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 = 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

Final Unit Result Appeals

Any student has the right to appeal a final unit result if they feel a breach in University policy or procedure around assessment has occurred. Valid and invalid grounds for final unit result appeals are listed below.

Students should be realistic in evaluating if their appeal has prospects for success as the Appeals hearing panel does not uphold all appeals. Concerns about teaching or assessment should be raised with the Academic Chair or Dean of School. The appeals policy does NOT deal with Review / Re-mark of assessments. In instances where a student is citing perceived bias against the Tutor or Unit Coordinator, the student should liaise with the Program Chair or School Dean.

Unit Result Appeals should be submitted within 10 working days of receiving notification of the results. If you are considering an appeal against a unit grade, it is a requirement that you consult with the Unit Coordinator prior to submitting an appeal to obtain feedback and to allow for checking of calculations. It is often useful beforehand to see your examination script (if the unit had an examination). Just because you may believe that you deserve a higher grade, does not mean you can submit an appeal.

Valid Grounds

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).
4. 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.
5. the assessment methods used were in breach of the University's Assessment Policy, and resulted in disadvantage.
6. demonstrated bias by the tutor, Unit Co-coordinator 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).
7. 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

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

Your appeal must:

• be submitted in accordance with the Student Appeals Policy
• include an appeals application form
• 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.

• Appeals may be emailed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . 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. Make sure to retain a copy for your records

It is important that you:

• Be clear and accurate in your written appeal.
• Remember to ask for the written staff/academic comments in response to your appeal, these are usually written by Unit Coordinator and/or the Program Chair. If you don’t request this, it won’t happen!
• Contact the student rep (Guild President) if you feel you need to clarify something that has not been made clear in your written appeal.
• Comply with the Student Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics. Failure to do so may result in the matter being forwarded to the DVC (Academic) or nominee as a discipline matter.
• Find out the dates for release of formal results.
• Ensure all of your contact details are up to date with the University.

You have the right to respond (in writing) to the written staff comments regarding your appeal.

Appeal Outcome

The decision of the Appeal Committee on the merits of the case is final. However, if there is a breach of procedure in how the committee considered your appeal, or if the committee breached procedural fairness (e.g. bias in its membership or deliberations) you have the right to submit a written request to the Vice Chancellor, that the decision be reconsidered.