The University values fairness and works hard to ensure the best outcomes for you. If you are dissatisfied with a decision made by the University that affects your academic progress, the right to an award, or a non-academic decision, you may be able to appeal the decision through the appeals procedure.
Before you engage with the appeals procedure, it is important for you to have a thorough understanding of the relevant procedure under which the decision you are appealing against was made. You can submit an appeal against:
- a decision of an Award Assessment Board
- an academic decision affecting progression or award (PGR only)
- an extenuating circumstances decision
- a decision/penalty applied by an Assessment Offences/Research Misconduct Panel
- a decision taken as part of the Study and Wellbeing Review Policy and Procedure.
- a decision taken as part of the Student Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedure
- a decision taken by a Fitness to Practise Committee.
Should I make an appeal?
The appeals procedure applies to all University of Plymouth students who are studying at sites of delivery in the UK and international partnerships unless a non-standard regulation has been formally approved.
The appeals procedure is not a way of bypassing or setting aside the judgement of academics on your performance; it is a way of ensuring that academic decisions are made in accordance with relevant regulations and that as far as possible all relevant circumstances affecting your academic performance are taken into account.
It is also not a means of setting aside professional judgements with respect to your wellbeing, behaviour or fitness to practise which have been made in accordance with the relevant procedures.
If you suspect that an error has occurred and the wrong mark for a module has been recorded on your transcript, you should raise this matter directly and in writing with your faculty office or the Doctoral College or with the partner institution at which you study. Such enquiries will not be treated as formal appeals.
If you experience issues related to aspects of teaching and learning on your programme, availability of facilities, or problems with accommodation, you should seek a swift resolution through the student complaint procedure, not the appeals procedure.