If you feel you were restricted in achieving your true potential in an assessment, due to something that wasn’t your fault, you may be able to appeal against the decision.
It’s important that you familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of the appeals procedure. Keep reading on to find out more:
What is an appeal?
An appeal is the act of requesting for a decision by an assessment board to be reconsidered. All students have the right to an appeal (on specified grounds).
What can you appeal?
You can appeal any decision made by an assessment board, this can include things like a component of a module, a whole module, your course progression, or your overall degree classification.
Is there a time frame of when you can appeal?
Yes. If you are appealing a result, you have 15 University Working Days from the date of the ratified result being published to submit the appeal. However, if you are appealing a university process this is different to an Academic Appeal and can sometimes be 10 days so check what it is you are appealing, that you are looking at the correct procedure to confirm how long you have.
Get your appeal in as early as possible and do not miss the deadline!!
Can I appeal if I don’t agree with my result?
In somewhat yes, but you must have reasons and evidence of why you don’t agree! This is because, for your appeal to be considered it must relate to one of the grounds.
Unfortunately, you cannot appeal if you are simply questioning the academic judgment of the university/staff. - you can find out more about academic judgement here.
What are the grounds for an appeal?
There are two grounds on which you can appeal.
1) There are alleged errors in the way an assessment or a decision-making process was managed.
2) There are suspected errors in the decision-making process or the way an assessment has been marked.
You can appeal on one or both grounds, just make sure your reasons relate to one of these.
How can I appeal?
- There is an appeal form you can complete which is available from the, DMU website, Student Faculty offices or the Student Gateway.
- Fill in the form, clearly and concisely with lots of evidence.
- Send your form to the Student Appeals and Conduct Officer, via email to acasupportoffice@dmu.ac.uk.
- Then wait to hear!
What do I have to include in an appeal?
- Make sure you include all your personal information including p number.
- State what you wish to appeal and what grounds you are appealing on.
- Highlight what errors you believe have occurred and what evidence you can provide to support this. (Evidence in an appeal is very important!!!!)
- Express how you believe this situation has affected your grade and what outcome you are seeking.
- Be clear as to why the matter was not raised until after the assessment.
- Finally, attach all the evidence you wish to present that support your claims.
How long will an appeal take?
An appeal can be a time-consuming process. It can anywhere between 3-6 weeks and beyond depending on the complexity of the case. At busy periods within the university this could even be longer. Therefore, it is important to consider if this process is right for you as it can casue complications with things like graduation.
Will an appeal affect my graduation?
Depending on when you are appealing in the academic year. An appeal could affect the date of your graduation. Appeals can be time consuming processes and it may mean you will have to graduate at the next given opportunity.
This should be discussed with your Student Advice Centre before you even consider submitting an appeal!
Where can I find out more about the appeals process?
You can find more about appeals on the DMU website or you can head to our DSU website to see our FAQ relating to appeals.
If you need any support with your appeal the DSU Advice and Wellbeing team would be happy to help with any queries! Contact Us.
Here are DSU’s top tips if considering making an appeal.
- Read the appeals procedure.
- Gather as much evidence as possible.
- Make sure your reasons for an appeal are clear and to the point.
- Relate your appeal back to the grounds, otherwise it will not be considered!
- Don’t question Academic Judgment
- Extenuating circumstances are not grounds for an appeal. Make sure you consider a deferral or an extension, if you are experiencing any circumstances affecting your university work.
- Keep a copy of your appeal form, for you reference.