Despite best intentions, despite all of the effort put into research and writing coursework/projects, and studying for and sitting exams, things sometimes go wrong.  Deadlines cannot be met, exams/assessments cannot be attended, or a student’s performance in them has been badly affected.  Often this means a capped resit has to be taken, a degree classification does not reflect a student’s full academic potential, or in the worst-case scenario, a student is withdrawn from their studies.

Most universities, colleges and professional bodies have mechanisms to request a fresh attempt, a return to studies, appropriate support.  These procedures are usually called academic appeals or extenuating / mitigating / exceptional circumstances.

Whatever the basis for a student needing help, it is important to understand the procedures that apply and what is expected.

The possible grounds for academic appeal can be varied, but may all be boiled down to four main categories:

  • Extenuating circumstances that have negatively impacted academic performance;
  • Failure to provide reasonable adjustments for a relevant disability;
  • Factual errors in the marking process; and
  • Procedural unfairness in an assessment, can range from a failure to comply with the procedures for the assessment and/or marking to bias.

It is vital to check the time limits for making an academic appeal as they are often subject to strict time limits, and institutions take a far-ranging approach.  Being late is not necessarily fatal, but it will very much depend upon the facts in each case.

How does an appeal process work?         

  • All universities will have a specific policy governing their academic appeals procedure;
  • Academic appeals are often subject to strict time limits, that can vary quite widely across universities;
  • Check the procedure to identify the permitted grounds and what form you need to use;
  • Gather all the evidence you need to support the ground(s) you intend to rely upon;
  • Complete the form and file the supporting documents, and indicate what remedy you are requesting;
  • The procedure will specify the time frame in which you should receive a decision;
  • If the decision is unsuccessful, there is usually provision for a stage 2 to allow consideration of either new evidence or any procedural irregularity in the stage 1 process; &
  • If there is not a stage 2 or it proves unsuccessful, a complaint can be made to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (‘OIA’) within 1 year of receiving a completion of procedures letter.