Definition

For the purposes of this policy, an appeal is a challenge to a decision by an academic body that makes decisions on student progress, assessment, or awards.

Student Concerns form

 • SHU Students: Student Concerns Form
• External Parties: Student Concerns Form (external)

Who can appeal?

Any student (including those studying at one of our collaborative partners in the UK or overseas) may appeal a decision they have received from one of the following:

• Academic Conduct Review Panel
• Assessment Board
• Capacity to Study Panel
• Exceptional Circumstances Panel
• Fitness to Practise Panel
• Research Degree Examiner Panel
• University Research Degrees Committee
• Head of Department regarding withdrawal for non-engagement with studies

Exclusions

This policy and procedure does not cover appeals about admissions or disciplinary decisions - these are dealt with by the Appeals and Complaints Procedure for Applicants (PDF, 328.6KB) and by the Disciplinary Regulations for Students respectively.

Nor can it be used to challenge decisions to withdraw for non-payment of tuition fees or failure to enrol by the published deadline. Concerns about these decisions may be raised via the Student Complaints Policy and Procedure if students feel there are mitigating factors that have not been fully considered.

Grounds for appeal

Students can appeal a decision of an academic body on one or both of the following grounds:

There has been an irregularity in the application of the relevant regulation, policy or procedure which has had an impact on the decision.

or/and

There is relevant new evidence or information that you did not provide, and you have a valid reason why you did not submit it at the time.

Disagreement with academic judgement does not constitute grounds for appeal. The definition of academic judgement by the Office of the Independent Adjudicator is [1] "a judgement that is made about a matter where only the opinion of an academic expert will suffice". This means that you cannot question judgement made by an academic about the quality of your work or the assessment criteria being applied to mark your work.

Eligibility

We will consider an appeal if:

• It relates to a formal decision issued by the academic body.
• It is submitted within 10 working days of that decision being issued to you.
• It is based on one or both permissible grounds and supported by documentary evidence.

Appeals submitted beyond 10 working days of receiving the decision will not be considered unless students can demonstrate there are valid reasons why they could not have raised them sooner.

Representation

We expect students to submit appeals themselves. Only in exceptional circumstances can a third party submit an appeal form on your behalf. You must request permission in writing via appealsandcomplaints@shu.ac.uk with evidence stating reasons why you are unable to raise issues yourself.

Our internal processes do not seek to imitate the legal justice system. As such, it is our position that professional legal representation is not necessary for either party at any point of the appeals procedure. If you believe your case is of such complexity that you require the person representing you to be a member of the legal profession, you must request permission in writing via appealsandcomplaints@shu.ac.uk stating reasons.

The Head of Student Policy, Casework and Compliance, or nominee, will decide on all requests.

Consideration

Decisions on appeals will be made by senior members of the University. No one involved in decision-making will have had prior involvement in the issues raised in the appeal.

We aim to complete consideration of an appeal and any associated review within 60 working days if students meet any deadline we set for submitting information and evidence. We will however be mindful of any factors that require more urgent consideration, for example where the matters raised affect progression to the next level of study.

We will update students of the progress of their appeal, including where it is necessary to extend the deadline for response.

Outcomes

We will issue appeal outcomes in writing, setting out the findings and any action to be taken. Outcomes will include information about the next steps a student can take if they remain dissatisfied with the response to their appeal.