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Frequently Asked Questions

I did not receive a letter telling me I have been excluded and I have missed the cut off period to appeal to Show Cause. What do I do?

If you have missed the Show Cause deadline, it is important to contact the Faculty as soon as possible. As a University student it is your responsibility to inform the Student Centre of any change to your contact details. You are also required to check your University email account on a regular basis.

If you have missed the chance to appeal to the Faculty, you can appeal to the Student Appeals Body within 20 working days of the Faculty's decision to exclude you. Remember, not receiving a letter is not an acceptable reason for a late submission.

I was away and missed a request from the Faculty to Show Cause, now I have been excluded, what should I do?

Firstly, approach the Faculty with your Show Cause submission and discuss why it is late. If your Show Cause submission is not accepted by the Faculty, you may have the right to appeal the decision to the Student Appeals Body (SAB) but this right is not automatic. The SAB will normally only hear an appeal after it has been dealt with at faculty level.

I have been excluded and I have missed the 20 working day cut off period to appeal to the Student Appeal Body. What do I do?

Under the Student Appeals against Academic Decision Rule, the Registrar can use his or her discretion to authorise an extension of time for the appeal period. However, this extension is usually only permitted in extreme circumstances.

What should I include in my appeal to the Student Appeals Body?

Information regarding what to include in your appeal is located on the
Student appeals page.

What is due academic process?

Due Academic Process is defined as:
- Adhering to Faculty and University policy and applying it in a fair and consistent way; and
- Ensuring that policy is well communicated and easily accessible to staff and students of the University.

More information about due academic process is located on the A guide for appealing to the Student Appeals Body (SAB) page.



I have a disability that has not been taken into account for my appeal, where do I find out more information about the University policy on disability and Special Consideration?

Disability Services is the principal point of contact for advice on assistance for students with disabilities. More information about Disability Services is located on the Website at: Disability Services

I need assistance writing my appeal letter, where can I go to get help?

The first point of help would be either the SRC or SUPRA. Both student organisations will be able to provide advice about writing the appeal submission and the appeals process.

Where do I send my appeal to the Student Appeals Body?

There are three ways you can submit your appeal to the SAB:

Hand deliver:
Student Appeals Box (located in the foyer of the Student Centre)
Level 3, Jane Foss Russell Building, G02
Darlington Campus

Mail:
Student Appeals, Student Affairs Unit
Level 5, Jane Foss Russell Building, G02
University of Sydney, NSW, 2006

Email:

Will this information be kept on my student file?

All information regarding your appeal is kept in a separate appeals file. Only authorised University staff members may have access to this file.

When will I be notified of my appeal hearing?

The Appeals Office will send you a letter and email notification of an appeal hearing 10 business days prior to the date.

What happens at an appeal hearing?

The hearing is a chance for the student appeals panel, which is made up of three members (the Chair, an academic and normally a student representative), to ask any questions or to clarify any points in your submission. The Panel can also direct questions to the Faculty representative. Usually no new evidence is allowed to be given at the hearing. You are allowed to bring along a support person, including a family member, friend or a student representative member. The appeal hearing usually runs for about ½ hour.

How long will it take before I learn of the outcome of my appeal?

The Student Appeals Panel endeavours to tell you of the outcome as soon as possible. In some cases the panel may wish to seek further information before making a decision. Students will be notified by email and mail of the verdict.

I have had my appeal rejected and I want to take it further, what should I do?

The decision of the Student Appeals Body is final. If your appeal has been rejected, you have the right to make a complaint to the NSW Ombudsman on procedural grounds or if there is evidence of misconduct. More information about the NSW Ombudsman is located at http:www.ombo.nsw.gov.au.

How do I contact the Appeals Office?

Dr Sara Oscar, Administrative Officer, Student Affairs
Telephone: +61 2 8627 8425
Email:

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