Appeal of Complaint and Conduct Decisions

An Appeal application must be submitted within 20 University Working Days of receiving the original 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.

Appeals of Complaint and Conduct decisions are heard by the University Appeals Committee. If your application does not demonstrate that you have legitimate grounds as outlined in the Complaint and Conduct Decisions Appeals Procedure to appeal the decision, then it will be dismissed. The decision to dismiss the application is final and there is no further right to an appeal within the University.

To give your appeal the best chance you are encouraged to seek Student Advocacy Support before completing your Appeal Application – Complaint and Conduct 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 notifications and supporting documents related to the original decision, 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.

An Appeal Hearing will be scheduled, where possible, within 10 University Working Days of the Appeal Book being distributed.  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. You will be provided information on your right to lodge a complaint or appeal through external agencies.  The decision of the Appeal Committee is final and there is no further right to appeal within the University.

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.