How to make an appeal
Start by reading the University's appeals policy and procedure. Then, it's time to fill out the Student Concerns Form.
Work through the following tips to tackle each section and get your appeal submitted with confidence.
Q1 to 3 - Personal details
Provide your name, student number, and course.
Q4 to 6 - The decision and grounds
Select the type of concern, the type of decision you are appealing against, and your grounds for doing so.
In Q4, select the first option for appeals. The second option ('Teaching or support-related matters') will take you through the complaints process instead.
You can only appeal against a formal decision for specific reasons. If your appeal is not against one of the decisions listed (shown in Q5) or you do not have the grounds for an appeal (shown in Q6), you may wish to make a complaint instead. See our complaints guide for details.
Q7 - What was affected
If relevant, state the module and assessment details impacted by the decision.
Q8 - Statement
Provide the full details of your appeal. It is a good idea to draft and save this offline before copying it into the online form.
1. Reasons for appeal
- Include specifics such as dates, times, and names.
- You can list this information as a timeline, rather than write it up in full.
2. How you meet the grounds
Irregularity
- Identify regulations, policies, or procedures that were applied incorrectly.
- Copy sections of relevant documents or include links and provide emails from relevant staff members as evidence.
- Explain the impact of any irregularity on your case.
Examples include:
- Incorrect application of marking criteria.
- Processes in the course handbook not followed.
- Issues with your panel meeting, such as insufficient notice, lack of opportunity for you to speak, or evidence presented that was not shared in advance.
- A disproportionate outcome considering your evidence and statement.
- Being wrongly removed for nonengagement with your course.
- Issues with your Capacity to Study action plan or the management of your support meetings.
New evidence
- Outline any relevant new evidence or information that you have valid reason for not providing sooner.
- Explain how the evidence or information you are providing is relevant to the decision you are appealing.
Examples include:
- A GP letter containing more detail about your extenuating circumstances and when and how they affected you.
- A detailed support letter from your Student Support Adviser (SSA), other University staff member.
- A document you have been waiting for, such as a death certificate or a carer's assessment.
As well as providing the new evidence or information, it is important to explain its relevance to the decision you are appealing.
Ensure the evidence is independent and authoritative. Letters must be on headed paper or stamped. Screenshots and photos of documents will be accepted as long as they are easy to read.
If your deadline is approaching and you're still waiting for new evidence, submit your form anyway and state when you expect to be able to provide it.
Q9 to 10 - Timing
The deadline to submit your appeal is 10 working days from the date you received the decision you are appealing.
Late appeals may be considered only in exceptional circumstances with valid reason and evidence to explain why you were unable to submit the appeal before the deadline.
If there's a reason you need a short extension to the appeal deadline then you can request this by emailing appealsandcomplaints@shu.ac.uk.
Q11 to 12 - Evidence
You can upload up to six files to support your appeal.
Explain why you did not previously provide this evidence for consideration by the decision-making body you are appealing against.
If the evidence will not upload, or if you need to submit more pieces of evidence than can be uploaded onto the form, you can email it to appealsandcomplaints@shu.ac.uk and ask for it to be considered with your appeal.
Final step - Submit
Before submitting, make sure you check the box to receive an email receipt of your responses. This will be useful if you need to reference the appeal later.
Note: you must submit the form yourself. Only in exceptional circumstances might the University allow someone to submit a form on your behalf. To request permission for this, contact appealsandcomplaints@shu.ac.uk along with your reason and evidence.
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The information in this guide and on our web pages is given in good faith and has been carefully checked. However, SU Advice cannot accept responsibility for any action you take based on the information provided.
If you require the information in a different format, please contact SU Advice.