Appeals

As a student you may have the right to appeal some academic, administrative or misconduct decisions made by the University.

Decisions may be appealed on the grounds that there is evidence that you were disadvantaged through:

• Relevant University legislation or policy documents not being followed or
• Incorrect information being provided by the University in relation to the decision

An appeal will be categorised as:

• Administrative
• Academic and/or
• General misconduct

An appeal is different to a complaint and can only be used if you have valid grounds as outlined below. If you do not have valid grounds, you may be able to seek resolution through the University's complaint processes.

Find out how to lodge a complaint

First raise your concern

Before you submit an appeal, you must satisfy the conditions and complete the prerequisites.

In academic appeals, it is always a good idea to discuss the issue with your unit coordinator, academic chair or dean in the first instance to get advice and to find out if the matter can be resolved without the need for an appeal. They will also be able to answer any questions regarding your continued enrolment.

Use the Explore our Schools page to locate your Academic Chair or Dean.

Unit coordinators are listed for each unit in the Handbook.

For administrative and misconduct appeals, it is a good idea to contact the original decision maker or the area that managed the case, to see if the matter can be resolved without the need for an appeal.

Seek support and assistance

The Murdoch Guild Student Assist Office can support you through an appeals process by offering advice, ensuring you understand your rights, assisting you with the process and helping you write your appeal.

Murdoch Counselling can also assist with issues relating to stress, academic worries, financial difficulties or personal concerns.

An appeal may have an effect on a student visa. International students are encouraged to seek advice from a student success advisor in a  myMurdoch Advice location.

Murdoch University is committed to supporting students with disability, physical or mental health conditions, or who are carers for people with disability, to enable equal participation throughout their learning journey.

For further information on available support and access services:

As part of the appeals and/or complaints process, documentation in alternative formats may be available upon request if you have a disability or medical condition.

You may submit this request to: UniversitySecretary@murdoch.edu.au or studentappeals@murdoch.edu.au

Where it is possible to provide alternative formats, you will be contacted and provided with further detail. You may also be asked to provide details of your myAccess plan.

Handling of appeals

Information provided through appeals will be handled securely and confidentially. Information will only be shared if necessary to undertake the process.

Appeals will be met with compassion and taken seriously.

A person who has witnessed or experienced General Misconduct may cease their involvement in an appeal at any time.

Prepare your appeal

The Student Appeals Procedure explains the process  and your responsibilities.

To prepare your appeal you need to:

• read the procedure and follow the responsibilities for submission of an appeal
• include your name, student number and contact details
• state your grounds for appeal and outline the facts that support your claim, for example including reference to the relevant clauses in policies or procedures that you believe were breached or the incorrect information which you believe was provided to you

The current Student Appeals Procedure came into effect on 27^th July 2026. Appeals prior to this date may be handled under either the old or the new process. This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, whichever is deemed most appropriate and will not disadvantage the student making the appeal.

Appeal timeframes

Administrative or academic appeals

Initial assessment for appeal: within seven working days

Process time for appeal: 30 working days from receipt of submission, unless an extension is approved

Notification of appeal: written notice of whether an appeal will proceed will be provided to the following people on the same day:

• The student who made the appeal
• The original decision-maker and their line manager

Those involved will be kept informed of progress of an appeal at agreed intervals, including any factors that may cause delay

Notification of outcome of appeal: within five working days of the decision, written notice will be provided to the student who made the appeal

Outcome of appeal: Any outcome in favour of the student will be implemented immediately and the student will be advised of the action taken

General misconduct appeals

Initial assessment for appeal: within seven working days

Process time for appeal: 20 working days from receipt of submission, unless an extension is approved

Notification of appeal: written notice of whether an appeal will proceed will be provided to the following people on the same day:

• The student who made the appeal
• The original decision-maker and their line manager
• The person who shared their experience of general misconduct (if they received notice of the original outcome)
• The person found to have acted with misconduct

Those involved will be kept informed of progress of an appeal at agreed intervals, including any factors that may cause delay

Notification of outcome of appeal: within five working days of the decision, written notice will be provided to the student who made the appeal.

All parties to the case will be given notice on the same day, unless the person who originally shared the information about their experience of misconduct requests otherwise

Outcome of appeal: Any outcome in favour of the student will be implemented immediately and the student will be advised of the action taken

Lodge your appeal

You can lodge your appeal by email, mail or in person. The easiest and preferred method is via email. If you have missed the deadline due to extenuating circumstances, you can contact the Secretary to the Student Appeals Committee for further advice.
An email acknowledging your appeal will be sent to you within three University working days.

Support