Guidelines for Staff
Appeals - Academic Misconduct
- A student is entitled to appeal against a finding of academic misconduct and/or the penalty imposed.
- Detailed time limits and procedures are set out in Section 13.1.13.
- If a student gives a notice of appeal, the academic secretary will establish an academic appeals committee of three persons who are not in any way associated with the investigation, the decision or the penalty appealed against. One of the members will be a student representative. (Section 13.1.13(7)).
- The student is entitled to have a support person present at the hearing. (Section 13.1.13(12)). Note that the support person may act as an advocate on the student's behalf with the permission of the chair, which must not be unreasonably withheld.
- It is important that the rules of natural justice and procedural fairness are observed during the hearing. Staff should speak to the academic secretary prior to a hearing for guidance on procedure during the hearing including taking notes, allowing students every opportunity to put their case and when to adjourn if for instance, there is a need to consider a decision or penalty or if the student requires time to produce further evidence.
- On appeal, the committee is not entitled to increase any period of suspension or impose any penalty on the student which is more onerous that the original penalty. (Section 13.1.13(16)).
- The chair of the academic appeals committee must report any decision to the next full meeting of the Academic Board. (Section 13.1.13(18)).