If you have received a student misconduct allegation outcome and would like support with the written submission for your appeal, we’re here to help.
Here is a written submission template for an appealing a student misconduct allegation outcome. Please feel free to use this template to write your written submission. Please ensure you have read our Appeal of a Student Misconduct Outcome webpage prior to writing your written submission.
Deakin University Appeals Committee
Deakin University
(insert address of your campus)
(insert date)
Dear Deakin University Appeals Committee members,
Re: Appeal against a Student Misconduct Allegation:
I, (insert name), want to appeal against a decision of the Student Misconduct Committee (insert decision and/or outcome (penalty) as indicated on the faculty outcome letter) pursuant to part 11 section 36 of the Academic Board Regulations.
Include a brief introduction here.
I am appealing on the grounds of (briefly state which of the four possible grounds you are basing your appeal on).
[Consult a DUSA Advocate about which grounds are possible and relevant in your individual case. Then use whichever subheadings below are relevant and include an explanation for each ground you are appealing on.]
A misapplication of process occurred that resulted in material disadvantage to the student.
- Detail which university process/es or procedure/s were not followed properly.
- Describe how you think the misapplication of process resulted in material disadvantage occurring, e.g. disadvantage in relation to the decision to find the breach of academic integrity substantiated (proven) and/or the outcome (i.e. penalty) received.
- Refer to relevant Deakin University procedures and/or regulations to support your statements.
That the decision was manifestly wrong.
- Explain why the decision the Student Misconduct Committee made is plainly and obviously wrong. You will need to provide details and evidence that a mistake or an error in reasoning has been made by the Student Misconduct Committee.
- You may also find it useful to refer to the relevant procedures and regulations. For example, Section 31 of the Academic Board Regulations lists the principles guiding decision makers. These include the need to comply with natural justice and ensure investigations are impartial. If you think decision making was partial or biased, or that irrelevant evidence was relied on by the Student Misconduct Committee in reaching a decision, you will need to provide concrete examples and evidence of this, referring to relevant documents such as the student misconduct evidence documents and/or the outcome letter.
The outcome imposed by the original decision maker was manifestly excessive, inappropriate or not available in the circumstances.
- Explain why you believe the outcome (i.e. the penalty) is excessive or inappropriate in light of the evidence previously presented. You could refer to the Student Misconduct Procedure, regulations – Deakin University Vice Chancellor Regulations: Schedule 1 Outcomes page 9 Student Misconduct Procedure.
New evidence that was not known or available at the time of the original decision is now available and could have affected the outcome of the decision.
- Explain the new information/supporting documentation you now have that you were not previously able to provide and how this new evidence could have affected the outcome or the decision.
- Indicate the reason why you were unable to provide this information earlier. For example, your medical practitioner was on leave, or your documents were in a place you were unable to access, or another reason.
- Explain how the new evidence either supports you not having breached student misconduct regulations or not having breached it in the way described in the outcome letter, or addresses the circumstances surrounding the breach of student misconduct that occurred (e.g. Mitigating Circumstances).
Supporting Evidence
List the evidence you are providing with your appeal letter. Summarise and explain the link between the evidence you are providing and your nominated appeal grounds.
Conclusion
- Summarise your main points.
Yours sincerely,
Student Name
Student ID
Email Address
Telephone
Mailing Address
Provide copies of any documents relevant to your case.
Advocates can review your letter and provide you with confidential feedback before you finalise it and submit it to the University Appeals Committee (Please allow 1-2 business days prior to submission date for feedback to be provided.) Please contact us to arrange a free appointment.
