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A guide for appealing to the Student Appeals Body (SAB)

Grounds for an appeal to the Student Appeals Body

The University of Sydney Student Appeals Against Academic Decisions Rule (2006) states that ‘any student may appeal an Academic Decision to the Student Appeals Body on the grounds that due academic process has not been observed by the Faculty in relation to the Academic Decision, including matters concerning Special Consideration.’

What is due academic process?

An academic decision is a decision made by the University that affects your academic assessment or progress within your Award Course. An appeal against an academic decision can include:
- an appeal against exclusion from an Award Course
- an appeal to review a faculty’s decision not to grant Special Consideration in a Unit of Study
- an appeal to review a grade which has previously been considered by the relevant faculty

Due academic process is defined as the fair and consistent application of faculty and University policy. This also means ensuring that faculty and University policies are clearly communicated and adhered to. Policies that are relevant to this appeals process are:


(a) Student Appeals Against Academic Decisions Rule
(b) Assessment and Examination of Coursework Rule
(c) Policy and Procedure for Identifying and Supporting Students At Risk

What should I include in my appeal to the SAB?

Your appeal will only be heard by the SAB if you address one or more of the following points:

  • How do you think the Faculty did not follow policy or procedures when dealing with your appeal?
  • If you are appealing against exclusion, take a look at your Show Cause letter, was there anything that you feel was not taken into consideration by the Faculty?
  • Were there steps you took to address the reasons behind your poor academic performance that were not taken into account by the Faculty?
  • Was there anything you feel was not considered by the Faculty?
  • Do you think there was anything that the Faculty could have done better?
  • Were there any policies or procedures you feel that your Faculty did not consistently apply to your case?

What other information should I include in my appeal to the SAB?

Please note: these reasons should have been submitted in your Show Cause application. The provision of these reasons alone will not guarantee that your appeal to the Student Appeals Body will be accepted.

  • What steps did you take as part of the Staying on Track program to address your academic performance?
  • You should look at your academic transcript and note what subjects you failed, and when you failed them. Try and address the issues that impacted on your performance during these times.
  • If you have a Show Cause history, were readmitted to the Faculty on certain conditions that were not met and were subsequently excluded, you should address the reasons why you did not satisfy the conditions of your re-enrolment.
  • It is important that you tell the Student Appeals Body how things have changed for you now and illustrate why you should be permitted to re-enrol.
  • It is a good idea to include a study plan with your appeal letter.
  • Try and be as thorough as you possibly can, and include all of the documentation such as medical certificates and letters that you can.
  • It is highly recommended that you discuss your appeal with a student advisor of the Students’ Representative Council (SRC), or SUPRA.

How do I submit an appeal?

1. Only use this form if your appeal has already been considered by the Dean or Associate Dean of your faculty.

2. Fill in the application form and attach it to your appeal letter. Don’t forget to include any relevant documentation.

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

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

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

Email your appeal to:
sau.appeals@usyd.edu.au

Remember: applications will not usually be accepted after 20 working days from the date of the Dean’s decision.

What happens with my appeal?

  • The Appeals Office will send you a letter notifying you that your appeal has been received.
  • The Faculty will receive a copy of your submission.
  • The Appeals Office will assess your appeal against the Rule requirements and will create a new file for your appeal against an academic decision.
  • The Appeals Office will note whether or not you have satisfied the requirements stated in Clause 2.2 and 2.3 of the Student Appeals Against Academic Decisions Rule:
    (i) that you have met the 20 working day deadline, or the Registrar has granted you an extension at his or her discretion;
    (ii) that the Faculty have considered your appeal; and
    (iii) that you have addressed in your submission how the Faculty have not observed due process including matters pertaining to Special Consideration.
  • If you have not satisfied the requirements of the rule, your appeal will not be heard by the Student Appeals Body and you will be informed by mail and email.
  • If you have satisfied the requirements of the rule, your appeal will be heard by the Student Appeals Body.

What happens at the appeal hearing?

  • The Appeals Office will send you a letter and email notification of an appeal hearing 10 business days prior to the date of the hearing. The Appeals Office will provide you with the address of the appeal hearing.
  • You will need to confirm your attendance on the email address provided in the notification letter.
  • If, for personal reasons, you do not wish a student representative to be on the Student Appeals Body, you should let the Appeals Office know when you confirm your attendance.
  • The Appeals Office will send the Faculty your appeal to the SAB and are asked to provide a response to your appeal.
  • The Appeals Office will send you the Faculty’s response to your appeal 5 business days before the appeal hearing. The Faculty’s response will include their reasons for exclusion and if they believe that due academic process has been observed.
  • It is highly recommended that you discuss your appeal with a student advisor from the SRC or SUPRA. You may decide to bring them along as your support person.
  • On the day, try to arrive 10 minutes early.
  • You will be invited into the Appeal Hearing and the members of the Student Appeals Body, and any other persons will introduce themselves.
  • A Faculty representative will be present at the hearing.
  • The Student Appeals Body members will direct any questions about your appeal to you and the Faculty representative.
  • The Appeal Hearing should take no more than half an hour.
  • The Student Appeals Body will decide whether your appeal is successful or unsuccessful.
  • You will be notified of the outcome of your appeal by mail and email.
  • It is important that you check your mail and email during this period.
  • If you may find this experience distressing or the outcome upsetting or challenging, it is recommended that you make an appointment to see a University Counsellor for the period immediately following your SAB meeting to discuss any issues arising from the meeting or to develop new strategies for successful study in the future. They can be contacted on (02) 8627 8433. International students can call the ISSU on (02)8627 8437.

Who can help me with my appeal?

The Students' Representative Council (SRC)

Level 1, Wentworth Building (downstairs)
Ph: 02 9660 5222
Fax: 02 9660 4260
Open 9.00am - 5.00pm Monday - Friday


The SRC can provide advice and assistance on a wide range of issues. Services include:

- Show Cause Workshops, which are run from July and early in the New Year;
- SRC staff can help you put your case together and write a submission. Plus, provide advice about your rights and responsibilities. Bookings are essential; and
- Accompanying you to a Student Appeal Body appeal and providing legal advice.

The SRC web site http://www.src.usyd.edu.au Show Cause Information link is very informative.

The University Counselling Service

Level 7, Education Building, Manning Rd
Ph: 86278433
Drop in: 11.00am - 3.00pm (in semester)
11.00am - 1.00pm (out of semester)
Fax: 86278482


Website: http://www.usyd.edu.au/stuserv/welfare/counselling/

The University Counselling Service offers free and confidential service. Counsellors are available to assist with the emotional and stress problems as well as academic and study issues, financial difficulties and social or personal issues.

International students may also obtain assistance from the International Student Services Unit (ISSU) (02 8627 8437). Please note that students enrolled through the International Office are subject to additional performance reviews that may lead to restriction upon re-enrolment. For further information, contact the International Office on 02 8627 8300.

Website:
ISSUhttp://www.usyd.edu.au/su/issu/]]

International Office
[[http://www.usyd.edu.au/internationaloffice/

SUPRA

Level 1, Raglan Street Building (G10)
Ph: (02) 9351 3715 or toll free outside Sydney 1800 249 950
Email: help@supra.usyd.edu.au
Web form: http://www.supra.usyd.edu.au/Adv/Contact_a_SAAO.html
Open: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday

SUPRA provides a Show Cause and Exclusion Survival Kit for Postgraduate Coursework Students which includes detailed information and advice on appeals against exclusion. Hard copies are available from their offices or download via
http://www.supra.usyd.edu.au/Adv/Fact_Sheets_and_Links.html

SUPRA employs Student Advice and Advocacy Officers (SAAOs) to provide free professional, independent, individually tailored and confidential advice. SAAOs can help postgraduates to prepare coursework and research appeals. They can accompany postgraduates to appeal hearings, and they can give advice on rights and responsibilities.

An appointment to see an SAAO can be made using the above contact details.

Assistance from the University Health Service (02 9351 3484) may be useful for students who have had medical problems.

Website: http://www.usyd.edu.au/stuserv/welfare/uhs.shtml

How do I contact the Appeals Office?

Dr Sara Oscar, Appeals Officer
Telephone: +61 2 8627 8425
Email:

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