Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions

Within 5 University Working Days of receiving notice of an academic decision:

• Check your understanding of how the decision is determined, for example read the assessment information in your Subject Outline to understand what was required to achieve the final result you were aiming for; or refer to the Academic Progression Policy and Unsatisfactory Academic Performance Procedure to ensure you understand how an academic status is assessed.
• Email the original decision maker to request feedback, for example request feedback from your Subject Coordinator regarding your performance in assessments.
• If an error is identified it can be corrected at this stage

If you are not satisfied with the response, or do not receive a response within 5 University Working Days of requesting feedback, you may consider requesting a Formal Review.

A Formal Review must be requested within 5 University Working Days of receiving feedback about the original decision, or where you did not receive any feedback,10 University Working Days of your original request for feedback about the original decision.  A late submission for a Formal Review may be accepted at the discretion of the Director, Student Services, where it can be demonstrated that special circumstances prevented you submitting your application on time.

In a Formal Review the original academic decision is reviewed by a higher delegated officer (Review Officer) of the University.  If your application does not, on the balance of probabilities, meet the legitimate grounds for review outlined in the Academic and Statutory Decisions Review and Appeals Procedure, then it will be dismissed.  The decision to dismiss a formal review application is final and there is no further right to an internal appeal within the University.

To support you in lodging and writing your application, you are strongly encouraged to seek Student Advocacy Support before completing your Formal Review Application – Academic or Statutory Decisions form. It is best to have all of your information, including relevant evidence, ready before starting the form, however you can save it and come back later.

The Review Officer will consider the statement and relevant supporting documentation included in your application. They may also make further enquiries from yourself, the original decision maker or others considered relevant to the matter. You will have the opportunity to respond to any further information found.

The notice of the Review Officer’s decision will outline their consideration of evidence, findings and outcome. The notification will also advise further rights you have to appeal if you are not satisfied with the Review Officer’s decision.

An Appeal application must be submitted within 20 University Working Days of receiving the Formal Review decision notice.  A late submission may be accepted at the discretion of the Director, Student Services where it can be demonstrated that special circumstances prevented you submitting your application on time.

An Appeal is made in regard to the formal review determination and is heard by the University Appeals Committee.  If your application does not demonstrate that you have legitimate grounds of appeal, as outlined in the Academic and Statutory Decisions Review and Appeals Procedure to appeal the review decision, it will be dismissed. The decision to dismiss the appeal application is final and there is no further right to appeal internally within the University.

If you decide you want to appeal a Formal Review decision, you are strongly encouraged to seek Student Advocacy Support before completing your Appeal Application – Academic Decisions form. It is best to have all of your information, including relevant evidence, ready before starting the form, however you can save it and come back later.

You will be advised of the University Appeals Committee for your appeal and some additional information of when to attend, support person and if you have any perceived bias of the appeal committee members.

An Appeal Book containing the decision notices and supporting documents related to the original decision and review determination, along with your appeal application and any further information relevant to the matter will be provided to both yourself and the committee for their consideration before moving to an Appeal Hearing.

Ideally, an Appeal Hearing will be scheduled within 10 University Working Days of the Appeal Book being distributed, depending on the availability of the members of the University Appeals Committee.  You will be invited to attend the Hearing and may choose to have a support person or Student Advocate attend with you.

The Appeal Committee’s decision notice will outline their consideration of evidence, findings and decision, The decision of the Appeal Committee is final and there is no further right to appeal within the University, however you will be provided with information on your right to lodge a complaint or appeal through external agencies.

While you are waiting on the outcome regarding your Formal Review or Appeal, you should continue to complete any outstanding assessment from the previous Teaching Period where you were granted a supplementary/deferred exam or an extension on any assessment items.  You may also remain enrolled and participate in your subjects.

Where necessary and should you choose to do so, you may withdraw from subjects and/or course or a take a leave of absence in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.

If you have engaged a Student Advocate they will continue to provide support and advice throughout the Review and Appeal processes.

You are strongly encouraged to seek support and assistance from a JCUSA Advocate before submitting a formal review or appeal application. They will both guide you through the process and help you prepare your application.

JCUSA are your Student Association. You do not have to be a member to receive their free, non-judgmental and impartial help. While they have offices on campus (and are available via email and phone for external students), they are an independent and student focused organisation who can help you to:

• understand and interpret University policies, rules and regulations
• represent you or support you when you need to liaise with individual staff at JCU or "The University" in general
• help you submit applications and/or claims. This includes things like special consideration or a review of assessment, appeals and more.

You can visit JCUSA in person on the Townsville or Cairns campus, email themor freecall 1800 330 021. This service is available for all students, including those who study off campus.