional circumstances, other grounds (except those in the list of invalid grounds) will be considered if the Chair or Alternate Chair of the SAC accepts these as reasonable.

The following issues WILL NOT be considered:

  • 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 (which includes the award of supplementary and deferred 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;
  • an administrative error or miscalculation which should be referred to the Unit Coordinator or Academic Chair.

An appeal against the result of examination of a Doctoral, Masters or Honours Thesis and resolution of final result:

Valid Grounds:

  • failure  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);
  • an allegation of  Bias on the part of one or more of the examiners (which must be supported by reference to specific examples that can be confirmed);
  • 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.

The following issues WILL NOT be considered:

  • the amount of time, work or effort the student has expended;
  • financial implications;
  • poor supervision;
  • a study overload;
  • work and family commitments;  
  • an administrative error or miscalculation, which should be referred to the Unit Coordinator or Academic Chair.

An appeal against 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.

The following issues WILL NOT be considered:

  • the student did not identify their conscientious objection prior to the practice taking place.

An appeal against the decision to deny Deferred Assessment:

Valid Grounds:
Provided the student is still able to pass the unit:

  • evidence becomes available that in the opinion of the Chair or Alternate Chair was not reasonably available to the student prior to the deadline for applying for deferred assessment and the Chair or Alternate Chair considers this evidence would probably have altered the decision;
  • the ruling made by the Results, Graduations and Examinations Office was in breach of the Assessment Policy (must be supported by specific examples);
  • the ruling made by the Results, Graduations and Examinations Office was unfair.

The following issues WILL NOT be considered:

  • illness or extenuating circumstances occurred in the first three weeks of the semester (pro rata for other teaching periods);
  • where a student was not aware of the University's relevant policy;
  • financial implications.

An appeal against the decision to deny a Retrospective Withdrawal from a Unit:

Valid Grounds:

  • evidence becomes available that in the opinion of the Chair or Alternate Chair was not reasonably available to the student prior to the deadline for applying for a retrospective withdrawal and the Chair or Alternate Chair considers this evidence would probably have altered the decision;
  • the decision to deny a Retrospective Withdrawal was in breach of the University’s guidelines (must be supported by specific examples).

The following issues WILL NOT be considered:

    • financial implications; or
    • lack of knowledge or understanding of the University’s standards and/or procedures.

An appeal against the decision to exclude from the University or from a course (if the student has applied unsuccessfully to the Academic Chair for continued enrolment):

Valid Grounds:

  • the decision made by the Academic Chair was in breach of the University's Coursework Regulations and relevant procedures (must be supported by specific examples).

The following issues WILL NOT be considered:

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

An appeal against the decision to deny admission and/or enrolment to University or to a course (following unsuccessful review by the Admissions Officer):

Valid Grounds:

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

The following issues WILL NOT be considered:

  • financial implications;
  • visa implications; or
  • family and personal implications.

An appeal against the decision to deny the award of Credit/Exemption or Advanced Standing towards a University qualification:

Valid Grounds:

  • the assessment and application methods used were in breach of the Advanced Standing Policy (must be supported by specific examples).

The following issues WILL NOT be considered:

  • financial implications
  • where credit and/or exemption would be granted by another institution.

An appeal against the non-award of Postgraduate or other Scholarship:

Valid Grounds:

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

The following issues WILL NOT be considered:

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

An appeal against 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 maker failed to take into account of relevant considerations or took into account irrelevant considerations;
  • the decision made was manifestly wrong;
  • the penalty imposed was unavailable, inappropriate or manifestly excessive;
  • evidence becomes available that, in the opinion of the Student Appeals Committee, was not reasonably available to the student prior to any hearing or the making of any written submissions and the Student Appeals Committee considers this evidence would probably have affected the decision or penalty.

The following issues WILL NOT be considered:

  • being unaware of the University legislation;
  • medical and/or personal reasons;
  • work, family or financial implications;
  • the amount of time, work or effort the student has expended;
  • a study overload
  • visa implications.

Deadlines to submit an appeal

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

Type of Appeal Deadline to Submit Process Time
The decision to deny Admission and/or Enrolment 10 University Working Days from notification email 8 - 12 weeks
Appeal against inadequate provision of alternate arrangements 10 University Working Days from notification email 8 - 12 weeks
The decision to deny Credit/Exemption/Advanced Standing 10 University Working Days from notification email 8 - 12 weeks
The decision to deny Deferred Assessment 5 University Working Days from notification email 1 - 2 weeks (prior to the examination)
Appeal against any finding of or penalty for misconduct made pursuant to University legislation 20 University Working Days from notification email 8 - 12 weeks
The decision to exclude (where a student has applied unsuccessfully to the Academic Chair for continued enrolment) 10 University Working Days from notification email 2 - 3 weeks
The decision to deny a Retrospective Withdrawal 28 Calendar Days from notification email 8 - 12 weeks
Appeal against the result of an examination of Doctoral or Masters thesis 10 University Working Days from notification email 8 - 12 weeks
Appeal against non award of Postgraduate or other scholarship 10 University Working Days from notification email 8 - 12 weeks
Appeal against a final unit result (including honours) 10 University Working Days from notification email 8 - 12 weeks

What information must my appeal letter 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.

An appeal letter must not exceed 5 pages.

You are encouraged to read the Student Appeals Procedure for further information regarding submission requirements.

Do I need to submit an application form?

If you are submitting an appeal against a final unit result (including Honours), it is a requirement to submit an application form which can be downloaded via the following link:

Appeal Application Form

For all other appeals, there is no form required.

How and where do I lodge my appeal?

All appeals MUST be submitted as per the submission requirements as set out within the Student Appeals Procedure.

All appeals submitted shall be acknowledged electronically by the SAC Secretary 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 Secretary, University Registrar's Office, 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.

Is there a page limitation?

Yes. An appeal letter must not exceed 5 pages. For further information regarding the submission requirements, students are encouraged to review the Student Appeals Procedure.

Who can help me with my appeal?

You may seek assistance in preparing your 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, however where it is identified there may be a significant impact on the student, every effort will be made to expedite the appeal.

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?

With the exception of an appeal against any finding of or penalty for misconduct, or in exceptional circumstances as deemed by the Chair of the SAC, students are not permitted to attend the hearing.

Where an appeal is being considered by a hearing panel, in the cases of an appeal against a final unit result; an appeal against the result of examination of a doctoral, masters or honours thesis; an appeal against the decision to exclude; and an appeal against any finding of or penalty for misconduct, you will be provided the opportunity to view any staff comments obtained and to prepare a rebuttal. You will generally be provided three working days to submit any rebuttal comments.

Policy and Procedures

The Student Appeals Policy can be found here.

The Student Appeals Procedure can be found here.

It is YOUR responsibility to read these documents.

Is the information I provide confidential?

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.

I have submitted my appeal, what happens next?

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

If your appeal is assessed as meeting the criteria, the SAC Secretary 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 Secretary will forward your appeal to the relevant staff for comment and/or to obtain administrative details pertaining to the original decision (where required). 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.

Where applicable, 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 (SAHP) 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 Secretary 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 Secretary. 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 complaint should you believe an error in law has occurred.

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

If my appeal is accepted for consideration, who is on the decision panel?

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. The SAC Chair will make a ruling on appeals against the decision to deny deferred assessment.

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 Secretary (non voting). You are entitled to brief the student representative on your appeal.

Membership shall be in accordance with the Student Appeals Policy.

What are the possible outcomes or remedies?

Appeal against a final unit result (including Honours):

The following are the only remedies available to a SAHP where an appeal against a final result awarded to a student in a unit is Upheld (Note: more than one remedy may be applied.):

  • direct that a re-mark of any piece of a student's mark be undertaken, in line with University policy;
  • direct that, in determining a student's final mark, the assessment weightings be varied, or that a piece of assessment be ignored;
  • direct that the student be offered supplementary assessment in the unit;
  • recommend that the marks of all students in a unit, or an identifiable group of students within the unit, be varied;
  • direct that a student be offered a deferred replacement assessment where there was a defect in relation to the original assessment;
  • direct the University to provide an apology to the student;
  • in exceptional circumstances, and after consultation with the Unit Coordinator, Dean and Pro Vice Chancellor, vary the mark and/or grade of a student in any unit, or any assessment component of any unit;
  • such other remedy as considered appropriate by the SAHP.

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

The only remedy where a SAHP finds an appeal against the result of examination of a Doctoral, Masters or Honours Thesis and resolution of final result is Upheld is to determine that the relevant thesis be sent out to an alternate marker or markers for reconsideration of the grade, on such conditions as the SAHP considers appropriate.

In the case of a honours thesis, the relevant Honours Sub Committee, after considering the new examiner's report, shall recommend the class of honours to be awarded.

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

The following are the only remedies available to a SAHP where an appeal against inadequate provision of alternate arrangements for a student with a conscientious belief which is in conflict with a teaching or assessment practice is Upheld. (Note: more than one remedy may be applied.)

  • award of alternate assessment (whether original, deferred or supplementary);
  • recommendation to the School Dean of appropriate alternate arrangement to teaching;
  • recommend a full or partial retrospective withdrawal.

In instances where the SAHP determines the School should make appropriate arrangements but the School if not prepared to implement the SAHP's decision, the matter will be forwarded to the Vice Chancellor for resolution.

The decision to deny deferred assessment:

The following are the only remedies available to a SAHP where an appeal against the decision to deny a student deferred assessment is Upheld:

  • to grant the student deferred assessment; or
  • to recommend to the President of Academic Council that they waive the required period to submit an application for deferred assessment; or
  • to remit the matter back to the Results, Examinations and Graduations Office to reconsider the application for deferred assessment in light of new information.

The decision to deny a retrospective withdrawal from a unit:

The following are the only remedies available to a SAHP where an appeal against the decision to deny a student a retrospective withdrawal is Upheld:

  • to grant a partial or full retrospective withdrawal; or
  • to remit the matter back to the Fees and Enrolments Office to reconsider the application for Retrospective Withdrawal in light of new information.

The decision to exclude from the University or from a Course (if the student has applied unsuccessfully to the Academic Chair for continued enrolment):

The only remedy available to a SAHP where an appeal against the decision to exclude a student from the University and/or course is Upheld is to override the relevant exclusion on such conditions, if any, as the SAHP considers appropriate.

The decision to deny admission and/or enrolment to the University or to a Course (following unsuccessful review by the Admissions Officer):

The only remedy available to a SAHP where an appeal against the decision to deny a student the award of credit/exemption or advanced standing towards a University qualification is Upheld is to direct that the decision by reconsidered by the Accreditation Officer in light of the defect identified by the SAHP.

The non-award of Postgraduate or other Scholarship:

The only remedy available to a SAHP where an appeal against the non-award of a postgraduate or other scholarship to a student is Upheld is to direct that the decision be reconsidered by the original decision maker in light of the defect identified by the SAHP.

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

The following are the only remedies available to a SAHP where an appeal against any finding of, or penalty for, student misconduct made in accordance with University Legislation is Upheld:

  • overturn the finding of misconduct;
  • change the penalty imposed to one that, in the reasonable opinion of the SAHP, is no more onerous than that originally imposed.

Can I re-enrol pending the appeal outcome?

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

In the case of an appeal against the decision to exclude, 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 and/or by the Chair is final. And there is no further avenue of appeal within the University.

In instances where you believe there has been an error of law in the appeals process, please refer to the following web page for further information and advice: http://www.murdoch.edu.au/vco/secretariat/complaints/external.html.

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 of my examination script or assessment?

The procedure for requesting a re-mark or review of an examination script and/or assessment falls outside the remit of the Student Appeals process and students should refer to the following web page for further details: http://www.murdoch.edu.au/vco/secretariat/complaints/considered.html#review.

The information I am seeking is not listed here

If your query is related to an appeal matter, send your question to studentappeals@murdoch.edu.au.

Other query? You may wish to ask a question via the following portal: https://myanswers.custhelp.com/app/myanswers/ask.

Other complaints?

For all other general complaints or grievances; concerns regarding poor teaching and or supervision; judgements regarding quality or teaching/supervision students should refer to the Student Complaint procedures.