Stage 1 appeals – informal resolution
If you disagree with or want to understand more about an academic decision, the first step is to resolve the matter informally with the person who made the original decision.
This first level of the appeals process, known as ‘informal resolution with the original decision-maker’ or an ‘informal appeal’, is an opportunity to raise your concerns, ask questions and gain a better understanding of the decision. This step is compulsory for all postgraduate coursework students before proceeding to the next stages of the appeals process, except if you are appealing a decision about an academic integrity breach, or exclusion.
The procedures for informal resolution are outlined in sections 2.1 and 2.2 of the Academic Appeals Rule.
How to appeal
You have 15 working days to lodge your appeal from the date the decision was made or your result was released. Working days do not include weekends, public holidays or the University shutdown period.
Some faculties and schools have specific processes for a stage 1 appeal: for example, if you are in the Business School, you must use their informal resolution form to lodge an appeal. For most faculties, you can simply contact the person who made the decision. Check whether your faculty has a specific appeal process.
Some faculties require a written appeal, others may organise a meeting. Always get the response to your appeal in writing. If you have a meeting, ask for the outcome to be emailed to you after your meeting.
If your appeal is about special consideration, special arrangements, credit or mobility academic decisions, you must make an informal resolution request online. The University website has links to submit your request.
If you are appealing an exam, you should review your exam script before making your appeal. The faculty will schedule exam review times, but if you miss these you may email your unit coordinator to request a review of your exam paper, as long as you make the request within 15 working days of the release of your result. Late requests may be granted by the associate dean, at their discretion. See our frequently asked questions on exam paper reviews for more tips.
For appeals against exclusion from a coursework degree, we recommend you also read our articles on Show Good Cause and exclusion.
For appeals against termination of a Higher Degree by Research candidature, read our article Show Good Cause and exclusion for HDR students.
For special consideration and special arrangements, you must communicate your concerns to the Student Administration Services team that communicated the original decision to you. This communication must be initiated by you within 15 working days of receiving the outcome of your application.
Note: informal resolutions are often ways for students to request further feedback about an academic decision, such as a grade. Most unit coordinators are happy to give further feedback but are unlikely to change a mark or grade without being presented with strong reasons.
The University’s reply
The relevant decision-maker must respond within 10 working days of receiving your informal appeal. Their response will either confirm the original academic decision or amend the decision in writing. You will also receive a clear explanation of the reasons for the decision.
If you do not receive a response within 10 workings days, you may proceed to a stage 2 appeal – application for review. Working days do not include weekends, public holidays, or the University shutdown period.
For final exams and assessments, you may not be able to receive a response from your unit coordinator before staff go on holiday or the University closes for the summer break. The important thing is to email your unit coordinator within 15 working days of the decision, as this ensures your appeal is submitted in time regardless of when you receive a response.
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of your informal appeal, you can submit an application for review within 20 working days of the stage 1 decision. Read our article on Stage 2 appeals – application for review.
Frequently asked questions about stage 1 appeals
Appeals process
Q. Who will review my stage 1 appeal?
A. Your stage 1 appeal will be reviewed by the original decision-maker, or someone they delegate to review it on their behalf. This might be a tutor, lecturer, unit of study coordinator, or any other staff member who made the decision. The person who reviews your stage 1 appeal should provide their name and contact details.
Q. I don’t think the unit coordinator likes me. Can I make my appeal to someone else?
A. You cannot choose who you appeal to. In most cases a stage 1 appeal will be directed to the relevant unit coordinator.
Q. How long will it take for a decision on my stage 1 appeal?
A. The University’s appeals rule states that the decision-maker should resolve your stage 1 appeal within 10 working days. If you do not receive an outcome after 10 working days, we recommend you respectfully email the unit coordinator and ask when you will receive an outcome. Under University policy, if you do not receive a response to your stage 1 appeal within 10 working days, you can submit an application for review.
Q. This is my final unit and my final semester. Can I do anything to speed up the decision-making process?
A. If the outcome is taking longer than 1 week you may contact the unit coordinator and politely explain your situation. You may ask them whether they require any further information.
Q. Will submitting my appeal before the 15 working day deadline help my chances of a successful outcome?
A. No. However, submitting your appeal as soon as possible means you should get answers to your questions or concerns sooner. This may allow you more time to reflect and consider your next steps.
Q. Am I still enrolled if I submit an academic appeal?
A. Yes, while your appeal is being considered you will remain enrolled in your course until all levels of appeal are finalised or decided. You must be a currently enrolled student to submit an appeal.
Q. I’ve submitted my appeal. What can I do while I wait?
A. We understand it can be stressful when you are waiting for your outcome. If you have waited for at least 1 week, we suggest you politely follow up with your unit coordinator by email.
Q. I already contacted my tutor/lecturer/unit coordinator about my stage 1 appeal. They replied and I am still not satisfied with the outcome. Does that mean I have already completed my stage 1 appeal? What else can I do?
A. If the decision you receive refers you to the academic appeals policy, this concludes stage 1. If your unit coordinator replies to your request for feedback or request for a change in mark and does not invite further discussion, this can also conclude stage 1. You now have the option to submit an application for review, which is the second appeal stage. Your application will be reviewed by a senior academic.
Q. I received my stage 1 appeal outcome and I am not satisfied. What else can I do?
A. You can submit an application for review to your faculty. Read more about the academic appeals process.
Exam paper reviews
Q. I found out I failed my final exam. Can I talk with my unit coordinator?
A. Yes, you may contact your unit coordinator to request feedback. Before you contact your unit coordinator, attend your exam review session or review your paper according to your faculty’s procedures, if possible. Seeking feedback on your exam can be considered the start of the stage 1 appeal process.
Q. Can I review my exam paper?
A. Yes, it is your right to review your exam paper.
Some faculties and schools have a set timetable for exam review sessions. You may be required to register to attend one of these sessions. Make sure you follow the instructions that your faculty will email to you. You will not be able to discuss your answers during an exam review session.
Q. Why should I wait until after I’ve reviewed my paper before submitting my appeal?
A. Reviewing your paper will give you an opportunity to understand the marking and any written feedback. You can use this feedback to have a more constructive and informed discussion with your unit coordinator.
Q. What should I check for in the exam paper review?
A. You will be given up to 10 minutes to review the paper. The important things to check are:
- Is the calculation of your total mark correct?
- Are there marks given for each question, and written feedback?
- Are there questions you think you answered adequately, and deserve a higher mark for?
Q. Am I allowed to take notes during my exam paper review?
A. No, you are not allowed to take notes during the exam paper review. The University wants to minimise the risk of exam questions and papers being shared, so they do not allow it. After you leave the exam review, you should write down all of your notes immediately so that you don’t forget any details.
Q. What can I do if I can’t attend the scheduled exam paper review?
A. If you are unable to attend, email your unit coordinator and request another time to review your paper.
Q. I took my exam online, can I still review my paper?
A. Yes, all students whose exams are online are given access to an online review session. If you can’t attend the review session, contact your faculty to request a further review session. The process and contact details for the exam paper review are emailed to students or published in Canvas.
Business School students may also submit a ‘file note’ as a stage 1 appeal to request general feedback to understand your performance on an exam. Based on the response to your file note, you may consider a further appeal.
Q. My faculty won’t allow review of multiple-choice questions. Why?
A. The University doesn’t allow review of multiple-choice questions, to reduce the risk of exam questions being shared.
For further feedback on your exam paper, or to better understand areas for improvement, contact your unit coordinator.
Q. I reviewed my exam paper but there were no comments and only a total mark. Can I ask for more information?
A. Yes, you can contact your unit coordinator to request feedback on your exam or the marking of your exam paper. University policy states that you have a right to understand your assessment mark and be provided with feedback to make improvements. Your unit coordinator may ask you to submit a stage 1 appeal if you require further feedback.
Q. What if the exam paper review is after the appeal deadline?
A. If this happens, don’t wait for the exam paper review – start your appeal within the deadline. You can start the appeal by emailing your unit coordinator to request further feedback or an explanation about your mark.
We suggest you email with the subject line: ‘Request feedback on [name of assessment]’. You should explain, ‘I am contacting you as I am considering submitting a stage 1 appeal for [assessment task]’.
Q. I have reviewed my exam paper, and I am still not satisfied with my results. How and when do I start an appeal?
A. You may submit a stage 1 appeal to your unit coordinator within 15 working days from the date you received your result. Check the University’s academic appeals pages for information on how to write an appeal and whether your faculty has specific appeal guidelines. For example, the Business School uses a ‘file note’ form for their stage 1 appeals. Some unit coordinators are willing to have a meeting at the first stage of appeal, which you can request by sending an email.
Getting more advice on your appeal
We are happy to review your written appeal and offer advice on contacting your faculty. Contact us for assistance.
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Written by SUPRA Postgraduate Advocacy Service September 2025
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