If you have received an academic integrity breach allegation outcome and would like support preparing the written submission for an appeal, we’re here to help.

Please note: A new Deakin University Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure will be introduced in 2023. You can access the new Student Academic Integrity Policy here, and the new Procedure here. You can access the Historic Versions of the Policy here, and the Procedure here. Some of this information may not be applicable to you, depending on when you have received your Academic Integrity Allegation. If you are unsure which process and information is right for you, please contact us and we will provide further information and advice. This Written Submission Academic Integrity Appeal Template is for the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure, effective 30/07/2021 to 22/01/2023. Once we have further information regarding the new appeals process, this webpage will be updated.

Here is a written submission template that you can use when submitting an academic integrity outcome appeal. Please feel free to use this template to write your appeal. Please ensure you have read our Appeal of an Academic Integrity Outcome webpage prior to writing your written submission. Please also consider contacting a DUSA Advocate for support with preparing your appeal.

Please note: The example written submission is only for appealing an outcome regarding a proven breach of academic integrity, i.e. you have already received an Academic Integrity Breach Allegation Outcome. If you have not already received an Outcome, you can access the Academic Integrity Breaches webpage here.

Example written submission – for appealing academic integrity outcomes

Deakin University Appeals Committee
Deakin University
(insert address of your campus)
(insert date)

Dear Deakin University Appeals Committee members,

Re: Appeal against a faculty decision or outcome regarding a proven breach of academic integrity in Assessment Item: in <insert unit code> Assessment item <insert name of Assessment Item> in <insert Trimester, year>.

I, (insert name), want to appeal against a decision of a Faculty Academic Integrity Committee to (insert decision and outcome (penalty) as indicated on the faculty outcome letter) pursuant to part 11 section 36 of the Academic Board Regulations.

Include a brief introduction here.

Provide some information about yourself.

I am appealing on the grounds of (briefly state which of the four possible grounds you are basing your appeal on).

[Then use whichever subheadings below are relevant and include an explanation for each ground you are appealing on.]

A misapplication of process occurred that resulted in material disadvantage to the student.

Detail which university process/es or procedure/s were not followed properly.
Describe how you think the misapplication of process resulted in material disadvantage occurring, e.g. disadvantage in relation to the decision to find the breach of academic integrity proven and/or the outcome (i.e. penalty) received.
Refer to relevant Deakin University procedures and/or regulations to support your statements.

That the decision was manifestly wrong.

Explain why the decision the Faculty Committee made is plainly and obviously wrong. You will need to provide details and evidence that a mistake or an error in reasoning has been made by the Faculty Committee.
You may also find it useful to refer to the relevant procedures and regulations. For example, Section 31 of the Academic Board Regulations lists the principles guiding decision makers. These include the need to comply with natural justice and ensure investigations are impartial. If you think decision making was partial or biased, or that irrelevant evidence was relied on by the Faculty Committee in reaching a decision, you will need to provide concrete examples and evidence of this, referring to relevant documents such as the academic integrity allegation documents and/or the academic integrity outcome letter.

The outcome imposed by the original decision maker was manifestly excessive, inappropriate or not available in the circumstances.

Explain why you believe the outcome (i.e. the penalty) is excessive or inappropriate in light of the evidence previously presented. If the outcome you received was not in accordance with Schedule A, explain this. If relevant, you could also check Schedule 1 (Academic Board Regulations)

New evidence that was not known or available at the time of the original decision is now available and could have affected the outcome of the decision.

Explain the new information/supporting documentation you now have that you were not previously able to provide and how this new evidence could have affected the outcome or the decision.
Indicate the reason why you were unable to provide this information earlier. For example, your medical practitioner was on leave, or your documents were in a place you were unable to access, or another reason.
Explain how the new evidence either supports you not having breached academic integrity or addresses the circumstances surrounding the breach of academic integrity that occurred.

Appeal grounds and supporting evidence.

List the evidence you are providing with your appeal letter. Summarise and explain the link between the evidence you are providing and your nominated appeal grounds.

Conclusion.

Summarise your main points.

Yours sincerely,

Student Name

Student ID,
Mailing Address,
Telephone,
Email,
Attachments

Provide copies of any documents you think are relevant to your appeal.

Advocates can review your appeal letter and provide you with confidential feedback before you finalise it and submit it to the university appeals committee. Please contact us to arrange a free appointment.

Written submission template: Appeal of an academic integrity outcome