Writing an Appeal

Knowing your grounds

This is a general guide to making an appeal and so it is very important that you read it in conjunction with the relevant section of the Student Handbook of Regulations which can be found here, as the grounds for appeal can differ with each procedure.

The University will only consider your appeal if you satisfy the grounds for appeal and this usually centers around:

a) Demonstrating that procedures have not been followed correctly or
b) You have Extenuating Circumstances that, for good reason, you were unable to present at the time.

For appeals relating to Academic Misconduct, Fitness to Practice and Disciplinary issues, there are additional grounds of appeal which include:

c) whether the decision was unreasonable,
d) whether the decision was disproportionate and
e) whether there is evidence of bias.

Again, check the University Regulations as your appeal will only be looked at if you satisfy the correct grounds for Appeal.

The Appeal Form

You need to complete the correct appeal form, and you can find this in the relevant section of the guidance under ‘forms’. You must submit your appeal within 10 working days of being notified of a decision or outcome (or 5 working days for a disciplinary appeal).

Write in date order, explaining what has happened to affect your studies so the reader can follow it easily. Remember they do not know you or your situation so explain things clearly.

1. If your appeal relates to EC’s, be specific, eg Don’t just say ‘my mum was ill and it affected me’. Instead give specific dates and examples of events that led to poor performance/ errors in judgement/ attendance etc.
   Like this:
   • My mum started Chemotherapy treatment on 1st February
   • There is only myself and my mum in the house and so I was the only person that looked after her, and during her treatment she was often very sick and weak and I had to spend the nights looking after her.
   • As a result, I only slept 2 hours per night in the weeks before my assignment was due.
   • The lack of sleep and stress affected my ability to concentrate and meet the deadline.
2. If you spoke with the school, don’t just say ‘I did speak to the school’. Again, be specific: When did you? Who did you speak to? What exactly did they say?
3. Stick to the facts, what happened? and what were the consequences?
4. Think about what has changed with your situation that will allow you to move forward – why are you now in a better position to attend university etc?
5. If your appeal relates to errors in procedures, make sure you refer to the correct procedure by referencing, for example, the relevant section of the Students Handbook, your module handbook, the relevant policy ie lecture capture, pregnancy policy, Regulation of Awards etc or maybe your PLSP hasn’t been followed correctly. University Policies can be found here.

Collecting Evidence

You need to submit evidence to confirm what you are saying. The university has a comprehensive list of acceptable forms of evidence and this can be found here.

Date specific! Evidence needs to cover the dates that your studies have been affected.

Impact! Impact! Impact! Evidence must show the impact that the situation has had on you and your studies. For example, if your situation relates to the illness of a family member or financial problem that you have, the evidence needs to explain that this has caused you stress and anxiety and explain how it has impacted on your studies.

You should normally submit your evidence with your Appeal but if there is a delay in obtaining it, make sure you get your appeal in on time and explain that your evidence will follow in a few days.

If you didn’t comply with a university procedure on time, for example, you didn’t apply for an EC at the time or you are appealing after the 10 working day deadline – your evidence must go even further. You will need your GP to confirm that you were not well enough to engage with university procedures until now.

Outcome

You will be notified of the outcome of your appeal within 20 working days.

Appeal Form checklist

1. Have you stated the grounds that you are appealing on?
2. 2. Have you included your evidence? It is important that your appeal is submitted on time and so if you are awaiting evidence explain this on your appeal form and forward it as soon as you get it.
3. Is your appeal in time (i.e. within 10 working days)? If not – have you explained the reason why it is late? You will need evidence from a professional to confirm why!
4. Read through your form – have you stuck to the facts? Is it easy to read?
5. Have you ended with the resolution that you are looking for?

The SU advice team are happy to read through your Appeal before you submit it as well as support you through the process.

Contact us at advice-centre@hud.ac.uk or by phoning 01484 473446 to book an appointment.