Appeals, Grievances & Complaints
Sometimes things go wrong. You might want to appeal a decision, make a complaint or take action to try to get a different outcome.
Did you know Student Associations can assist you to explore possible courses of action if you are unhappy about something that you've experienced at the university?
Australian Catholic University has a Student Grievances Policy that sets out how some kinds of complaints can be managed and the Student Associations can assist you to work through these procedures.
Types of grievances and complaints
Your complaint will probably fall into one of the following three broad categories: academic, administrative, or discrimination, sexual harassment and bullying. The university follows different procedures depending on what the problem is. Academic grievances are usually complaints or appeals against academic decisions, including:
- Academic progress decisions
- Assessment matters
- A decision of a member of academic staff that affects an individual or groups of students
- Selection or admission decisions
- Content or structure of academic programs, nature of teaching, or assessment
- Supervision issues for research degree students
- Plagiarism
Administrative grievances relate to decisions and actions associated with administrative or academic services, including:
- Administration of policies, procedures and rules by administrative and student support groups, faculties and directorates
- A decision by an administrative staff member that affects an individual or groups of students
- Access to University facilities and resources
Details of the policies and procedures for dealing with student and staff discrimination are set out in the University's Discrimination Policy.
Need Advocacy, Assistance or Advice?
Contact your local Student Association to find out how we can assist you or visit our Resources page for helpful tips, example letters and information on the Appeals and Grievance processes.
Student Association National Policies on Representation & Advocacy can be found in the Policies page, under the 'About' section.
Content © to Australian Catholic University National Student Association