What can I appeal against?

You can appeal against certain decisions made by the University, including decisions about:

• Whether you can continue studying at the University
• Whether you can progress to the next year of study
• Degree classification or incorrect credits or grades
• Extenuating circumstances being rejected as not valid

Appeals relating to academic misconduct, disciplinary matters, or fitness to practise are covered under separate procedures. For information, see www.wlv.ac.uk/polsregs or speak to an adviser at the Students’ Union Advice and Representation Centre.

What can’t I appeal against?

You cannot appeal against academic judgement. This means you cannot appeal simply because you are unhappy with a mark or feel you could have done better. Academic staff are the experts, and the University has moderation processes in place to ensure assessments are marked fairly.

What grounds do I need?

You can appeal within 20 working days of the Assessment Board decision if you have one or more valid grounds, such as:

• Your grades on e:Vision have been published incorrectly
• A material irregularity in the assessment process casts reasonable doubt on the validity of the result
• Your performance was affected by exceptional factors that could not be reported earlier for valid reasons
• University procedures were not followed correctly or were applied incorrectly in relation to continuation, progression, completion, or conferment
• Your degree classification has been calculated incorrectly

How and when do I appeal?

If you are thinking about appealing, speak to an adviser in the Students’ Union Advice and Representation Centre first.

Appeals must be submitted in writing using the University Academic Appeals Form. Submissions should be made within 20 working days of the Assessment Board decision to the Complaints and Student Casework team.

What happens next?

A student caseworker from the Complaints and Student Casework team will conduct an initial review. You will usually receive the outcome in writing within 30 working days.

What if I’m not happy with the outcome?

If the matter is not resolved at Stage One, you have 20 working days to request a review (Stage Two appeal) to the Head of Student Casework.

Grounds for a Stage Two appeal are limited to:

• An administrative error or material irregularity in how the Stage One investigation was conducted
• Undisclosed personal circumstances that would have affected the Stage One decision, with good reason why these were not disclosed earlier

If you have completed the University’s appeals process, you may be eligible to request an external review by the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education: www.oiahe.org.uk

Please contact the Students’ Union Advice and Representation Centre for further advice and support.

What if I disagree with a grade I have received?

You cannot appeal purely on the basis that you disagree with a mark. This is because academic judgement is not open to appeal.

However, if you believe there has been a procedural or other irregularity in the assessment process, you may be able to use the academic appeals process to request a review, including a remark where appropriate.