What is an Academic Appeal?
An Academic Appeal is not simply dissatisfaction with an academic result or outcome. An Academic Appeal is an appeal against the decision of an academic body because the student believes they have evidence that an injustice has occurred. An injustice is also known as a ground(s) for appeal.
Read the University’s full Academic Appeals policy.
What are grounds for Academic Appeal?
The ground(s) for appeal are specific and narrow. You may submit an appeal if you have evidence of:
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A material administrative error in the conduct of an assessment. For example, you were given the incorrect examination paper.
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An error by the University in the application of the assessment regulations. For example, you have received the wrong rubric or learning objectives.
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Some other material irregularity relevant to an assessment which has substantially prejudiced the results of the assessment.
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For Postgraduate Research Students only- a bias or inadequacy in the assessment of your work on the part of one or more of the examiners.
When can I submit my Academic Appeal?
Once agreed by a Board of Examiners, your results change from 'provisional' to 'confirmed' on SOLE. You need to wait for the Board of Examiners to confirm your grades before submitting an appeal as you cannot appeal a provisional grade. If you are not sure when the relevant Board of Examiners meet, please contact Student Records on 01905 855333. You must make your appeal within 10 working days of the confirmed results being published.
How do I submit an Academic Appeal?
To submit an appeal, you must complete the Academic Appeals form. Guidance on completing the form can be found at the top of the form. Once you have completed the form, you must send it by email to the Complaints and Appeals officer complaintsandappeals@worc.ac.uk If you have any questions about the progress of you appeal, you can also telephone the Complaints and Appeals officer 01905 85 5396
Our Academic & Welfare advisors can’t write your appeal, but they can make sure your form is completed correctly and makes sense. Book an advisor appointment to talk with an advisor.
What happens after I submit an Academic Appeal?
If you have not received receipt of your email within three working days, you should email the Complaints & Appeals officer to make sure they have received your form. The Complaints & Appeals officer will send your appeal form to the Academic Registrar who will establish if you have ground(s) for appeal.
The University have 10 working days to email the student, notifying them of one of the following outcomes:
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There are sufficient and well-evidenced ground(s) for appeal. If the student is not satisfied with the remedial action, the student will be advised of how to apply to the Appeals committee. If the student isn’t happy with the outcome of the appeals committee, they can contact the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA) who can review the case. An application to the OIA must be completed within 12 months of the University’s Completion of Procedures letter.
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There might be ground(s) for appeal but the registrar needs more information.
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There are insufficient ground(s) and/or evidence for appeal. The appeal is rejected. The student will be told why the appeal has failed. The student will be provided with details about how to request a review of the decision by the Deputy Vice Chancellor. If the student is unhappy with the decision of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, they can contact the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA) who can review the case. An application to the OIA must be completed within 12 months of the University’s Completion of Procedures letter.
What can the Worcester Students’ Union do to help me?
The Help & Advice service at the Students’ Union can support students through the process of making an Academic Appeal. We offer free, impartial, and confidential appointments to all students at the University and can explain the process, next steps and accompany you to Academic Appeals meetings.
If you believe you have grounds for an Academic Appeal or want to know more about the University of Worcester’s policy, book an advisor appointment to talk with an advisors.
Confidentiality
The Help & Advice service is confidential - nothing you tell us will be shared with the University of Worcester or any other organisation or individual without your permission. There are rare occasions where a breach of confidentiality may be deemed necessary. A breach of confidentiality will only occur if staff have evidence to believe that someone is at risk of harm and abuse. Further details can be found in our Confidentiality Policy. If a decision is made to breach confidentiality, the client will be informed in advance of the breach.
Disclaimer
Every effort has been made to ensure that all information contained on the Help & Advice webpages is both current and accurate. However, information within these pages is subject to change without prior notice. Please seek professional guidance for the latest information. Any advice given by members of staff is based on the information available and to the best of their knowledge. No liability can be accepted for any errors or misleading information. Please note the Help & Advice service is a member of AdviceUK.