Guidance with policies and procedures

We're here to help you understand the University's policies and procedures, and how to make the most of them.

How we can help you

Student Advocacy provides free, confidential and independent information and advice about University policies and procedures. The Student Advocates are not decision-makers but aim to help students understand their rights and responsibilities throughout their studies at Macquarie University.

Student support is at the forefront of our service. By working with students, we empower you to achieve fair outcomes within University policy and procedure. We value independence by providing a service that is equitable and transparent for students and is removed from any University decision making process.

Some of the areas Student Advocacy can assist you  with include:

If the university has made a decision that you feel is unfair, you may be able to submit an appeal. In most circumstances, an appeal is a request to review your case because you believe a procedural error has occurred.

Your appeal could relate to:

  • Academic Standing - Academic Pause or Exclusion
  • The final grade you have been given
  • MRes/PhD candidature
  • Recognition of Prior Learning
  • Special Consideration
  • Withdrawal Without Penalty
  • Notice of Academic Pause or Notice of Intention to Report (Macquarie University College)

More information can be found in our guides:

If you would like feedback on your draft appeal or have any questions about the appeal process, contact Student Advocacy.

If you have experienced something that was not right, or that could have been done better, you can seek a resolution through the complaints process.
Your complaint can relate to any area of university life (studies/campus/extracurriculars etc) which is not already covered in an existing policy. Student Advocacy has written a Guide to Complaints [PDF 193KB] to help you with this process.

Student Advocacy cannot write your complaint for you, but we can help you with:

  • providing feedback on a draft complaint
  • attending meetings with you
  • helping you to identify alternate policies or procedures that may be suitable for your situation
  • provide referrals to other university support services.

Student Advocacy can assist you with appealing an exclusion or suspension from Macquarie University.

For some study programs, you may be required to submit a Show Cause prior to submitting an appeal. Student Advocacy can assist in providing guidance for preparing a Show Cause statement.

Student Advocacy can:
  • review and provide feedback on a draft appeal
  • provide suggestions regarding appropriate evidence to support your case
  • help you to identify relevant university support services to improve your studies moving forward.

Student Advocacy is available to support students who have received an allegation of Academic Integrity.

We can help you to:

  • understand the allegation and the penalties that may apply
  • understand the Academic Integrity Breach Procedure
  • attend meetings as a support person
  • check and provide feedback on a written statement
  • connect you with University support services.

More information can be found in our guides:

Students may be asked to meet with staff for a variety of reasons such as discussing progression, academic integrity or academic misconduct. Student Advocacy is available to help you in preparing for meetings and by attending meetings with you as a support person.

Student Advocacy can assist you with appealing an exclusion or suspension from Macquarie University.

Student Advocacy can:
  • review and provide feedback on a draft appeal
  • provide suggestions regarding appropriate evidence to support your case
  • help you to identify relevant university support services to improve your studies moving forward.

More information can be found in our guides:

Student Advocacy Appointments

Student Advocacy offers one-on-one appointments to provide you with support and assistance. You can contact Student Advocacy by completing our Student Care form .