Academic Appeals Policy

1. Purpose

To ensure that CIT has a fair and equitable academic appeal process accessible to all students, following the principles of natural justice and procedural fairness.

2. Scope

This applies to all CIT students who wish to make an academic appeal.

3. Principles

General

3.1 All CIT students have the right to appeal an unfavourable academic assessment/decision.

3.2 All appeals will be handled confidentially.

3.3 Students seeking academic appeal will not be victimised or discriminated against.

3.4 All appeals will be conducted by an independent and impartial person appointed by the relevant College Director in accordance with Natural Justice.

3.5 CIT students may access independent professional advice from the CIT Student Association or the Counsellors in CIT Student Support. Students and/or teachers may also be accompanied and assisted by a third party.

Process

3.6 Students unhappy with an academic result are encouraged to:

1. First discuss this with the teacher and/or the relevant Head of Department.
2. If that fails, submit an academic appeal application in writing within twenty working days of receiving the academic grade.

3.7 The academic appeal process will take place within ten working days of CIT receiving the appeal application.

Outcomes

3.8 The College Director decides whether the appeal will be upheld.

3.9 Students will receive a detailed, written notification of the outcome of an academic appeal.

3.10 If a student's academic appeal is successful:

1. the academic grade for the subject will be amended on the student management system promptly and
2. the academic appeal application fee will be refunded.

3.11 A student whose academic appeal is unsuccessful may apply for a review of the decision by a member of CIT's executive, overseen by the Chief Executive Officer.

3.12 If the review is successful, principle 3.10 applies. If unsuccessful, the student will be advised of the option and process for external review.

4. Documentation

Higher Education Support Act 2003

Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2015

Human Rights Act 2004

Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015

Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) (2017)

Education Services for Overseas Students ACT 2000 - ELICOS Standards

ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies 2016

FEE HELP/Student Loans and VET FEE-HELP

ACT Standards Compliance Guide for Australian Apprenticeships

ACT Standards Compliance Guide for Skilled Capital

Academic Appeal Application Form

CIT Policies available on website

Assessment Policy

Skills Recognition and Articulation Policy

5. Definitions

All terminology used in this policy is consistent with definitions in the CIT Definitions of Terms.

6. Policy Contact Officer

For more information regarding this policy contact the Director, Education Services.

Contact CIT Student Services on (02) 6207 3188 or email infoline@cit.edu.au.

7. Procedures

This policy is implemented through the associated procedures. Authority to make changes to the procedures is with the policy owner.