If you have received an academic progress outcome and would like support with the written submission for your appeal, we’re here to help.
Here is a written submission template for an appealing an academic progress outcome. Please feel free to use this template to write your written submission. Please ensure you have read our Appeal of an Academic Progress Outcome webpage prior to writing your written submission.
Example written submission for appeal
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 regarding academic progress in (insert your course code and course name).
I, (name), want to appeal against a decision of a Faculty Academic Progress Committee to (insert decision as indicated on the faculty outcome letter) pursuant to section 36 of the Deakin University 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).
Misapplication of process
- 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. Refer to relevant Deakin University procedures and/or regulations to support your statements. For example, the Academic Progress Policy and Procedure applies to most students.
Decision 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 to be 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 need to provide concrete examples and evidence of this, referring to relevant documents such as the academic progress outcome letter you received.
Outcome manifestly excessive, inappropriate or not available in the circumstances
New evidence
- Explain the new information/supporting documentation you now have that you were not previously able to provide and how this evidence could have affected the outcome/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 could have influenced the Faculty Committee’s decision if it had been available at the time.
- Examples of new evidence may include a doctor’s letter, counselling support letter, Language and Learning Adviser letter, etc.
Conclusion
- Summarise your main points and include how the decision has affected you or will affect you.
Yours sincerely,
Student Name
Student ID,
Mailing Address,
Telephone,
Email,
Attachments
Provide copies of any documents you think are relevant to your case.
Advocates can review your letter and provide you with confidential feedback before you finalise it and submit it to the University Appeals Committee (Please allow 1-2 business days prior to submission date for feedback to be provided.) Please contact us to arrange a free appointment.
