The Ins and Outs of Academic Appeals
Published on 28 February 13
Busting the myths about contesting decisions
With so many of you receiving results at this time of year, it's inevitable that some of you will be disappointed. You may feel your marks are unjust, or unreflective of what you know you can do. If you're thinking of appealing a decision, then there are plenty of myths that might encourage you. But don't be fooled - an Academic Appeal is a formal process and can be used only in specific circumstances.
To help you make sense of it all, we've separated the truth from the myths about academic appeals.
Myth: You can get an exam re-graded if you appeal
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Academic appeals are made following a decision that could affect your academic standing in the University. These might include:
If you're appealing against the decision of an exam board, then it's very unlikely that your grade would be changed. Instead, if your appeal is upheld, you might be given the opportunity to resit the exam. It's worth bearing in mind that the January exam marks are not finalised until they've been approved by the exam board in the summer. If you're disappointed with a particular exam or assignment result, then try and speak with your lecturer to get more detailed feedback on how you could improve. |
If you're struggling with any academic issues, no matter how big or small, don't panic. Speak to your academic advisor, or another member of staff from your School, who can give you advice and support. For independent advice, you can also speak to the Students' Union Advice Service. |
Myth: You can appeal if you think a lecturer made a mistake
Your lecturers take marking assessments very seriously, and most will take the time go through their feedback if you ask them to. You can't make an appeal simply because you're unhappy with a result, or because you think the marker got it wrong.
Myth: You can only appeal if something went wrong in the exam
The majority of appeals occur because a student feels that circumstances beyond their control have affected their performance. But this is only one of four grounds for appeal. You can take a look at the others in the regulations.
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In truth, most circumstances that would affect your performance in an assessment - such as a bereavement or illness - take place before the exam or hand in date. In these 'mitigating circumstances' you should always speak to someone from your School, like your academic advisor or course administrator, as soon as possible. They will be able to take you through the mitigating circumstances procedure, and give you any advice and support you need. |
But even when something happens in the actual exam that affects your performance, you can still submit these as mitigating circumstances, and you should do that as soon as possible following the exam or assessment hand-in.
If you have not submitted mitigating circumstances prior to getting your result, you can only appeal on these grounds if you have documented reasons as to why you did not submit these before the assessment.
Myth: You can appeal any time
You have just 20 working days following a decision to lodge an appeal to your Faculty office (not the School).
If you've been refused permission to take an exam because of unsatisfactory work or attendance, these appeals must be submitted within ten working days of the notification.
Myth: Appeals always go in the University's favour
The Academic Appeals system exists to serve you, and to ensure that your education isn't negatively affected by things outside of your control. Appeals are dealt with at the Faculty level, and are handled extremely carefully to make sure that all of the evidence is properly considered.
It's important, if you're thinking about appealing against a decision, that you have all of the relevant evidence, and that you're clear about your reasons. You're not expected to do it alone - the Students' Union Advice Service can give you confidential, independent advice and guidance.