Student review and appeals

Requests for reviews and appeals are about examining the decisions that the University makes in relation to a student’s study. Grievances or complaints relate to a situation experienced by a student which does not match the expectations set down in the Student Charter Framework or the University’s policies. When a student seeks to review or appeal a University decision, they may also have a complaint about their treatment, quality or delivery of a service, or conduct of staff or other students.

It is important that:

• the students' complaint be dealt with under the University's Student Complaint Policy and
• the students' request for a review of a decision be dealt with separately under the Student Review and Appeals Policy

Students can request reviews, on specified grounds, of the following types of university decisions:

• An academic decision (the exercise of an academic judgement) of the University made in relation to their studies.
• An administrative decision (the application of policy and process) of the University in relation to the student.

The Review of Decision form may be used to review/appeal eligible decisions relating to the following:

• academic progress
• accommodation
• admissions
• assessment and academic misconduct
• conduct
• credit for prior learning
• enrolment and fees
• graduation
• scholarships

Section 3.6 of the Student Review and Appeals Procedures provides a full schedule of decisions that can be reviewed only, and those that can be reviewed and appealed.

A mark awarded for an assessment item is not a reviewable decision under Section 3.6 of the University’s Student Review and Appeals Procedures. The procedure does not include a provision for remarking individual assessment items.

If an error has been made in respect of the calculation of the final grade awarded (i.e. that the marks don’t add up to the total, not all parts have been marked, a difference exists between your marked assessment item and the mark in the marks centre) any error can be corrected. If there is no error in the calculation, then there is no basis to seek a review.

You can seek assistance from student advocates and other relevant support services if you:

• are unsure how to raise concerns with the relevant person or service area
• feel unable to address challenging situations on your own
• want assistance putting your case forward to the University.

Student advocates and other relevant support services can assist and support you before, during and after raising your concerns with the University.

Student associations

Griffith University Student Representative  Council

Griffith University Gold Coast Student Guild

Postgraduate associations

Griffith University Postgraduate Students Assocation

Gold Coast Association of Postgraduates

Student support services

GUMURRII Student Support Unit

International Student Advisors

Student Support

Please note:

• The review and appeals process with the University should be exhausted before any complaint is lodged with a relevant external agency.
• If you are an international student it is also recommended you discuss the implications of any review and/or appeal outcome with your International Student Advisor

If the decision cannot be appealed or if your dissatisfied with the outcome of a final decision considered under the Student Review and Appeals process, you may lodge a complaint with the National Student Ombudsman.

For matters relating to a refund of a student contribution, remission of HECS, HELP, FEE_HELP debt or re-crediting of a Student Learning Entitlement you may be able to lodge a complaint with a relevant student agency such as the Administrative Review Tribunal.

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