Appeal to the Student Appeals Committee
Find out how to appeal to the Student Appeals Committee and get help throughout the process from Student Advocacy.
Appealing to the Student Appeals Committee is always a second step. You can do it if you've already contested a University decision but been unsuccessful, or if you've been excluded for general or academic misconduct. Read the Student Appeal Procedure if you're interested in the policy framework.
Eligibility and timing
To appeal a decision to the Student Appeals Committee, you must be able to demonstrate one or more of the following grounds:
- You have new evidence that wasn’t available earlier.
- The decision was clearly wrong.
- The process wasn’t followed properly.
- The penalty was too harsh.
- There has been no decision after 30 days.
You'll find detailed explanations and examples of each on our grounds for appeal webpage.
You must submit your appeal within 30 calendar days of the decision you're appealing against, based on the date on the outcome letter or email.
How to appeal to the Student Appeals Committee
Follow these steps or download a pdf version (198 KB).
You'll find this info in the outcome letter you received. If you're still not sure, send the letter to Student Advocacy for advice.
Think about which of the grounds (listed above) apply to your case. You might find that you can use more than one. Not sure what they mean? There are detailed explanations and examples of each on our grounds for appeal webpage.
You'll need to include copies of documents that will support your case, such as statutory declarations, medical letters, academic transcripts, special consideration forms and study plans. If you don't submit any evidence, your appeal is unlikely to succeed.
Your letter should explain how your situation meets the grounds you've chosen, and refer to the evidence you're attaching.
Not sure how to start? Use our letter template (PDF 106 KB).
If you decide to go ahead with an appeal, we can:
- explain appeal processes and timelines
- review your grounds
- help you draft and revise your appeal letter
- advise you about supporting evidence
- attend meetings with you.
Book an appointment if you'd like to chat.
Your appeal must include:
- your letter
- copies of your supporting evidence
- a copy of the outcome letter you received (the decision you're appealing).
Attach these via the Appeals Portal.
What happens after you appeal
The Student Appeals Committee will acknowledge your submission and give you an appeal number. You probably won't have to do anything straightaway – the Committee will contact you when there’s an update.
You might be invited to attend a meeting to help inform the Committee’s decision. If this happens, you’re welcome to bring a support person.