How to appeal your decision

It’s important that you follow the correct process to submit an appeal to the University Appeals Committee (UAC).

Grounds for appeal are:

a misapplication of process occurred that resulted in material disadvantage to you
that the decision was manifestly wrong
the outcome imposed by the original decision maker was manifestly excessive, inappropriate or not available in the circumstances and/or
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.

Your appeal must be made through our online submission form. Remember you must include the required documentation so that consideration of your appeal is not delayed. It's important to know that your appeal must be made within 20 working days of being notified of the original decision. While we attempt to process all appeals in a timely manner, it may take several weeks for a case to be concluded.

We encourage you to seek assistance from the Deakin University Student Association (DUSA) advocacy service in preparing your appeal application. DUSA employs qualified and experienced advocates who can provide you with free, confidential advice about the appeal process including your possible grounds of appeal and what you could include in your appeal submission.

To submit your appeal, follow the steps below:

Step 1

Ensure you have a copy of the original Committee outcome letter detailing the decision you are appealing

Step 2

Identify the grounds for your appeal

Step 3

Write an appeal statement

Step 4

Submit your appeal submission online

Step 5

Chair review of your appeal submission

Step 6

Attend the appeal hearing (if your appeal application was accepted)

If the UAC Chair decides that you have demonstrated grounds for appeal then it will proceed to a hearing. You will be informed of the date, time and location of your appeal hearing and invited to attend. You may bring a support person to the hearing, such as a DUSA advocate. You will usually know the outcome of your appeal on the day of the hearing and will receive written notification of the appeal outcome within five working days.

Late applications

An application to appeal is late if made after 20 working days from the original decision that you wish to appeal.

Late applications will only be accepted where you can provide supporting information that shows how exceptional circumstances prevented you from applying by the deadline.

To make a late application for appeal, you will need to:

complete and submit the appeal form. (Select 'Application for late appeal' from the drop-down menu.)
submit a written explanation of the circumstances for your late application for appeal
attach supporting documents for your late application for appeal.

If your appeal is not ready to submit at the same time as your late appeal application, please contact us at appeals@deakin.edu.au.

Submit an appeal

External Complaint Process

All student appeals are considered in accordance with the Student Appeals policy and procedure. If, after receiving a final University decision you remain dissatisfied, you can seek an external review of your appeal outcome by the Victorian Ombudsman.