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Introduction

 
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 Section D - Rules and Regulations
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  Appeals Process in the Case where there is Dissatisfaction with an Assessment Result and/or Progress Status
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   Introduction

Introduction

Essential background information

Please read the section on 'Student Procedures' and University General Rules 1.2.1.18 to 1.2.1.21 and 1.2.1.27 to 1.2.1.32 in the Undergraduate or Postgraduate Handbooks before reading this document.

Special Consideration

It is important that a student contact the sub-dean of their faculty for advice prior to submitting an appeal. There is a separate process in cases where a student is seeking special consideration rather than actually challenging a mark awarded. The sub-dean will be able to advise on this process.

Adherence of this Process to the Principles Set out in the Charter of Student Rights

This process adheres to the principles set out in the Charter of Student Rights (which can be found at: http://www.secretariat.uwa.edu.au/page/42905) in particular in relation to the following rights as outlined in the Preamble to that Charter:

'Every student has every right given by State and national legislation, by the University statutes, by-laws, regulations and policies, and by the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. Everything in this [Process] is limited by anything to the contrary in relevant State and national legislation, and the University's statutes, by-laws and regulations.'

Eligibility

The Process applies to—

  • all students enrolled for the following qualifications of the University:

        - undergraduate (including honours) degrees;

        - diploma and certificates;

        - master's degrees by coursework;

        - faculty-administered master's degree by research; and

        - professional doctorates;

  • students enrolled in Higher Desgree by Research preliminary courses;

  • students enrolled on a non-award basis; and

  • those enrolled through University Extension as continuing education students in units offered within degree, diploma or certificate courses of the University.

Scope of the Process

This Process covers—

  • appeals against academic assessment;

  • appeals against the award of a progress status;

  • appeals against the result of an application for special consideration in relation to an individual student;

  • appeals against the application of scaling or other adjustment systems; and

  • appeals against non-adherence to the Assessment Mechanism Statement for the unit.

Matters outside the Scope of this Process

The following complaints/grievances are outside the scope of this Process:

  • general grievances and complaints;

  • poor teaching or supervision.

The section in the Undergraduate and Postgraduate Handbooks entitled 'Policy, Policy Statements and Guidelines' explains, among other things, how the matters above can be addressed.

Other processes exist, and should be followed, for—

  • appeals against decisions to terminate postgraduate scholarships following determinations of unsatisfactory progress in postgraduate courses (dealt with by the Graduate Research and Scholarships Office via the Appeals Procedure for Research Higher Degree by thesis)

  • general grievances or complaints (see 'Student Grievance Resolution Policy' at the following web address: http://www.secretariat.uwa.edu.au/page/20826.

Administrative Considerations

  • Appeal forms are available from faculty offices and from the Guild or at the following web address: http://www.secretariat.uwa.edu.au/page/20777.

  • All correspondence from the University to a student relating to a formal appeal submitted in terms of these regulations will be sent to the address given by the student on the appeal form. The student must therefore advise the faculty office or school concerned of any change of address while an appeal is in progress. A student who has an email address is encouraged to provide this in addition to a postal address, as email communication in appropriate circumstances may save time.

  • The University expects that staff involved in processing appeals will take the necessary actions as quickly as possible, since delay may disadvantage students in a variety of ways. Every effort is to be made to aim to finalise the appeal prior to the start of the next semester. A student must recognise, however, that most appeals occur at a time of year when faculty staff are extremely busy with the processes of selection, enrolment and re-enrolment and that some delays may occur. A written acknowledgement will be sent within five University working days of receipt of the appeal, although it may take longer for the matter to be investigated and resolved. If a re-assessment by the original assessor has been requested, a written advice as to whether this has been granted, will be sent to the student within ten University working days of receipt of the appeal. However, if a school does not respond to the student within the ten days, a re-assessment will automatically be granted. The outcome of the appeal will normally be communicated in writing to the student not more than twenty University working days after the appeal has been lodged. If circumstances prevent the appeal process being completed within the time frame specified, the student must be kept informed in writing of progress being made.

  • While Faculty and University appeals committees will take longer than twelve University working days to arrive at their decisions, because of the need to assemble the committee and the documentation, and to prepare minutes and have them approved by the committee, heads of school, deans and chairs of appeals committees must ensure that students are kept informed of the progress of their appeals. A student who, after checking with the relevant school or faculty office, in relation to an appeal at any level, remains concerned that consideration of their appeal is being delayed unacceptably may lodge a written request for investigation of the delay with the Registrar.

  • A student should be aware that while the University can encourage external assessors to submit assessments quickly, it has no authority over staff of other institutions.

Student Responsibilities 1

  • The Appeals Procedure involve several levels of appeal. A student should not attempt to shorten the Process by omitting one or more levels of appeal, as this will cause unnecessary delay. In one-school faculties where the head of school and dean are the same person, the head of school will nominate a senior academic staff member of the school to act in their place at school level.

  • A student is encouraged to submit the appeal as soon as possible in the interests of an early resolution.

  • The student is responsible for finding out, via the University's information noticeboard, the dates of release of formal results. The student will then be able to estimate when to expect release of examination results on the Web, or when to expect the examination result slips in the mail, and to take appropriate action if the delay in receipt appears excessive. A student who has access to the Web is encouraged to check the results as early as possible, to avoid any delay in lodging an appeal. Students who have been denied access to examination results because of non-payment of fees or charges will only be afforded an extension of time in order to lodge an appeal in exceptional circumstances and where they have made satisfactory arrangements regarding the payment of the fees or charges with Student Administration.

  • The student is advised to take follow-up action if they believe unreasonable delays are occurring in consideration of the appeal. (See 'Administrative Considerations' above).

  • Students are strongly encouraged (and, in some faculties, obliged) to consult, in the period prescribed by the faculty for this purpose, as follows prior to the lodgement of their appeal—

        - with the unit co-ordinator in the case of an appeal against assessment;

        - with the sub-dean in the case of an appeal against the award of a progress status; or the outcome of an application for special consideration; or non-adherence to the Assessment Mechanism Statement for the unit.

1 Students should ensure that all relevant paperwork is submitted. If there has been a previous request for special consideration a copy of the paperwork relating to this request should be submitted with the appeal documentation.