• All actions under this Policy are to be based on values consistent with the Mission of the University and to be underpinned by principles of natural justice and procedural fairness. These principles of natural justice and procedural fairness apply to all students.
  
• The processes and procedures are in accordance with or exceed the Commonwealth Government requirements under the Higher Education Support Act 2003.
  
• Students will not suffer any disadvantage as a result of making an appeal or a subsequent request for review.
  
• Students may, at their own expense, seek advice and/or advocacy from a third party in relation to any matter the subject of an appeal or request for review under this Policy, if so desired.
  
• All aspects of the process are to be transparent. This Policy and associated procedures will be readily accessible via the web.
  
• Appropriate confidentiality is to be maintained at all times.

2.1 This Policy will apply to resolution of issues pertaining to decisions on administrative matters related to students' admission to and progression in their courses.
Such issues are taken to include admission, enrolment and graduation processes, financial liability, the application of late fees and penalties and all of the issues relating to Commonwealth Government policy under the Higher Education Support Act 2003 and any amendments or Government interpretations of that Act. The issues covered under the Act include:
- Student Learning Entitlement and related issues
- HECS-HELP
- FEE-HELP
- OS-HELP
- Commonwealth Scholarships.

2.2 The following are specifically excluded from the scope of this policy as they are covered by the nominated policies and processes

Subject of concern or grievance	Relevant policy
Student grievance resolution	Student Grievance Management Policy
Decision regarding a grade in a unit	Academic Regulations, Regulation 7
Decision regarding termination of enrolment	Academic Regulations, Regulation 7
Unlawful discrimination or harassment	Policy on Discrimination and Harassment
Decision relating to conditions of candidature of a research or professional doctorate degree student	Research and Professional Doctorate Degree Regulations
Conduct which is a breach of the Academic Honesty Policy	Academic Honesty Policy
Conduct which is a breach of the Statute 10 (Student Conduct and Discipline)	Student Code of Conduct
Conduct which is a breach of the Staff Code of Conduct	Staff Code of Conduct
Intellectual property	Intellectual Property Policy
Unacceptable use of the internet	Computer and Internet Acceptable Use Policy

All administrative functions will be subject to the same appeal and review procedures. The process applies equally to all students, regardless of course, location or mode of study. A person who has ceased to be a student may make an appeal or request a review in relation to a matter arising while he or she was a student, subject to adherence to the timelines outlined below.

4.1 A student may appeal any administrative decision within 28 days of the notification of that decision. The appeal will be in writing (e-mail is acceptable) to the decision-maker (usually the Manager of the relevant section) and will state the grounds on which the appeal is being made.

The normal grounds of any appeal will be that EITHER

(a) extenuating and unforeseen circumstances have prevented the student from taking action within the prescribed times or in the prescribed fashion. An appeal on these grounds will be supported by relevant documentary evidence; OR
(b) the basis for the decision had not been made clear to the student prior to the decision being made.

4.2 The outcome of any appeal will be determined within 10 working days of its receipt and the student will be informed in writing of the:

(a) outcome of the appeal;
(b) processes undertaken during the appeal;
(c) reasons for the decision; AND
(d) any remaining avenues of review.

5.1 Within 10 working days of the receipt of the outcome of an appeal a student may request, in writing, a review of the appeal decision. A student seeking a review must make a case that the published University regulations or procedures have not been observed. The senior officer to whom the Manager, whose decision is being appealed, reports will conduct the review.

5.2 The outcome of the review will be determined within 10 working days of its receipt and the student will be informed in writing of the:

(a) outcome of the review;
(b) processes undertaken during the review;
(c) reasons for the decision; AND
(d) any remaining avenues of review.

6.1 Within 10 working days of the receipt of the outcome of a review a student may request, in writing, a final review of the appeal and review process. A student seeking a final review must make a case that the published University regulations or procedures have not been observed. The Academic Registrar will conduct all final reviews.

6.2 The outcome of the review will be determined within 10 working days of its receipt and the student will be informed in writing of the:

(a) outcome of the review;
(b) processes undertaken during the review;
(c) reasons for the decision.

6.3 If the student has not received written advice within 45 days of the Academic Registrar having received the application for review, the Academic Registrar is taken to have confirmed the original decision.

Any correspondence under this Policy will be retained on the student file and will be accessible to the student in accordance with the University Privacy Statement and the Student Administration Privacy Policy.

In the case of any matter dealt with under the Higher Education Support Act 2003, and any amendments or guidelines associated with that Act, a student may appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

 

In the case of internal University matters, no further avenue of appeal is available within the University. However, nothing in this policy removes the right of a student to access any other complaint or appeal mechanism available to them as legislated in the relevant State or Territory.

Student complaints or grievances that are found to be frivolous, vexatious or malicious may result in action being taken under the Statute 10 (Student Conduct and Discipline).