If you have received a Graduate Research Academic Progress Committee outcome and would like support lodging an appeal, we’re here to help.
After receiving an outcome from the Graduate Research Academic Progress Committee, you may appeal the decision to the University Appeals Committee. The outcome letter you receive from the Graduate Research Academic Progress Committee will include information about how the decision was reached and information regarding the appeal process.
The key policies and procedures relevant to HDR academic progress appeals are: the Higher Degrees by Research (HDR) Assessment Procedure and the Student Appeals Procedure. These policies and others can be found in the online Deakin Policy Library.
You can find information about appeals here on the Deakin University Appeals webpage. The HDR Academic Progress Procedure (Clause 79) also provides information about the appeal process.
On what grounds can I appeal a Graduate Research Academic Progress Committee outcome?
- A misapplication of process occurred that resulted in material disadvantage to you;
- 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 (HDR Academic Progress Procedure).
To start an appeal, you will need to submit:
- The online Student Appeal application form;
- A written submission detailing the grounds of your appeal and outlining your case for appeal;
- DUSA Advocates have a template you can use and we can review your submission and provide feedback before you submit to the UAC. You can access our HDR Academic Progress Appeal Written Submission template here;
- The Graduate Research Academic Progress Proposal Email/Letter and Outcome Email/Letter (i.e. the original decision you are appealing);
- Relevant documents in support of your case (e.g. medical certificate/report, letter of support, statutory declaration, etc.).
When must I lodge an appeal by?
You have 20 working days from the date of the Graduate Research Academic Progress Committee’s outcome letter to lodge an appeal.
What happens next?
- The Student Success Division will conduct an administrative review of your appeal submission to determine whether there is adequate substance to proceed to Chair review. If lacking in substance, you will be notified that the appeal will not proceed.
- The Committee Chair (or nominee) may then review your appeal application to determine that:
i. the ground/s for appeal have not been met and dismiss the appeal;
ii. clear error or misapplication of process has occurred and refer to the original decision maker to revise the decision;
iii. the ground/s of appeal have been met and refer the appeal to the Committee for a hearing.
- If your appeal is accepted for hearing, you will receive at least 5 working days’ notice of the hearing date and location.
What happens at the appeal hearing?
- The appeal hearing will generally occur via zoom.
- Appeal hearings are attended by at least 3 members of the UAC and the UAC secretariat.
- You will have the opportunity to present your case, focused on the ground/s of appeal that the UAC agreed to hear. You may also respond to any further documents/ statements the Graduate Research Academic Progress Committee may have provided to the UAC in response to your appeal application. The UAC members will ask you some questions and you may also ask questions.
- If you have a support person at your hearing, they may also be allowed to speak. [PP1] DUSA Advocates often accompany students to appeal hearings. If you want an Advocate at your hearing, please request this as soon as possible.
What can I expect from an appeal hearing outcome?
After conducting the hearing, the UAC can decide either to dismiss the appeal or to uphold the appeal in whole or in part. If they decide to uphold the appeal they then either:
- Make a new finding;
- Impose outcomes (such as from Higher Degrees by Research (HDR) Academic Progress Procedure); and/or
- Refer the matter back to the original decision maker to be re-heard in whole or in part (Student Appeals Procedure, Clause 39).
The decision of the University Appeals Committee is final within Deakin University.
How can DUSA Advocates help me?
DUSA Advocates are professional, experienced staff who provide free, independent and confidential support regarding academic and personal matters to all Deakin students.
A DUSA Advocate can:
- Provide advice about possible grounds of appeal and discuss what you could include in your submission,
- Provide feedback on your draft appeal submission,
- Attend the UAC hearing with you (if a hearing is granted), and
- Provide support and advice during any stage of the appeals process.
- Contact us today to arrange a free appointment.
Please note that DUSA Advocates experience very busy periods, particularly at the end of each trimester where we need to assist a large number of students, so it is important that you book an appointment to see an Advocate as early as possible.
