Academic Appeals Policy

1. Purpose

To ensure that CIT has a fair and equitable academic appeal process accessible to all students.

2. Scope

All CIT students who wish to make an academic appeal including students who are or would be eligible for VET Student loan or FEE-HELP.

3. Principles

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

3.2 Students unhappy with an academic result are encouraged in the first instance to discuss this with the teacher and/or the relevant Head of Department.

3.3 If the issue cannot be resolved in this manner, a student may submit an application for an academic appeal.

3.4 For academic appeal the request must be received in writing within twenty working days of receiving the academic grade.

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

3.6 A fee is payable on submitting an application but will be refunded if the appeal is upheld.

3.7 Assistance is available to CIT students from the CIT Student Association or the Counsellors in CIT Student Support when making an academic appeal. A student making an academic appeal and/or the teacher(s) may be accompanied and assisted by a third party.

3.8 CIT will ensure that students are not victimised or discriminated against for seeking an academic appeal.

3.9 The appeal will be conducted by an independent and impartial person appointed by the relevant Director in accordance with Natural Justice.

3.10 The decision to uphold or not to uphold the appeal rests with the relevant Director.

3.11 Students and relevant parties will receive written confirmation of the outcome of an academic appeal, with a detailed explanation for the decision and any action taken. If a student’s academic appeal is successful the academic grade for the subject will be amended on the student management system.

3.12 A student whose academic appeal is not upheld by a Director may apply to the CIT Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director, Education and Training Services or Executive Director, Corporate Services or Executive Director, Industry Engagement and Strategic Relations for an internal review of the decision. The Chief Executive Officer will make the final decision on any internal review.

3.13 A student whose academic appeal is not upheld by the Chief Executive Officer will be advised of the option and process for external review.

4. Documentation

Higher Education Support Act 2003

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 Student Loans

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 Policy Glossary.

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.