Appeals

 

What is an appeal? 

An appeal is the opportunity for a student to challenge a decision made by the University. This could include decisions relating to:  

  • Admission or re-admission  
  • Assessment (where the final CGS mark has been issued)  
  • Degree or programme award  
  • Class certificate (C7)  
  • Progression within a postgraduate programme of study  
  • Termination of studies on academic grounds  
  • Outcomes of disciplinary hearings under the Code of Practice of Student Discipline  
  • Decisions taken by the Undergraduate Students’ Progress Committee (SPC)  
  • Decisions taken under the Policy on Fitness to Practise 

 

Can I appeal?  

There is a range of decisions that can be appealed against but, in each instance, your case must be based on valid grounds. For your appeal to be upheld, it must meet at least one of the following grounds:  

  1. it is believed that the University’s procedures were not followed;  

  1. it is believed that the person or body making the decision did not have the authority to do so;  

  1. it is believed that the person or body making the decision did not act impartially;  

  1. a student considers that they have suffered, or could suffer, material disadvantage*.  

*Material disadvantage must have resulted from a breach of procedure or lack of competency or prejudice.  

You cannot appeal against academic judgement, meaning that you cannot appeal because you feel the examiners were too harsh or if you were just below the pass mark.  

 

How do I submit an appeal? 

In the first instance you should try to resolve the problem in an informal manner by discussing it with the relevant individual (e.g. School office, course coordinator). You should contact this person within 10 working days of the matter arising. It is important that you do this as if you later formalise your appeal, you will be asked to demonstrate the steps you took to resolve the matter informally.  

If this is not successful; you will need to complete a formal appeal form (called a Part A) and submit it to academicservices@abdn.ac.uk within 5 working days of being unable to informally resolve the issue. Students’ Union (SU) Advice can review the form and provide feedback to ensure you have presented the best case prior to you sending it away.  

 

What should you include in your appeal form?  

The Investigating Officer (the person deciding whether to uphold or deny your appeal) will be looking for the following information:  

  • Which ground for appeal is relevant?  
  • What happened?  
  • What was the impact? 
  • What outcome are you looking for?  

It is helpful if you can ensure that you cover each of these questions throughout the Part A form.  

 

Top Tips for completing Part A form  

Go through the events chronologically, this will help you make sure you have not missed anything and make it easier for the investigating officer to follow. It is better to show than tell, include as much evidence as possible to show how the situation affected you.  

If it will help the reader understand your case, then do not hesitate to use headings to divide your letter into ‘sections.’ It is easier to read and understand small chunks of information. You want the reader to understand your case and not be confused.  

Focus on your strong points – your appeal form must show that your case satisfies the ground for appeal. However, be sure to address your weak points, explain why you did not act sooner, or why you did not make the University aware of your extenuating circumstances.  

Do not put anything in your appeal that is not true. If the school can prove you have lied it will weaken your whole case.  

Avoid emotional language, remember to remain formal in your appeal form. You will have a much better chance to making your case if you avoid hostile language and remain objective and factual. Facts are much more powerful to support your case.  

Include all the evidence that is relevant for you case and will back up your appeal. This evidence could include:  

  • Your academic transcript;  
  • Medical certificates;  
  • Supporting letter from personal tutor, counselling service, course coordinator, etc;  
  • Excerpts from your course handbook – if there are any procedural irregularities;  
  • Copies of correspondence between you and members of staff.  

Be aware that there are limits to the outcomes available to you. For example, if your exam performance was affected then ask for a chance for the resist to be taken as a first attempt, rather than asking for your grade to be improved. 

 

What will happen after you submit the form?  

You will be issued with a case officer. This is a university staff member assigned to your appeal, and you will be sent an email confirming these details within 3 working days. They will be your main point of contact during the appeal process. Your file record will be forwarded on to the relevant Head of School or service.  

Within 10 working days you will be asked to a meeting with the Head of School (or their representative) to discuss your appeal. You can bring along a family member, friend, or representative from the Students’ Union to support you in the meeting. Any staff member mentioned in the appeal will be invited to the meeting although may not attend. In addition, a note taker will be present to take a record of the meeting.  

 

When will you get the outcome of the meeting?  

After the appeal meeting you will be sent a copy of the Part B from the registry within 5 working days. This will give you the outcome of your appeal and reasons the decision was made. However, please be aware that investigations may take longer.  

 

What can I do if I am unhappy with the outcome of my appeal?  

If you believe that your appeal outcome was impacted by bias, prejudice, incompetence, or procedural irregularity you have the option to proceed to the further stage of the process (Part C). The Part C Appeal requires you to complete a form to highlight the reasons you are dissatisfied. These reasons will then be reviewed by a grounds to proceed panel. Please contact SU Advice on ausaadvice@abdn.ac.uk if you would like support to proceed. 

 

Can we help?

If you want a Students’ Union representative, please contact SU Advice by email ausaadvice@abdn.ac.uk. We can help throughout the appeal process; by explaining the procedures and helping you prepare the strongest arguments. Every appeal is different; get in touch for specific information and advice relating to your case. 

 

Helpful Links

The ‘Policy and Procedures on Student Appeal’ can be found here: Appeals and Complaints | Students | The University of Aberdeen (abdn.ac.uk)