Appeals

The University has a number of appeals policies which set out how to appeal a decision.

You should refer to the correct policy and its requirements before you submit your appeal:

When the University makes a decision in the categories outlined above, you will receive formal advice of that decision which will include information on your right to appeal the decision, and steps on lodging an appeal. You may only appeal on specific grounds and, within the time frame specified. Appeals outside this time frame will not be considered.

When the University makes a decision in the categories outlined above, you will receive formal advice of that decision, including information on your right to appeal the decision. You may only appeal on specific grounds, via AskMQ form within the timeframe specified. Appeals outside this timeframe will not be considered.

The grounds for appeal are outlined in the Academic Appeals Procedure. A student must prove with evidence that the decision made by the University was unfair due to one of the 10 grounds outlined in the Procedure existing or occurring. You must also demonstrate that as a result of one of these grounds existing or occurring, the decision was substantially unfair.

There are strict procedures for Grade Appeals and students are encouraged to read the relevant policy/procedure.

• For students enrolled in study periods commencing before 30 June 2021 - Relevant University policy/procedure : Grade Appeals Policy/procedure
• For students enrolling in study periods commencing on or after 1 July 2021 - Relevant University policy/procedure : Assessment Policy / Assessment Procedure

Things to know about Grade Appeals:

1. You need to lodge your Grade Appeal within 20 business days of receiving official notification of your result in a unit.
2. The grounds for lodging a Grade Appeal are listed in the relevant policy/procedure.
3. If you don’t have grounds to lodge a Grade Appeal, your Appeal will not be considered. If you’re uncertain about the grounds for your appeal, contact Student Advocacy for guidance.
4. Grade Appeals must be supported by evidence.
5. If the grounds for your Grade Appeal is related to your performance in an exam, you should request to view your exam paper before you lodge your Grade Appeal. To organise a viewing, contact your Faculty Student Centre promptly – you may need to book an appointment to view the paper.
6. There are only three possible outcomes to your Grade Appeal. These are: no change, an increase; or a reduction in the final grade. Note: having your grade reviewed will not necessarily result is a positive change or increase in your grade.
7. Submit your Grade Appeal via AskMQ Grade Appeal Form within 20 business days of published result date for your unit.
8. The Academic Appeals Policy provides a right to appeal Grade Appeal decisions on the basis of procedural irregularities.

If you are uncertain of the procedures or need help to submit your Grade Appeal, contact Student Advocacy.

Year 1 - Appeals

For grade appeals, follow the Undergraduate Grade Appeal process outlined above.

Year 2 - Review of result

Results should be reviewed with your MRes Supervisor first. With the support of your supervisor, you can write to the Thesis Examinations Sub-Committee seeking further explanation of how your result was determined.

Requests are lodged with the Committee by email at hdrexam@mq.edu.au and the response will be sent to your official student email.

Year 2 - Appeals after review

For appeals after review, follow the Academic Appeal process outlined above.

For Higher Degree Research (PhD/MPhil) appeals, follow the Academic Appeal process outlined above.

Process overview

The following steps are followed when reviewing the candidature of an HDR student:

1. Unsatisfactory progress

If your supervisor or supervisory panel identifies that you are not making satisfactory progress, you will be notified of their concerns and you will be provided with an opportunity to address these.

A Candidate Action Plan may be subsequently agreed upon and implemented.

If the supervisor continues to have concerns about your progress, a recommendation that your candidature be formally reviewed will be made to your Faculty's Associate Dean (HDR).

You may decide to submit to the review process or discontinue your candidature at this point.

2. Formal Review

The Formal Review panel determines if a candidate:

• has a viable research program
• is making satisfactory progress relative to the stage of a candidate's research program
• is able to complete degree requirements within the period allowed.

A Formal Review may recommend that your candidate be terminated. Alternatively, a formal review may recommend the implementation of a Candidate Action Plan, as above.

Candidates are given the opportunity to respond in writing and in-person to issues being considered by the Formal Review Panel. It is recommended that you provide any relevant evidence or supporting documentation to support your submission/s.

3. Appeal against decision to terminate

Students who are formally notified that their candidature is to be terminated have the right to appeal.

Important: An appeal is not a new consideration of whether your candidature should be terminated or not. Rather, an appeal considers and evaluates the process involved in reaching the decision.

Only specific grounds are available to appeal on. Appeals must be lodged via AskMQ within 20 working days of being notified of the decision. Appeals outside this timeframe will not be considered.

Grounds for appeal are outlined in the Academic Appeals Procedure (see specifically: section 4.2.a.i - 4.2.a.x, and 4.2.b) .

A student must prove with evidence that the decision made by the University was unfair due to one of these 10 grounds existing or occurring. A student must also demonstrate that as a result of one of these grounds existing or occurring, the decision was substantially unfair.

Your appeal will be unsuccessful if you are unable to demonstrate that one of the grounds existed or occurred and that the decision was substantially unjust.

If your appeal is successful (ie. if your appeal is upheld) the original decision will be sent to a decision-maker in the relevant faculty for the decision to be made again in line with the correct procedure. This means a new decision will be made, though it is important to note this does not mean that a different result will be reached: for example, a successful appeal may not necessarily result in your candidature being reinstated.

Candidate templates

Templates have been created by HDRO to assist candidates before they undergo a formal review, as well as while they are under review.

See '4. Responsibilities and Required Actions' of the Termination of Candidature Procedure for a printer-friendly Flowchart of the process.