Academic problems, appeals, complaints process
We aim to provide a learning environment and experience that is enjoyable and rewarding and prepares our graduates (you) for the future. We do recognise however that despite our best intentions, situations may arise where an issue occurs with:
- The teaching or assessment of a course
- One of the services the University or a University partner provides
- An ANU education agent
- The actions or behaviour of another University member (staff or student)
Working together
If this situation arises for you, we want to know about it so we can work together to resolve it.
What you can expect of us
If you do raise an issue, the University will treat it professionally and we will:
- Treat your matter confidentially and not discuss your appeal, complaint, or grievance with anyone who does not need to know about it
- Not treat you differently, less favourably, or victimise you because you have lodged an appeal
- Recognise that due to a number of factors you may require assistance in discussing or lodging your appeal
- Ensure that you are kept informed of what is happening as we resolve your issue
What we expect of you
If you need to lodge an appeal, complaint, or grievance, you should ensure that you:
- Have considered the situation carefully and genuinely believe that you have a legitimate concern that you need to raise
- Remain polite and factual, and avoid unnecessary personal attacks on any other staff, students or members of the University community in your appeal documentation
- Keep a record of any meetings or discussions that may be held as part of the appeals process
- Follow any directions from the University
- Provide us with your contact details so that we can reach you. Whilst the University accepts anonymous appeals, complaints, and grievances, these will typically not be acted upon as the goal of our processes is to resolve issues with you
Procedure
Reviews & appeals
These directly impact your course or program.
- Unhappy with your grade?
- Knocked back on admission or transfer into a program?
- Been given incorrect advice about your degree which has affected you adversely?
- Haven't received the credit that you expected?
- Had a requested change in your enrolment rejected?
- Is there a problem with your fees?
- Couldn't withdraw from your course on time due to a medical or other issue?
- Type and timing of assessment
- Academic Progress Appeals
- Something impacted on your performance in an examination?
- Can't sit your examination?
- Have a disability that impacts on your ability to sit an examination?
- HDR Supervision
- If you have concerns regarding your supervisor, you can discuss this with the Dean of Students
Grievances & complaints
These may not be directly related to your course or program, but impact upon your time at University.
- Grievances
- Authorship and Intellectual Property
- If you think someone may have breached your intellectual property, you can discuss this with the Dean of Students
- Suspected breach of privacy
- Library Fines
- Parking Fines
- Matters within a residential hall or College
- Sexual Harassment
- Discrimination and Harassment
- Occupational Health and Safety
- If you are injured at University you should complete an incident notification
Steps
Appeals and grievances normally contain the following steps:
- Stage 1 - Informal Resolution
- Stage 2 - Formal Review
- Stage 3 - Formal Appeal
- Stage 4 - External Review
Wherever possible, we will try to resolve your concerns at stage 1.
External Review of Our Decisions
You may refer a matter to an external agency, such as submitting a complaint to the Commonwealth Ombudsman or Court. External agencies generally expect complainants to exhaust internal University complaint and appeal processes before they look into the matter.
The Ombudsman is the most common external agency used. If you submit an external review with the Ombudsman they will not make a new decision but will review how a decision has been made and may make recommendations on how a decision or process could be improved.
You can phone or write to:
The Commonwealth/ACT Ombudsman
Level 5, Childers Square
14 Childers Street
Canberra City ACT 2600
T: 1300 362 072
F: 02 6276 0123
W: www.ombudsman.gov.au
Other resources
For information on the following please refer to these other websites:
Advisory information
Policies
Legislations
Related websites
Contact
- Student Central
- +612 6125 3339
- Send email
- Opening hours and location