Student appeals

Students can appeal various academic and administrative decisions, subject to meeting the relevant grounds for appeal.

Student appeals are governed by the Academic Board Regulation and the Vice-Chancellor Regulation. The Student Appeals Policy (MPF1323) sets out the policy and procedural principles for the appeals process.

Some types of appeal must be preceded by a review. Use the guide below to determine your readiness, based on the type of decision you’re appealing. If you haven’t completed the relevant review step, you are not ready to submit an appeal.

Type of appeal Review step
Assessment or examination result You must first seek a review with your faculty through the Seeking a review of a result process.
Award or scholarship decision You must first seek a review through the Student complaints and grievances process.
Credit or advanced standing decision You must first seek a review through the Student complaints and grievances process.
Selection decision You must first seek a review with the Academic Registrar using the Selection feedback and review request form.
Special consideration decision You must first seek a review through the Special consideration review process.

The following types of University decisions are subject to appeal:

Academic progress (coursework students)

You may appeal a decision made under the Academic Progress Review Policy (Coursework) (MPF1291), including a decision to terminate your enrolment or place restrictions on your continued enrolment.

Academic progress (graduate research students)

You may appeal a decision made under the Academic Progress Review Policy (Graduate Research) (MPF1363), including a decision to terminate your candidature or place restrictions on your continued enrolment.

Coursework results

You may appeal a decision related to the determination of a result. The appeals process cannot change your result simply because you disagree with the opinion of the examiner or the Board of Examiners (BoE) about the quality of your work. To support your grounds of appeal, you need to establish that there has been a failure in policy or process in the way your mark was determined, for example:

  • significant procedural irregularities in the assessment process
  • demonstrable bias or prejudice in the marking process
  • administrative errors in the recording or calculation of marks.

If you are seeking a review of a coursework result, you must follow the Results review process.

Stage 1 – Feedback

Before you submit an appeal, you should contact the subject coordinator or academic who assessed your work to raise your concerns and seek feedback on your mark. If you do not receive a response from the subject coordinator or the academic who assessed your work, please escalate the matter to the Head of Department.

Stage 2 – Faculty Board of Examiners (BoE) review

If, after discussing your concerns with your subject coordinator, you believe there has been an error in academic judgement by an examiner, you may request a review of your result through the BoE for the subject. The chair of the BoE may review an item of assessment to determine whether it was correctly marked. However, please note that students are not automatically entitled to a result review or to have their work marked by a different examiner.

If the chair of the BoE approves a review and subsequent remarking, the BoE may:

  • award an improved mark
  • decide that the original mark stands, or
  • award a lower mark.

If the chair of the BoE determines that the original mark was appropriately assigned in accordance with the marking criteria, the mark will not be subject to further review.

Stage 3 – Complaint

If your complaint relates to a procedural matter that has not been resolved with the faculty you may escalate the complaint to the Academic Registrar. Escalated complaints will be considered in accordance with the Student Complaints and Grievances Policy (MPF1066).

Stage 4 – Appeal

If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of the complaint, you may then lodge an appeal. You must provide the outcome of your result review and the result of your complaint

Please keep in mind that neither the complaint nor appeal processes can consider decisions based solely on academic judgment regarding your performance in any assessment component. This means that the complaints and appeals processes cannot change a mark awarded for an assessment where the mark reflects the academic judgment of the assessor and the assessment process has followed the relevant University policies. This limitation applies even if you disagree with the mark.

Further Information about how to request a review of your result can be found in the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326) and via the Results review process.

Examination outcome in a graduate research course

You may appeal an examination outcome in a graduate research course, made under the Graduate Research Training Policy (MPF1321).

Grounds for appeal are limited to:

  • procedural irregularity in the conduct of the examination, which may have had an effect on the outcome of the examination
  • documented evidence of prejudice or bias on the part of one or more of the examiners.

Academic misconduct

You may appeal a finding of academic misconduct or a penalty arising from a finding of academic misconduct made under the Student Academic Integrity Policy (MPF1310).

You cannot appeal a Council decision to revoke an award.

Research misconduct

You may appeal a decision of a Student Research Misconduct Committee made under the Research Integrity and Misconduct Policy (MPF1318).

General misconduct and immediate orders

You may appeal a finding of general misconduct or a penalty arising from a finding of general misconduct made under the Student Conduct Policy (MPF1324).

You may appeal a decision of the Vice-Chancellor to impose, review, extend, renew or vary an immediate order made under the Vice-Chancellor Regulation.

You may appeal a selection decision made under the Selection and Admission Policy (MPF1295). An appeal against a selection decision can only be made on the grounds that a procedural irregularity has occurred in the selection process.

Stage 1 – Review

Before you submit an appeal, you must first seek a review of the decision with the Academic Registrar using the Selection feedback and review request form.

Stage 2 – Appeal

If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of the review, you may then lodge an appeal. When lodging your appeal, you must provide a copy of the selection review outcome.

You may appeal the outcome of a complaint or grievance process made under the Student Grievances and Complaints Policy (MPF1066).

The complaint process cannot review decisions based solely on alleged or unsubstantiated academic or general misconduct, academic judgement, unlawful discrimination, or to matters covered by the Academic Progress Review Policy (Coursework) (MPF1291).

The following types of decisions may be appealed as complaint outcomes under the relevant policy, but only after the formal review and/or complaint process has been finalised. Appeals submitted before that process is finalised will not be accepted.

Credit and advanced standing

You may appeal a decision made under the Credit, Advanced Standing and Accelerated Entry Policy (MPF1293).

Stage 1 – Review

Before you submit an appeal, you must first seek a review of the decision in accordance with the Student Complaints and Grievances Policy (MPF1066) (provided that the credit or advanced standing decision is not based solely on academic judgement).

Stage 2 – Appeal

If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of the review, you may then lodge an appeal.

Special consideration

You may appeal a special consideration decision made under the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326).

Stage 1 – Review

Before you submit an appeal, you must first seek a review of your special consideration application in accordance with the Special consideration review process.

Stage 2 – Complaint

If your review is unsuccessful, you may submit a complaint or raise a grievance in accordance with the Student Complaints and Grievances Policy (MPF1066) (provided that the special consideration decision is not based solely on academic judgement).

Stage 3 – Appeal

If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of the complaint process or the review, you may then lodge an appeal. You must provide the outcome of your review and the result of your complaint.

Student awards

You may appeal a decision made under the Establishment and Award of Student Awards Policy (MPF1062).

Stage 1 – Review

Before you submit an appeal, you must first lodge a request for review of the decision in accordance with the Student Complaints and Grievances Policy (MPF1066) (provided that the student award decision is not based solely on academic judgement).

Stage 2 – Appeal

If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of the complaint process, you may then lodge an appeal.

Other complaints and grievances

You may appeal a decision made under the Student Complaints and Grievances Policy (MPF1066).

You cannot appeal:

  • a grievance or complaint about the content of a University policy made in accordance with the University Regulatory Framework
  • a grievance involving an alleged breach by staff of the Appropriate Workplace Behaviour Policy (MPF1328).

You may appeal a decision made under the:

  • Student Fitness to Practice Policy (MPF1345)
  • Student Fitness to Study Policy (MPF1349)

You may appeal a decision in respect of which Commonwealth or State legislation requires the University to provide a right of appeal which is not covered by another appeal process.

You may lodge an appeal on the basis that you have suffered hardship due to incorrect information or advice given by any academic or administrative staff of the University, or appearing in any publication of the University.

The following decisions cannot be appealed:

  • a grievance or complaint about the content of a University policy made in accordance with the University Regulatory Framework
  • a grievance involving an alleged breach by staff of the Appropriate Workplace Behaviour Policy (MPF1328)
  • a Council decision to revoke your award (degree)
  • a decision based solely on academic judgement.

You cannot appeal a decision simply because you are dissatisfied. You need to demonstrate that your appeal meets one or more of the following grounds:

  • a procedural irregularity has occurred (which may include that the student has not received a fair hearing in all the circumstances)
  • there is new information that could not reasonably have been provided at the time of the original decision, and that would probably have affected the decision or any penalty imposed
  • the decision was manifestly wrong
  • the penalty imposed was manifestly excessive, inappropriate or not available in the circumstances.

Failure to read and act upon a notice or correspondence sent to your University email account is not grounds for an appeal.

A well-structured, evidence-based appeal that directly addresses the grounds for appeal will have the best chance of success.  It's not enough to simply disagree with the original decision. You must demonstrate, through evidence and reasoning, how your appeal meets your chosen grounds to establish why the decision should be reconsidered or overturned.

Key stages in the appeals process

Submit

You must submit an appeal within 20 University business days from the date of the original decision, using the online student appeals form.

Acknlowledge

We will acknowledge receipt of the notice of appeal within 5 University business days of receipt.

Assess

We will assess the appeal to determine merit. Appeals that lack merit may be disallowed without hearing at this point.

If we notify you that we intend to disallow your appeal without hearing, you have 5 University business days to submit any further relevant information.

Refer

Where there is sufficient merit to proceed, we will refer the appeal to a panel for determination.

Hearing outcome

Where your appeal has sufficient merit to be referred to a hearing, the panel makes a decision to either uphold the appeal (in full or in part) or dismiss the appeal.

External review

University internal review and appeal processes are now exhausted. You may choose to seek an external review of the University’s decision, including via a complaint with the Victorian Ombudsman or the National Student Ombudsman.

Submitting your appeal

To submit an appeal, you must complete the online student appeals form within 20 University business days from the date of the original decision. You can submit an appeal once you have:

  • established that the matter is an appealable decision
  • completed any required review or complaint steps, and
  • sufficient evidence to support your ground(s) of appeal.

Appeal statement

In accordance with University Regulations, the notice of appeal must:

  • describe the decision being appealed
  • clearly state the ground or grounds for appeal
  • summarise the basis for each ground or grounds
  • attach the notice of the original decision, and
  • include any relevant material on which you wish to rely.

If you have appealed on multiple grounds, you must explain how your appeal and supporting documentation establish each ground.

You can only submit a notice of appeal on your own behalf. A notice of appeal submitted on behalf of a group or another person will not be accepted.

Supporting documentation

You may provide supporting documentation with your appeal, which must:

  • be authentic and relevant to your appeal
  • demonstrate any impact relevant to the process or decision subject to the appeal
  • state the dates and duration of the impact (where relevant)
  • be dated and include the name and contact details of the person or organisation issuing the document to support verification by University staff
  • be verifiable with the document issuer (including overseas health practitioners, health services or hospitals). If the University cannot verify the authenticity of the documentation provided, we may not be able to take it into account in the assessment of your appeal.

Please note the following:

  • If your supporting documentation is not originally available in English, you must provide a NAATI-accredited translated copy.
  • Do not upload any sensitive images, or medical test results or prescriptions as part of your supporting documentation.
  • If we are unable to verify your supporting documentation, we will inform you in the appeal outcome letter that it could not be taken into account in the decision-making process.

False documents and misleading information

Providing the University with forged or falsified documents is a serious matter that may constitute a crime under the Victorian Crimes Act 1958. If we have concerns that you have submitted forged or falsified documents in your appeal, we will:

  • pause our assessment of your appeal, and
  • refer the matter to the University’s student conduct processes.

If you are found to have submitted forged or falsified documents in your appeal, consequences could include being expelled from the University and barred from future admission.

Document fraud includes:

  • creating fake documents (forgery) – for example, creating fake medical certificates
  • altering existing documents (falsification) – for example, changing the dates or names on an existing medical certificate
  • using documents known to be false or altered (fraudulent use) – for example, purchasing fraudulent documents from websites or third-party providers.

The University takes document fraud and the provision of misleading information very seriously. If you have any doubts about the appropriateness of any documentation, please consult with the relevant University staff before submitting your appeal. If you submit false or misleading information for any reason, you may be suspended or expelled in accordance with the relevant student conduct process.

Independent support and advice

The Student Union Advocacy Service (SUAS) is an independent service funded by the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). Subject to availability, this service is available to support you with your appeal. You are encouraged to contact SUAS to engage their support and advice.

Support services

Your wellbeing is very important to the University, and we understand that the appeals process can be stressful. A range of support measures are available to you to support your wellbeing. If you require any support:

  • Counselling and Psychological Services is available to assist enrolled University students with free and confidential psychological support
  • you can contact your GP, a counselling and support service or publicly available resources such as Beyond Blue or Lifeline (13 11 14)
  • the University Mental Health Crisis Support Service can be accessed anytime 24 hours a day by calling 1300 219 459 or texting 0480 079 188
  • if you are in an emergency, call emergency services on 000
  • other student support, such as student administration, course planning, enrolment, student visa, and financial support is available via Stop 1.

External complaint process

If you are dissatisfied with the University’s appeals process, you may lodge a complaint with the Victorian Ombudsman or the National Student Ombudsman. External bodies may require that you exhaust the University’s review and appeal processes before they can consider your complaint.

Information for student visa holders

The University is required by law to notify the Department of Home Affairs if an international student visa holder does not maintain satisfactory course progress. This includes matters related to general and academic misconduct, where these impact satisfactory course progression. If your enrolment is suspended, terminated or has conditions imposed, the University will notify the Department of Home Affairs following 10 University business days of the decision.

If you are a student visa holder and lodge a complaint with the Victorian Ombudsman or the National Student Ombudsman, you must notify the University within 10 University business days of lodging your complaint. This allows the University to pause the notification process while your complaint is being considered by the relevant ombudsman.

Submit an appeal