Academic Appeals

From time to time things don't go as planned. It's always best to fore-warn your school about any potential problems that may affect your studies, by speaking to your Programme Leader and/or applying for an extension or Exceptional Circumstances. However, things can still go wrong due to the circumstances that are out of your control. In the event that this happens, you could consider the academic appeal process.

Being that we are a separate organisation to the University (Hertfordshire Students' Union is a registered charity), we are the only place you can receive truly impartial advice and information about the academic appeal process. Our team is available 10:00-16:00, Monday to Friday, all year round (except bank holidays and University closed days); complete our online advice request form or email advice@hertssu.com to either receive information via email or to book a consultation either face-to-face, online or by telephone.

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We are available

Monday to Friday 10:00 - 16:00
(excluding SU and University closed days)

Get in touch:

By email: advice@hertssu.com
An Adviser will respond within two working days or less.

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Academic Appeals - Frequently Asked Questions:

Stage 1 - Early Resolution

I have just received my assessment results and have concerns, what should I do?

If you wish to explore having the academic decision reconsidered, you can do so by completing the Early Resolution Request Form within ten (10) working days of the publication date of your results. After you have submitted your request, you will receive a notification of completion of Stage 1 (Early Resolution) within fifteen (15) working days...

Stage 2 - Formal Academic Appeal

An academic appeal is when you formally request for reconsideration of an assessment decision; including assessment marks, module grades, a continuation or progression decision, or entitlement to an award.

For what reasons can I submit a Stage 2?

The grounds upon which students are permitted to lodge a Stage 2 - Formal Academic Appeal are;

The assessment procedures were not followed properly;
There has been an administrative error that would affect the outcome of the assessment decision;
The examinations or other assessments were not conducted in accordance with the approved programme regulations;...

How do I submit a Stage 2?

To submit a formal academic appeal you must complete the 'Request to Dean of School - Review of Assessment Decision of Board of Examiners' form, which is available from Ask Herts, and attach it with as much supporting evidence as you can. Your completed appeal form must be submitted "FAO Dean of School" to appeals-support@herts.ac.uk within 10 working days of your results being released. Appeals submitted without using the correct form, or outside of the 10 working day deadline, will not be considered.

What will happen once I have submitted my Stage 2?

Your Dean of School will consider your case and will aim to respond within 15 working days, in writing. The Dean of School will either;

Uphold the appeal and refer the matter back to the Board of Examiners with a recommendation that your case is reconsidered; or Dismiss the request.

If your case is referred back to the Board of Examiners, the Board of Examiners will consider your case and decide whether their earlier decision still stands, or whether the decision should be revised.

If the Board of Examiners accepts the request for review it will, usually, allow you another chance to be assessed at the next opportunity (with no penalty). Marks will not be changed as the Board of Examiners can only assess the work which is presented to them.

If I am dissatisfied with the outcome of my Stage 2 - Formal Academic Appeal (Dean of School), what else can I do?

If the assessment decision of the Board of Examiners remains unchanged after the request was referred over by the Dean of School; or your Stage 2 Formal Academic Appeal was dismissed by the Dean of School - you could explore submitting a Stage 3 Vice Chancellor Appeal if your case fulfils one of the following grounds;

That the correct procedure has not been followed and/or That all of the relevant circumstances have not been considered and/or That there is new evidence not previously considered by the Dean of School (or nominee).

Stage 3 - Vice Chancellor Appeal

How do I submit a Stage 3?

You must complete the 'Representation to the Vice-Chancellor' form, which is available from Ask Herts, and attach it with supporting evidence and a copy of your appeal to your Dean of School. Your completed appeal must be submitted to studentprocedures@herts.ac.uk within 10 working days of the date stated on either your Letter of Decision from the Dean of School (if your first appeal was dismissed) or Letter of decision from the Board of Examiners (if the assessment decision remained unchanged following referral back to the Board of Examiners from the Dean of School).

Appeals submitted without using the correct form, or outside of the 10 working day deadline, will not be considered.

Any representation to the Vice-Chancellor should not be regarded as simply another opportunity to submit the same arguments as those submitted to your Dean of School.

What will happen once I have submitted my Stage 3?

The Vice-Chancellor (or nominee) will consider your case and aim to respond within 20 working days, in writing. The Vice-Chancellor will either;

Uphold the appeal and refer the matter back to the Board of Examiners with a recommendation that your case is reconsidered; or dismiss the request.

If your appeal is referred back to the Board of Examiners, your case will be considered at the next date that they are due to convene. The Chair of the Board of Examiners will write to you with their decision shortly following their meeting.

If the Board of Examiners accepts your request for review it will, usually, allow you another chance to be assessed at the next opportunity (with no penalty). Marks will not be changed as the Board of Examiners can only assess the work that is presented to them.

What can I do if I am still dissatisfied following a Stage 3?

All internal procedures have now been completed, therefore you could explore external representation.

Representation from the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA) is free of charge and the process can be started by visiting their website. You need a 'completion of procedures letter' to raise an issue with the OIA; you can request a 'completion of procedures letter' from the Office of the Dean of Students and your complaint to the OIA must be submitted within 12 months of the date on the 'completion of procedures' letter. Alternatively, you can use the Courts.

You can view the University of Hertfordshire's Appeals Procedure here; we encourage you to familiarise yourself with this document.

If you have any questions about the appeals process, contact the Hertfordshire Students' Union Advice & Support Team for confidential and impartial information and support. You can complete the online advice request form, or email advice@hertssu.com, to book an online, face-to-face or telephone consultation with one of our Advisers.