Appeals
There are a number of options available to a student whose examination results does not meet their expectations.
- They may view their script and discuss their performance with the module co-ordinator/lecturer during the University’s published consultation days.
- They have the right to appeal the decisions of a Progression and Award Board.
- They may apply in certain circumstances to have a section of their assessment reviewed by an independent assessor.
- They may apply in certain circumstances to have the recording and collation of marks which determined a module result rechecked.
The information below will provide advice on which procedure is available in which circumstances and outline where information on each procedure is to be found. Further information on research and disciplinary appeals can be viewed below. Before lodging any type of appeal, applying for an assessment review or applying for a re-check you should read the relevant procedural information carefully.
The Examination Appeals procedures are online. Should you experience technical difficulties when completing the form, please log a ticket with the ISS Helpdesk. Should you have other queries, please consult with the Frequently Asked Questions or relevant procedures document below or e-mail: academicsecretariat@dcu.ie. You may also seek advice from Student Support and Development: student.support@dcu.ie.
DCU Examination Appeals - Advice for Students and Frequently Asked Questions
There are a number of options available to students whose examination results do not meet their expectations.
- They may view their script and discuss their performance with the module co-ordinator/lecturer during the University’s published consultation days.
- They have the right to appeal the decisions of a Progression and Award Board.
- They may apply in certain circumstances to have a section of their assessment reviewed by an independent assessor.
- They may apply in certain circumstances to have the recording and collation of marks which determined a module result rechecked.
The information below will provide advice on which procedure is available in which circumstances and outline where information on each procedure is to be found.
Before lodging an appeal, applying for an assessment review or applying for a recheck you should read the relevant procedural information carefully.
Information regarding consultation days can be found here
I am not available to attend consultation days; is there any alternative?
Depending on the reason why you cannot attend, you may be eligible to apply for a recheck. Details are outlined in the Module Recheck Procedure document, available on the Examination Appeals section of the website.
I am not available to attend consultation days; can someone else view my script for me?
No, consultation days are designed as meetings between students and their module coordinators and lecturers.
Where can I find details of the appeals process?
Full details of the process are outlined in the R31 Section below and in other tabs on this webpage.
Can I submit my appeal online?
Yes. Appeals should be submitted online by using the correct webforms below.
What are the grounds for appeal?
The four grounds for appeal are outlined in the R31 section of the website. You should ensure that you have valid ground(s) for appeal before you submit your form and fee.
The four grounds outlined in the R31 Section do not apply to me. Can I still appeal my results?
No, the only grounds for appeal are the four which are laid out in the University Appeals Procedure document.
Can I appeal more than one module?
Yes if the grounds you are appealing under apply to more than one module, you may appeal which ever modules are covered by those grounds. Similarly, if different grounds apply to different modules you may appeal which ever modules are covered by those grounds.
Can I appeal provisional results?
You can only appeal a provisional result if you have failed the module and the resit for the module takes place before the results are approved by a Progression and Award Board. Typically resits for undergraduate programmes take place after results have been approved by Progression and Award Boards. Typically postgraduate programme Progression and Award Boards take place after submission of the research element and after the resits take place.
When can I appeal Semester One results?
Semester one results are usually provisional and not approved by the relevant Progression and Award Board until after Semester Two. Hence, the appropriate time to appeal semester one results is normally after the results have been approved at the end of Semester Two.
What documentation must be submitted when making an appeal?
Full details of the documentation required are outlined in the tabs below. You must complete an R-31 form online which should be accompanied by relevant documentary evidence.
What examination results must I submit with my appeal and where can I get these from?
Normally you would be asked to submit a complete statement of examination results including past years so that the Board can review past performance. Examination results can be downloaded from the screen where you access them and attached to your online appeal. You can also download past examination results from Student Apps. by clicking on the “Digitry” button, should you wish to submit them.
Where the appeal relates to a Professional Practice/School Placement module on the BECE, BEd, PMEP, PEB/PEM/SE, PME or BRelEd programme, you should include legible copies of your Professional Practice/School Placement/TSOI reports (BEdLAN and BRelEd only) and/or placement assessment/evaluation feedback report(s) and/or e-portfolio feedback report(s).
Points of contact for questions related to sourcing tutor reports/evaluation feedback report (s) are as follows:
- BECE: Aishling.Silke@dcu.ie;
- BEd/PMEP: schoolplacement.primary@dcu.ie;
- PEB/PEM/SE/PME : pme-se-pe.placement@dcu.ie
- BRelEd: breled.placement@dcu.ie
- BEd/LAN: schoolplacements.post-primary@dcu.ie
What is the deadline for submitting an appeal?
Appeals must be submitted online within 10 days of the date of the promulgation of the decision appealed against, i.e. the date on which results are posted on the student portal pages, and in accordance with the dates published on the University’s Academic Calendar.
I have missed the deadline for submission of my appeal. Can I make a late submission?
Appeal submissions received after the deadline are invalid and will be rejected.
Can someone else appeal on my behalf?
The appeal form must be submitted from your DCU email account and dated by you, and not by any third-party as otherwise the appeal will ordinarily be deemed to be invalid.
How much is the appeal fee and how can it be paid?
The appeal fee is €100 (it is a flat rate and covers the appeal of multiple modules).
It should be paid online at: https://dcu.sybernetsps.ie/dcupayments/dcu/
Select the payment category' Examinations' and payment item 'Examination Appeal Fee €100'.
Is there any record of previous decisions made by the Examination Appeal Board?
The Examination Appeals Board maintains an Index of Precedents which is a collection of anonymised cases which convey how the Board responded to evidence provided in an instance that might have more general relevance to future boards and their findings. This index is available in the "Terms of Reference of Appeals Board" section of the website.
I am appealing a module from the autumn resits in which I received a fail result. Can I attend lectures pending the outcome of the appeal?
You may attend academic activities in the next year of study pending the receipt of the outcome of your appeal. Such attendance must cease immediately upon notification that you are not permitted to proceed to the next year of study.
I am appealing a module from the autumn resits in which I received a fail result. Can I commence my placement pending the outcome of the appeal?
It is unlikely you will be able to commence a placement prior to receipt of the outcome of your appeal. You will need to contact your Programme Board Chair to clarify this.
If I am dissatisfied with the outcome of my appeal can I apply for a rehearing of the appeal?
No, the decisions of the Examination Appeal Board are final and binding.
What is an Assessment Review and where can I find details of how to apply?
Full details of the process are outlined in the Assessment Review Procedure document available in the R51 section of the website.
Can I apply for an Assessment Review for any module?
Due to their nature, there may be modules or parts of modules where an Assessment Review is not possible e.g. placements, presentations.
Can I apply for an assessment review if I have not viewed my script?
No. You must have viewed/discussed your script in order to identify the exact points with which you disagree.
Can I apply to have my full script/assessment regraded?
To apply for an assessment review you must be able to identify where you believe the assessment has been marked incorrectly and make a coherent academic argument as to why the grade awarded is incorrect. It is highly unlikely that this will be possible for the full script/assessment.
My assignment was a group project; can the group apply for an Assessment Review?
If the usual criteria for lodging an assessment review are met, the application may be made by the group.
When will I hear whether any change has been made to the grade awarded?
Due to the nature of an assessment review, there is no predetermined date by which you will hear the outcome of the review.
If you have failed the module for which you have applied for a review, you are strongly advised to prepare for and avail of any resit opportunity.
Can my grade be decreased?
The assessment review process can result in no change, an increase or a decrease to the grade already notified to you.
If I take the resit exam pending the outcome of an Assessment Review, will the resit result be included in computing my overall classification?
In line with Marks and Standards, the mark awarded for the first attempt of any module is included in arriving at your overall classification for the year. Hence, the mark achieved in the resit exam will have no impact on your overall classification regardless of the outcome of the review. On completion of the Assessment Review, the final mark awarded for your first attempt at the module, whether it was unchanged, increased or decreased by the review will be used to calculate your final classification.
How will I know whether another examiner has already viewed my script?
You should ask your lecturer whether your assessment has already been reviewed by another examiner during your meeting during consultation days.
How much is the assessment review fee and how can it be paid?
The assessment review fee is €100 and it is to be paid online at: https://dcu.sybernetsps.ie.dcupayments/dcu. Select the category: Module Assessment Review €100
Who can request a re-check?
A re-check of a module is only open to students who were unable to avail of the relevant consultation days, following the promulgation of results, for the following reasons:
- Certified illness
- Being abroad during the examination consultation days (does not apply to semester 2 or year-long modules in the academic year 2019-2020)
I did not avail of consultation days at the end of semester one and I am not available at the end of semester two. Can I apply for a re-check of a semester one module?
No, if you were available but chose not to avail of the Semester One consultation days you may not apply for a re-check of Semester One modules at the end of Semester Two.
Can I request a re-check of more than one module?
Yes, providing the criteria are met, you may apply for a re-check for more than one module. A separate form must be completed for each re-check.
I am requesting a re-check of more than one module, what fee is payable?
You must pay an administration fee of €20 for each module for which you request a re-check. It is to be paid online at: https://dcu.sybernetsps.ie.dcupayments/dcu. Select the category: Module Re-check €20.
Can I avail of more than one of the options outlined?
All students may avail of consultation days. Depending on your circumstances you may also be eligible to engage with one or more of the other three processes. The flowchart will help you decide whether you are eligible for any of the other three processes.
If I lodge an appeal and apply for an assessment review for the same module, what fee is payable?
You must pay both the appeal fee and the assessment review fee as outlined in the relevant procedure documents.
Who can I talk to about my options?
Advice on your appeal, assessment review and re-check options may be obtained from the: Recording Secretary to the Examination Appeals Board in Academic Affairs; Students’ Union Vice President for Education and Placement; Students’ Union Vice President for Academic Affairs or the Student Advice Centre.
1. Overview
1.1 Context
- 1.1.1 A sub-committee of Academic Council, which is constituted at the beginning of each academic year by Academic Council, the Examination Appeals Board has overall responsibility for the conduct and oversight of the following in respect of all taught programmes and/or individual taught elements or modules:
- Appeals
- Assessment Reviews
- Module Rechecks.
- 1.1.2 Students:
- have the right to appeal the decisions of a Progression and Award Board;
- may apply in certain circumstances to have a section of their assessment reviewed by an independent assessor;
- may apply in certain circumstances to have the recording and collation of marks which determined a module result rechecked.
- 1.1.3 Appeals, assessment reviews and module rechecks are processed in accordance with the procedures approved by Academic Council.
1.2 Appeals
- 1.2.1 An appeal is the procedure whereby a student may request a review of a decision by Progression and Award Board relating to their academic progress or award, in accordance with specified grounds.
- 1.2.2 An appeal may only be made against decisions of the most recent Progression and Award Board meeting of the programme in question and must be made within ten days of the promulgation of results.
- 1.2.3 A student may appeal against a decision of a Progression and Award Board on the following grounds only:
- (a) Their performance in the assessment was adversely affected by illness or other factors, which they were unable or, for valid reasons, unwilling to divulge before the Progression & Award Board reached its decision.
- (b) The Progression and Award Board did not give sufficient weight to any extenuating circumstances1 previously notified to the Registry prior to the holding of the meeting of the Progression and Award Board. (Extenuating circumstances are interpreted as unforeseen circumstances, outside the control of the student, that are accepted by the Progression and Award Board as having temporarily prevented the student from submitting their work for assessment, undertaking an assessment, or from performing in an assessment at the level that might reasonably have been expected of them).
- (c) The examinations were not conducted in accordance with the current regulations as approved by Academic Council.
- (d) There was a material administrative error or a material irregularity in assessment procedures which have made a real and substantial difference to their result.
- 1.2.4 There is no right of appeal against decisions of a Progression and Award Board which are matters of academic judgement.
- 1.2.5 The function of the Examination Appeals Board is:
- a) To establish whether there is, prima facie, a justified case for an appeal against a decision of the Progression and Award Board.
- b) Where there is a justified case for appeal, to adjudicate on such appeals relating to:
- the approved result in respect of the student’s performance;
- a decision not to permit a student to register in the subsequent academic session for the next diet of modules within their programme of study;
- a decision to issue a student with a notice to withdraw from the University on academic grounds.
- 1.2.6 Academic Council retains ultimate authority to exclude or not to exclude students from the University on academic grounds.
1.3 Assessment Review
- 1.3.1 An Assessment Review is the reconsideration of an element of assessment by an independent assessor in instances where a student makes a coherent academic argument that the grade awarded is incorrect.
- 1.3.2 The function of the Examination Appeals Board is to establish a sub-group to review applications to determine whether, prima facie, an application meets stipulated criteria and should be referred to an independent assessor for review.
1.4 Module Rechecks
- 1.4.1 A module recheck is the administrative process whereby it is confirmed that:
- all elements submitted for assessment were considered and assessed;
- the calculation of the marks awarded was correct;
- no errors or omissions occurred in the recording, collating or combining of marks;
- the correct summary mark was presented to the Progression and Award Board.
- 1.4.2 The function of the Examination Appeals Board is to oversee the conduct of module rechecks.
2. Terms of Reference of the Examination Appeals Board
2.1 The Examination Appeals Board meets as scheduled on the DCU Academic Calendar after Progression and Award Board meetings.
Appeals
2.2 The role of the Examination Appeals Board is to:
- 2.2.1 consider appeal forms and submissions on their merits and determine a course of action pursuant to the information received;
- 2.2.2 examine the relevant academic records and transcripts of the student involved;
- 2.2.3 seek the advice of the Programme Board Chair and relevant academic staff where the Board considers that it is appropriate to do so;
- 2.2.4 consider and determine whether or not there is a justified case for an appeal against a decision of the Progression and Award Board by:
- 2.2.4.1 upholding the appeal and deciding on the appropriate course of action in the student’s case; or
- 2.2.4.2 upholding the original decision (and rejecting the appeal)
- 2.2.5 establish subgroup(s) if required by volume of appeals, such subgroups typically reflecting the composition of the Examination Appeals Board, drawing membership from a panel nominated by Faculties, the Students’ Union, and supported by the Academic Secretariat and Registry (see 3.1 and 3.2). Subgroup recommendations would be ratified by the Examination Appeals Board.
2.3 The Examination Appeals Board confines its consideration to matters related to procedural fairness and due process.
2.4 The Examination Appeals Board confines its consideration of each appeal to the grounds lodged by the student.
2.5 The Examination Appeals Board ensures that appeals are reviewed in a detached and independent manner:
- 2.5.1 The role of the non-voting representative from the Registry is to advise on matters that are regulatory in nature (Marks and Standards, Programme Regulations and Examination Regulations) and/or relate to the student record and the impact of decisions on a student’s registration status or record.
- 2.5.2 Faculty members of the Examination Appeals Board do not participate in the deliberations of the Board in cases in which they have already had a significant prior involvement. Such involvement would include the marking of any assessments pertaining to the result being appealed, or any significant participation in the deliberations of the Progression and Award Board that promulgated the result being appealed.
- 2.5.3 Members of the Board, including the student member of the Board, should not take any representations prior to the sitting of the Board from students who intend to make an appeal.
2.6 Decisions of the Examination Appeals Board are made by a simple majority of those present and voting. In the case of tied votes, the Chairperson has a second or casting vote.
2.7 Decisions of the Examination Appeals Board are informed by and consistent with University regulations and standards.
2.8 Decisions of the Examination Appeals Board are final and binding. Representations made to any member of staff in the University concerning any such decision shall not be entertained.
Assessment Review
2.9 A sub-group of the Examination Appeals Board meets, as required, following Progression and Award Board meetings, to consider applications for review of assessment.
2.10 The role of the sub-group is to determine whether, prima facie, an application meets stipulated criteria and should be referred to an independent assessor for review.
Re-check
2.11 Responsibility for the conduct of rechecks lies with relevant School(s).
2.12 The module recheck is carried out in advance of the scheduled Examination Appeals Board meeting and the outcome will be made known to the Board, where relevant.
2.13 Where a student has appealed the result of a module(s) and has also requested a module(s) recheck for the same module(s), the Examinations Appeals Board takes the outcome of the module(s) recheck into account.
Reporting
2.14 The Examination Appeals Board submits an annual report to Academic Council. The report shall include, inter alia, the number and outcomes of any appeals considered, and any assessment reviews and module rechecks conducted.
2.15 The Examination Appeals Board has the right to make recommendations and observations to Academic Council concerning any matters of detail or principle arising from their deliberations.
3. Composition of the Examination Appeals Board
3.1 The Examination Appeals Board comprises:
- a Chair;
- one nominee from among the academic staff of each Faculty;
- a student nominee;
- an advisory nominee from Registry;
- the Secretary to the Examination Appeals Board, a senior member of staff of the Academic Secretariat;
- the Recording Secretary, a member of staff of the Academic Secretariat.
3.2 The advisory representative from Registry, the Secretary and Recording Secretary to the Board are non-voting members.
3.3 The Chair may invite a legal professional to attend in an advisory and non-voting capacity.
3.4 The term of office of the Faculty members is 3 years, renewable, and staggered so that typically three new members join the Board each year.
3.5 Four of the seven voting members shall constitute a quorum. The quorum includes the Chair (or nominee).
3.6 For the purposes of Assessment Review, the Board establishes a sub-group comprising the Chair or their nominee and two members of the Board to consider applications for assessment review as needed.
4. Standing Orders of the Examination Appeals Board
Chair
4.1 A nomination for the role of Chair of the Examination Appeals Board is made by the Vice-President Academic Affairs (Registrar) and approved by Academic Council.
4.2 The Chair of the Examination Appeals Board is appointed for a 3-year term and can be re- nominated.
4.3 In the absence of the Chair from a meeting, another person as may be determined by the Chair/Vice President Academic Affairs (Registrar) will chair the meeting.
Meetings
4.4 The dates of the Examination Appeals Board meetings are published in the Academic Calendar and noted by Academic Council. Fourteen working days’ notice of the date, time and venue of a meeting of the Examination Appeals Board is normally given to the members and any other persons being required to attend.
4.5 The proceedings of the Examination Appeals Board are confidential to the parties involved.
Documentation
4.6 The papers for the Examination Appeals Board meeting include:
- 4.6.1 the Examination Appeals Board’s Terms of Reference, Composition and Standing Orders;
- 4.6.2 notes on procedure;
- 4.6.3 the student’s appeal form (together with any supporting documentation);
- 4.6.4 appropriate information supplied by the Programme Board to the Secretary regarding the student’s academic performance;
- 4.6.5 where relevant, the outcome of module recheck requests.
5. Precedents
5.1 The Examination Appeals Board maintains a Set of Precedents, namely a collection of anonymised cases which convey how the Board responded to evidence provided in an instance that might have more general relevance to future Boards and their findings.
5.2 Precedents are used as an aid to achieving consistency in decision-making when Examination Appeals Board members are faced with similar facts and situations in the future.
5.3 A precedent is added where the Examination Appeals Board members agree that the circumstances that constitute the facts and the outcomes of a particular academic appeal represent an instance that is likely to re-occur.
5.4 The Set of Precedents for Examination Appeals Board meetings are reviewed each year in order to remove precedents that no longer apply or to take account of instances where the University’s regulations have changed.
1. Context
1.1. An appeal is the procedure whereby a student may request a review of a decision by a Progression and Award Board relating to their academic progress or award, in accordance with specified grounds.
1.2. A student may appeal against a decision of a Progression & Award Board on the following grounds only:
- (a) Their performance in the assessment was adversely affected by illness or other factors, which they were unable or, for valid reasons, unwilling to divulge before the Progression & Award Board reached its decision.
- (b) The Progression & Award Board did not give sufficient weight to any extenuating circumstances previously notified to the Registry prior to the holding of the meeting of the Progression & Award Board. (Extenuating circumstances are interpreted as unforeseen circumstances, outside the control of the student, that are accepted by the Progression and Award Board has having temporarily prevented the student from submitting their work for assessment, undertaking an assessment, or from performing in an assessment at the level that might reasonably have been expected of them).
- (c) The examinations were not conducted in accordance with the current regulations as approved by Academic Council.
- (d)There was a material administrative error or a material irregularity in assessment procedures which have made a real and substantial difference to their result.
1.3. There is no right of appeal against decisions of a Progression & Award Board which are matters of academic judgement. Disagreement with the academic judgement of a Progression & Award Board in assessing any information relating to a candidate’s performance does not in itself constitute grounds for an appeal.
1.4. In exceptional circumstances, students may appeal a provisional examination result that has not been formally approved by the relevant Progression and Award Board, namely, where students have failed the module concerned and the resit opportunity takes place before the examination result is formally approved by a Progression and Award Board. (Where examination results have been approved by a Programme Board Examination Review Committee or equivalent but have not been formally approved by a Progression and Award Board).
- 1.4.1. Where a student appeals a provisional result under such circumstances, the same ground(s) for appeal may not be used if a subsequent appeal is made in respect of the same module(s) following the Progression and Award Board.
2. Lodging an Appeal
2.1. A student who opts to exercise their right to appeal the decision of a Progression and Award Board must present such an appeal on the Examinations Appeal Form (R-31) from the section below, with supporting documentation within a 10 days of the promulgation of examination results online.
2.2. Appeals submitted after the closing date for lodging appeals (as published on the University’s Academic Calendar) will not be considered.
2.3. A student lodging an appeal is required to submit the requisite fee online with the application. This fee is non-refundable except in the case of a student whose appeal is deemed by the Examination Appeals Board to be successful. (The fee is currently €100. This is a flat fee and it covers multiple modules. The fee is to be submitted online at https://dcu.sybernetsps.ie/dcupayments/dcu/)
2.4. In the case of an appeal made on the basis of extenuating circumstances, the student is required to provide relevant information, as would have been included in an R30 Extenuating Circumstances submission as outlined below
- 2.4.1. Details of appropriate types of documentation are outlined on the website here.
- 2.4.2. Students must ensure that such documentation provides sufficient detail/information for the Examinations Appeals Board to assess the impact of the condition(s) cited.
- 2.4.3. It is not sufficient to provide contact details for professionals who may provide such information/details on request. Students can have one absence from academic activities of up to five days that does not require supporting documentation. Two or more absences or longer periods of absences require supporting documentation. Two or more periods of absences require supporting documentation when a student submits extenuating circumstances. These measures include teaching weeks, study weeks and exam weeks
2.5. A full set of examination results for the current academic year should accompany your appeal submission. You may also provide examination results/transcripts for any other academic years that you consider relevant and to which you might want the Examination Appeals Board’s attention to be drawn.
2.6. Where an appeal is made on the grounds of extenuating circumstances which were not brought to the attention of the Progression and Award Board, the student is required to demonstrate the circumstances that prevented the relevant factors being disclosed at the appropriate time.
2.7. The appeal form should be completed as follows:
- 2.7.1. All sections of the form should be completed
- 2.7.2. Personal details should be provided in Section 1.
- 2.7.3. Details of the degree programme and the modules being appealed should be included in Section 2.
- 2.7.4. The grounds on which the student is appealing should be identified in Section 3. There are no grounds for appeal other than those listed in Section 1.2 of this document.
- 2.7.5. Section 4 indicates the information which should be provided in the Personal Statement in Support of Appeal. Further details of this are listed in Section 2.8 below.
- 2.7.6. Any documentary evidence included with the appeal should be listed in Section 5.
- 2.7.7. You should provide your examination results for semester 1 and semester 2 in Section 6 in a legible format by screenshot, or scan and upload your results page.
- 2.7.8. Section 7 contains a checklist to assist in ensuring the appeal is complete. Incomplete appeals are invalid and will be rejected.
- 2.7.9. The appeal form should be submitted using a student DCU e-mail account only. Submissions which are made from other accounts will be considered invalid.
2.8. The Personal Statement in Support of Appeal should be concise.
- 2.8.1. It may include the action which the student would like the Examination Appeals Board to take.
- 2.8.2. If a student is appealing on the grounds of previously undisclosed extenuating circumstances, [ground (a)], it should include a valid reason why the student was unable or unwilling to notify the Progression and Award Board at the appropriate time.
- 2.8.3. If a student is appealing on the grounds that the examinations were not conducted in accordance with current regulations or that there was a material administrative error or irregularity in assessment procedures [grounds (c) or (d),] the error or irregularity should be stated in the personal statement.
- 2.8.4. A personal statement must not name staff specifically. If a narrative is being provided then job titles are to be used, e.g. Programme Chair, Module Co-ordinator, Lecturer, Fellow student etc.
2.9. The Examination Appeals Board does not make an independent academic judgement of the quality of a student’s work. Students are therefore requested not to include any assessment materials (such as dissertations, essays, computer codes or reports) with their appeal submissions as they will not be considered.
2.10. Progression to the next year of study for the purposes of attending academic exercises is permitted in respect of a student who has lodged an appeal against the decisions of the Progression and Award Board in the resit examinations held in autumn of each academic year. However, such attendance must cease immediately upon notification of an unsuccessful outcome of the appeal or an upheld decision which does not permit progression by the following year. There may be circumstances where such attendance is not possible e.g. placements.
2.11. Appellants are advised to postpone registering until completion of the Examination Appeals Board process. Upon receipt of the decision, students should visit the Registry Office immediately to complete registration. The late registration fee will be waived upon presentation of the letter/decision of the Examination Appeals Board.
3. Procedures following receipt of an Appeal
3.1. The procedures relating to preparation for and conduct of the Examination Appeals Board meetings and notification of the decisions of the Board are outlined in the Terms of Reference, Composition and Standing Orders of the Examination Appeals Board.
3.2. The Examination Appeals Board shall in all cases consider the reasons for any failure by students to have brought extenuating circumstances to the attention of the Progression and Award Board prior to that Board reaching its decision. Where the Appeals Board considers that the extenuating circumstances should have been so notified, such a failure shall be a relevant consideration justifying the rejection of the appeal.
3.3. If the appeal is judged to be successful, the Examination Appeals Board will determine an appropriate course of action.
3.4. The decision of the Examination Appeals Board is communicated in writing.
3.5. In the case of a successful appeal, the appeal fee shall be fully refunded and an amended statement of results will be issued shortly afterwards.
3.6. As outlined in the Terms of Reference, Composition and Standing Orders of the Examination Appeals Board, decisions of the Examination Appeals Board are final and binding. Further representations made to any member of staff of the University will not be entertained.
1. Illness
1.1. Cases where extenuating personal and/or medical circumstances are regarded by the Examination Appeals Board as sensitive, embarrassing or personal which were not divulged to the Progression & Award Board will be taken into account as a legitimate ground for appeal. (Case3/Oct01)
1.2. Cases which are not sensitive, embarrassing, or personal will not be regarded as a ground for appeal if the appellant has already brought these circumstances to the attention of the Progression & Award Board and they were given due consideration or if they were not brought to the attention of the Progression & Award Board with no reason. (Case4/Oct01)
1.3. Ignorance of the requirement to bring extenuating circumstances to the attention of the Progression & Award Board is not a ground for appeal. (Case6/Oct01)
1.4. Ignorance of the requirement to re-submit extenuating circumstances to a Progression & Award Board for an ongoing condition, which was notified to a previous Progression & Award Board is not a ground for appeal. (Case60/Oct13)
1.5. Illness of itself is not a ground for upgrading an appellant’s mark. In order for the Examination Appeals Board to change a mark so as to change an appellant’s classification, there must be sufficient evidence that the illness resulted in a mark that would otherwise have been different. This will rarely happen when there is a significant gap between the mark attained and that required. (Case34/Oct01)
1.6. Regardless of illness, the Examination Appeals Board will not require a mark to be allocated to an assignment which is submitted after the assignment has been returned to other students taking the module. (Case 43/Oct01)
1.7. The Examination Appeals Board will normally disregard failure to register with the Disability Service in reaching its conclusion. (Case46/Oct01)
1.8. The Examination Appeals Board will not take into account any medical circumstances unless they are authenticated by an appropriately qualified professional practitioner. It is not sufficient to give the name of a practitioner whom the Examination Appeals Board may contact. (Case4/July02)
1.9. Failure to realise that extenuating circumstances impacted on examination performance will not be considered a valid reason for not divulging such circumstances to the Progression & Award Board (Case 11/July 13)
2. Material Administrative Error/Irregularity in Assessment Procedures
2.1. Students cannot rely on an assumption that the repeat paper will follow the format or pattern of the summer diet paper. (Case1/Oct 01)
2.2. Where a lecturer indicates that s/he may have misled a student as to the format or pattern of a paper and believes that a candidate may have passed or performed better had an alternative, anticipated format been used, the Examination Appeals Board will reassess the outcome. (Case1/Oct01)
2.3. Where, on checking, it is determined by the Progression & Award Board that a mark has incorrectly been recorded, the correct mark will be recorded by the Examination Appeals Board. The Chairperson of the Programme Board will be asked to ensure that all candidates taking that module, regardless of whether they appealed or not, have had their marks correctly recorded. (Case8/Oct01)
2.4. The award of marks which are at variance with those of other students who obtained similar results in the past is not, of itself, a ground for appeal. (Case2/July02)
2.5. While it is recognised that, in general, lecturers make every possible effort to supply pilot papers for new modules, failure to supply a pilot paper is not, of itself, a ground for appeal. (Case20/31/July02)
2.6. Where marked assessments are posted by DCU and there are postal delays which result in a reduction in the period during which students could consult the material for examination preparation, this will not be a ground for appeal. (Case07/Feb03)
2.7. Missing pages from an examination answer booklet are not in themselves evidence that a question was attempted, this will not be a ground for appeal. (Case18/July03)
2.8. An appeal may be considered where major changes in a previously-established assessment requirement have not been notified to students in writing. (Cases 55, 56, 57 /July03)
2.9. Not realising that all failed elements of a Category 1 module must be retaken (in cases where a candidate has obtained an overall fail grade) is not a ground for appeal. (Case 10/Sept 15)
2.10. Failure by the Examiner to give detailed justification for marks awarded on the face of a script is not, of itself, a ground for appeal. (Case1/Feb02)
2.11. Failure by a Supervisor to provide an indication of the possible final grade when reviewing or providing feedback on work in progress relating to a dissertation, practicum or project is not, of itself, a ground for appeal. (Case7/Dec13)
2.12. Where a candidate fails to submit working papers with the examination script and subsequently submits those papers to the Examination Appeals Board or to the Examiner following the examination, those workings will not form evidence acceptable by the Examination Appeals Board that the candidate would have done better had the working papers been marked by the Examiner. (Case 5/Feb 03)
3. Other Areas
3.1. The impact of examination results for admission to a postgraduate degree programme or to an employment offer is not a ground for appeal. (Case17/Jul14).
3.2. Financial pressures being experienced either by the appellant or by their family is not a ground for appeal (Case67/Oct13).
3.3. “I had to work to earn money” is not a ground for appeal (Case4/Oct01).
3.4. Difficulties with the English language do not constitute a ground for appeal. (Case 56/July05).
3.5. “I was hoping for a first” is not a ground for appeal. (Case24/Oct01).
3.6. “I was disappointed in my result” is not a ground for appeal (Case27/Oct01).
3.7. “I was surprised at my result” is not a ground for appeal (Case 3/Feb02).
3.8. “The impact of examination results on a scholarship or grant” is not a ground for appeal (Cases 22,27/Oct 16).
3.9. The award of high marks in continuous assessment is not, of itself, an indicator that high marks can be expected in a terminal examination. In different forms of assessment it would not be unexpected that a different result might be awarded. (Case2/Feb02).
3.10. Failure to attend a critical laboratory or other academic exercise is not a ground for appeal. (Case10/Feb02).
3.11. A result which, in the view of the candidate, is out of proportion to the amount of work invested is not a ground for appeal. (Case17/July02).
Fee Amount
The Appeals administration fee is €100. It is a flat fee and it covers multiple modules.
Students can pay online at: https://dcu.sybernetsps.ie/dcupayments/dcu/
- At Payment Category select:
- Examinations
- Payment Item
- Examination appeal fee €100.
Note that the payment link is not compatible with some mobile telephones. Therefore, payment should be made on a lap-top or PC.
Non-payment of fee
Please note that if you have not paid the fee, your appeal cannot be processed. The online payment system will be checked.
Fee Refunds
The fee is non-refundable except in the case of a student whose appeal is deemed by the Examination Appeals Board to be successful.
1. Context
1.1. A re-check is the administrative process whereby it is confirmed that:
- All elements submitted for assessment were considered and assessed
- The calculation of the marks awarded was correct
- No errors or omissions occurred in the recording, collating or combining of marks
- The correct summary mark was presented to the Progression and Award Board.
1.2. A re-check does not involve the regrading of exam scripts or continuous assessment.
1.3. A re-check of a module is only open to students who were unable to avail of the relevant consultation days, following the promulgation of results, for the following reasons:
- Certified Illness
- Being abroad during the examination consultation period (either semester)
1.4. A re-check can generally only be requested following confirmation of marks by a Progression and Award Board. This will usually be after the summer and autumn diets of examinations.
1.5. In exceptional circumstances, students may request a re-check of a provisional examination result that has not been formally approved by the relevant Progression and Award Board, namely, where students have failed the module concerned and the resit opportunity takes place before the examination result is formally approved by a Progression and Award Board. Where students request a re-check under such circumstances, a further re-check cannot be requested following the Progression and Awards Board. A provisional examination result is when results have been approved by a Programme Board Examination Review Committee or equivalent, but have not been formally approved by a Progression and Award Board
2. Lodging a Re-check Request
2.1. Completed Module Re-check forms must be submitted online at https://www.dcu.ie/ovpaa/Appeals.shtml.
2.2. Completed Module Re-check Forms must be submitted within a specified number of days. This period is the same as that applicable for the submission of appeals, currently 10 days from the date of promulgation of the results on-line for which the re-check is requested.
2.3. Re-check requests submitted after the closing date for lodging requests will not be considered.
2.4. Module Re-check Request Forms must be accompanied by evidence of the basis upon which a request is being requested.
2.5. An administration fee of €20 per module will be payable in respect of each module for which a re-check is sought. This administration fee is non-refundable except in the case of a student where an error is discovered when conducting the re-check. The administration fee should be paid at https://dcu.sybernetsps.ie/dcupayments/dcu.
3. Procedures on receipt of Re-check Request
3.1. Completed forms will be distributed by Academic Affairs to the relevant schools.
3.2. It is recognised that examination script and continuous assessment storage arrangements vary across schools and faculties. Similarly, the arrangements in place to facilitate the re-check process may vary across schools.
3.3. The Head of School or nominee, reflecting “ownership” of modules which resides with the schools responsible for their delivery, will ensure that:
- 3.3.1. The re-check is undertaken
- 3.3.2. The outcome is submitted to Academic Affairs as per the date specified in the email from the OVPAA Administrator. This deadline is necessary to ensure that the Examination Appeals Board members get the information in time for the meeting. The candidate may have simultaneously submitted an appeal request and hence it is essential that the outcome of the re-check process is known to the Examination Appeals Board.
- 3.3.3. Where the re-check gives rise to a change in grade, the post PAB amendment procedure must be followed. Direct contact must be made with the Student Awards Manager to initiate this procedure.
- 3.3.4. As assessment storage arrangements vary across schools and faculties, each school should make their own arrangements as to who will conduct the re-check.
3.4. The administrator in Academic Affairs will:
- 3.4.1. Notify students where a re-check will not be undertaken as the request was not accompanied by relevant documentation.
- 3.4.2. Notify the Examination Appeals Board of any changes affecting students who have also submitted an appeal.
- 3.4.3. Notify the student of the outcome of the re-check following the Examination Appeals Board meeting. Note that should we experience a high volume of appeals/module re-checks/assessment reviews, the outcome of your submission may be delayed.
Fee Amount
The Module Re-check administration fee is €20. An administration fee will be payable in respect of each module for which a re-check is sought.
Students can pay online at: https://dcu.sybernetsps.ie/dcupayments/dcu/
- At Payment Category select:
- Examinations
- Payment Item
- Module Re-check fee €20
Note that the payment link is not compatible with some mobile telephones. Therefore, payment should be made on a lap-top or PC.
Non-payment of fee
Please note that if you have not paid the fee, your re-check cannot be processed. The online payment system will be checked.
Fee Refunds
The fee is non-refundable except in the case of a student whose Module Re-check is deemed by the Examination Appeals Board to be successful.
1. Context
1.1. An Assessment Review is a reconsideration of an element of assessment by an independent assessor in instances where a student makes a coherent academic argument that the grade awarded is incorrect.
1.2. Due to their nature, there may be modules or part of modules where an assessment review is not possible, e.g. placements, presentations.
1.3. Students must have reviewed their examination script or assessment and/or discussed their performance with the relevant examiner/module coordinator prior to submitting an assessment review application. This includes students who submit an assessment as part of a group.
1.4. An assessment review application must be specific as to the parts of the assessment which the student claims was marked incorrectly and include a coherent academic argument as to why the student believes the grade awarded is incorrect. Drafting this will take time and effort.
1.5. The review is limited to this part of the assessment which the student claims has been marked incorrectly.
1.6. The following review applications will not be processed:
- Applications where the student has not viewed their assessment/script or
- Applications which do not outline the exact points with which the student disagrees or
- Applications where there has been a failure to identify the specific part of the assessment which is believed to have been marked incorrectly
- Applications where a coherent academic argument as to why the grade awarded is incorrect is not provided.
1.7. A review will not be undertaken for reasons such as the following:
- Disappointment with the grade awarded
- Assertions that the grade does not reflect the work effort
- Results are borderline for a higher degree classification
1.8. An application for an assessment review can only be made against a grade which has been approved by a Progression and Award Board. An application for review cannot be made against a provisional result.
2. Lodging an Assessment Review Request
2.1. Completed Assessment Review Forms must be submitted online at https://www.dcu.ie/ovpaa/Appeals.shtml within a specified number of days. This period is the same as that applicable for the submission of an appeal, currently 10 days from the date of promulgation of the results online for which the recheck is requested.
2.2. Review requests submitted after the closing date for lodging requests will not be considered.
2.3. A student requesting an assessment review will be required to submit the requested fee of €100 with the application. The fee should be submitted online at the web-link below. This fee is non-refundable except in the case of a student where the process results in a change to the previously published module result and can be submitted at https://dcu.sybernetsps.ie/dcupayments/dcu
2.4. In instances where the student claims significant errors have been made in the grading of more than one module, a separate application must be completed for each module. The requisite fee is payable per application.
2.5. Due to the nature of the process, it is highly unlikely that a final decision will be received within the examination appeals process timeframe. Hence, students are advised to prepare for and avail of any resit opportunities pending the outcome of the review.
2.6. Decisions from the assessment review process are final and binding
3. Procedures following receipt of Review Request
3.1. Completed applications are reviewed by a subcommittee of the Examination Appeals Board to adjudicate as to whether it is a valid request e.g. whether the student has provided a coherent academic argument as to why the mark awarded is incorrect.
3.2. Applications which are found to be invalid are returned to the student with a confirmation that the grade as awarded stands.
3.3. Valid applications for review of assessments, excluding dissertations, are forwarded to the school responsible for the module for review.
- 3.3.1. Head of School or nominee is asked to confirm if the assessment has already been subjected to double marking by either:
- Another internal examiner or
- The module external examiner. The external examiner must have reviewed that applicant’s particular assessment. It is not sufficient that they reviewed a sample of assessments which may or may not have contained the applicant’s assessment.
- 3.3.2. Where the assessment has already been double marked, the school confirms this to the Secretary of the Examination Appeals Board who notifies the student that the grade as awarded stands.
- 3.3.3. Where the assessment has not already been subject to double marking, the Head of School or nominee arranges for the relevant portion of the assessment to be reviewed by an independent person.
- Where possible this review will be conducted by a member of staff.
- Where there is no member of staff with the expertise in the relevant area, the opinion of the external examiner must be sought.
- 3.3.4. The result of the review is notified to the Recording Secretary of the Examination Appeals Board and the students and relevant staff are advised, in writing, of the decision.
3.4. Valid applications for review of dissertations are forwarded to the school responsible for the programme for review.
- 3.4.1. Head of School or nominee is asked to confirm if the applicant’s dissertation has already been reviewed by the external examiner.
- 3.4.2. Where the dissertation has been reviewed by the external examiner, the school confirms this to the Recording Secretary of the Examinations Appeal Board and the applicant is notified that the grade as awarded stands.
- 3.4.3. Where the dissertation has not been reviewed by the external examiner, the Head of School or nominee arranges for the relevant portion to be reviewed by an independent person.
- Where possible this review will be conducted by a member of staff.
- Where there is no member of staff with the expertise in the relevant area, the opinion of an external examiner must be sought.
- 3.4.4. The result of the review is notified to the Recording Secretary of the Examinations Appeal Board and
- The applicant is notified of the outcome
- Registry is notified as to any change to the grade awarded.
3.5. The outcome of the review process can result in no change, an increase or a decrease to the grade already notified to the student. In situations where students have availed of a resit opportunity pending receipt of the outcome of their review request for a failed module, section 7.1.4 of Marks and Standards will apply i.e. the revised first attempt mark will be included in calculating the precision mark.
3.6. The relevant Head of School or nominee should ensure that the review takes place in as timely a manner as possible. It is recognised that the appropriate persons may not be available to conduct the review within the timeframes which apply to the university’s examinations appeals process. Hence, students are advised to prepare for and avail of any resit opportunities pending the outcome of the review.
A summary of the outcomes of review applications is included in the annual report of the Examination Appeals Board to Academic Council.
Fee Amount
The Module Assessment Review administration fee is €100. An administration fee will be payable in respect of each module for which a module assessment review is sought.
Students can pay online at: https://dcu.sybernetsps.ie/dcupayments/dcu/
- At Payment Category select:
- Examinations
- Payment Item
- Module Assessment Review €100.
Note that the payment link is not compatible with some mobile telephones. Therefore, payment should be made on a lap-top or PC.
Non-payment of fee
Please note that if you have not paid the fee, your module assessment review cannot be processed. The online payment system will be checked.
Fee Refunds
The fee is non-refundable except in the case of a student whose module assessment review is deemed by the Examination Appeals Board to be successful.
Final Closing Date: 11 November 2024
The date to submit an Examination Appeal (R31), Module Re-check (R50) and Module Assessment Review (R51) for the Late Autumn 2024 Full-time Masters examinations is 11 November 2024 at 17:00 hours. The online system will allow a 30-minute grace period for submissions and will close automatically at 17:30 hours.
The Decision-Making and Notification Process
The Examination Appeals Board will meet on 22 November 2024. The decision of the Examination Appeals Board and the outcome of Module Re-checks will be forwarded by email to your DCU email account within two weeks of the meeting taking place.
The outcome of Module Assessment Reviews will be forwarded by email to your DCU email account within 2 - 6 weeks. Please note that if we experience a high volume of Appeals/Module Re-checks/Module Assessment Reviews, the outcome of your submission may be delayed.
Guidance for Research Student Appeals
The following guidance applies to research students who intend to appeal:
- the decision not to confirm/transfer them to the PhD register
- the decision not to allow progression to the next year of study.
- the outcome of an examination.
Please Note: The grounds for appealing one of the above do not include disagreeing with the academic judgement informing the recommendation/decision made by the supervisory panel or the outcome of an examination.
1. Context
The Academic Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees by Research and Thesis stipulate that a research student has the right to appeal the decision not to confirm/transfer them to the PhD register, the decision not to allow progression, or the outcome of an examination. Such appeals are made directly to the Graduate Research Studies Board (GRSB), which is chaired by the Dean of Graduate Studies. The GRSB Appeals Standing Committee will be convened to consider appeals made to GRSB on the grounds detailed below.
Please refer to Appendix 1 for the terms of reference of the GRSB Appeals Standing Committee.
2. Grounds for Appeal
A student must make explicit the grounds upon which they are appealing the decision of the supervisory panel or examiners. Academic Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees by Research and Thesis indicate that the grounds for appeal do not include simply disagreeing with the academic judgment of the supervisory panel or examiners. Academic judgement refers to a judgement that is made about a matter where the opinion of an academic expert is essential.
As per the regulations, an appeal will only be considered on the basis of one of the following grounds:
- I. There was a failure to adhere to, or an insufficiency in the regulations contained in, Academic Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees by Research and Thesis.
- II. There is evidence of extenuating circumstances that was not available to the supervisory panel or the examiners for justifiable reason and, therefore, was not considered when a decision was made relating to confirmation/transfer to the PhD register, progression or the outcome of an examination. Extenuating circumstances are unforeseen circumstances, outside the control of the student, that temporarily prevented the student from pursuing their research or from performing at the level that might reasonably have been expected of them. Extenuating circumstances include illness and bereavement and suitable documentary evidence must be provided if they are to be considered as part of the student’s appeal (see the Appeal Documentation section).
- III. There is a case that sufficient weight was not given to documented extenuating circumstances notified prior to the decision being reached.
- IV. There was a material administrative error or a material irregularity in assessment procedures which have made a real and substantial difference to the decision of the supervisory panel or the outcome of an examination.
Cases judged by the GRSB Appeals Standing Committee to fall outside the above grounds will not be considered and the appeal will be rejected.
3. Process
Appeals are processed in accordance with Section 13 of Academic Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees by Research and Thesis. A student should carefully read this section of the regulations before submitting an appeal.
3.1 The GRSB Appeals Standing Committee will be convened to consider appeals submitted to GRSB. This Committee is chaired by the Dean of Graduate Studies in their capacity as Chair of the Graduate Research Studies Board.
3.2 To appeal a decision of the examiners or supervisory panel, the student should complete the Research Appeal Form and submit it to the Secretary of GRSB by the specified deadline. The Research Appeal Form for the 2023/24 academic year can be accessed via the appeals section of the OVPAA website and includes the submission deadlines for this period. The Secretary of GRSB for the 2023/24 academic year is Dr David Mc Carthy (david.mccarthy@dcu.ie).
|
Appeal documentation submitted to the Secretary by the relevant deadline |
|
Secretary and/or Chair seeks any further information required |
|
Meeting of GRSB Standing Committee convened |
|
Report of appeal decision communicated to the GRSB for consideration |
|
Final decision of GRSB communicated to the student, Head of School and other relevant parties |
|
Final decision of GRSB reported to Academic Council |
The deadline by which a student must submit their Research Appeal Form is determined by the date that the formal decision of the supervisory panel or examiners is either approved by GRSB or made known to the student as per the table below.
|
Type of Appeal |
Notification of Decision |
|
|---|---|---|
|
1. A negative recommendation made by the supervisory panel regarding the student’s progression to the next year of study. |
Date of electronic submission of PGR2 Form (Annual Progress Report) to Registry. The student can view the completed PGR2 Form via DCU Loop. |
|
|
2. A decision not to confirm the student on or transfer the student to the PhD register. |
|
|
|
3. The outcome of an examination. |
Date when the student is informed of the recommendation of the examiners (normally the day of examination) OR date of the Faculty Award Board for Research Degrees (FABRD) meeting at which the recommendation of the examiners is approved. |
3.3 Progression to the next year of study for the purposes of continuing academic activity is permitted in respect of a student who has lodged an appeal that, for reasons outside their control, could not be considered by the committee prior to the beginning of the next academic year. However, engagement with the next year of study must cease immediately upon notification of an unsuccessful outcome of the appeal. In the interests of students, appeals are considered as promptly as possible following the notification to the student of the decision by the supervisory panel or examiners. It is usually not appropriate, however, that an appeal be considered while related parallel processes, such as the student grievance process, are also in progress.
3.4 The appeal documentation is reviewed by the Chair and the Secretary of the GRSB Appeals Standing Committee. Any additional documentation or further clarification that is required in order for the GRSB Appeals Standing Committee to make a fully informed decision will be sought by the Chair or the Secretary. This may include written comments from the Head of School and/or elements of the student’s record where relevant, (e.g., annual review reports, examination reports, etc.
3.5 The decisions of the GRSB Appeals Standing Committee are subject to approval by the GRSB and are then submitted to Academic Council for noting. Once approved by GRSB, the decision of the GRSB Appeals Standing Committee is final and binding.
3.6 The proceedings of the GRSB Appeals Standing Committee, and any subsequent discussion at GRSB, shall be confidential to the parties involved. The Dean of Graduate Studies, acting as Chair of the GRSB, will notify all parties concerned of the decision of the GRSB Appeals Standing Committee.
4. Possible Outcomes
As part of the appeal process, the student is invited to specify their desired outcome using the Research Appeal Form. In doing so, the student should be cognisant of the possible outcome(s) for the different types of appeal.
The possible outcomes of the different types of appeal are provided below:
|
Appeal |
Outcome(s) |
|---|---|
|
Annual Review |
|
|
Confirmation / Transfer |
|
|
Examination |
|
Please Note: The GRSB Appeals Standing Committee does not re-examine work or make an academic judgement and, therefore, will not overturn an academic decision.
5. Appeal Documentation
5.1 A student who decides to exercise their right to appeal a decision of the supervisory panel or examiners must complete the Research Appeal Form and submit it to the Secretary of the GRSB, along with all necessary supporting documentation, by the submission deadline for the next meeting of the committee.
5.2 The GRSB Appeals Standing Committee does not make an independent academic judgement of the quality of a student’s work. Students should not, therefore, include any extraneous materials (such as reports, papers or other student work) with their appeal submissions, as Page 5 of 7 these will not be considered as part of the appeal.
5.3 In cases where the student considers that extenuating circumstances should have been given more weight or were unknown to the supervisory panel or examiners but are alleged to be relevant, the student’s appeal should be supported by a formal letter from a relevant professional on headed paper or other suitable documentary evidence outlining the circumstances and the timing of the illness/condition which gave rise to the appeal. In the case of an appeal made on the grounds of extenuating circumstances relating to other factors, such as the death of a relative, written evidence must be attached in the form of a letter from a member of the clergy, a death notification or a Garda report. The student must ensure that the documentation provided as evidence of extenuating circumstances provides sufficient detail/information to allow the GRSB Appeals Standing Committee to assess the impact of the condition(s) in the context cited.
5.4 An appeal shall be heard on the basis of extenuating circumstances that are submitted after the meeting of the supervisory panel or examiners. Where such an appeal is submitted, the student shall be required to demonstrate circumstances outside of their control that prevented the relevant factors being disclosed at the appropriate time. In all cases, the GRSB Appeals Standing Committee will consider the reasons why the student failed to bring these extenuating circumstances to the attention of the supervisory panel or examiners prior to the decision being reached. Where the GRSB Standing Committee considers that the extenuating circumstances should have been so notified, the failure to do so by the student will be a relevant factor in determining the extent to which the appeal is justified.
5.5 Students should only include supporting documentation that provides evidence directly related to the grounds upon which they are appealing a decision. No other documentation will be considered. At the start of its scheduled meeting, the documentation provided will be examined by the GRSB Appeals Standing Committee for its relevance to the cited grounds of appeal. Any documentation deemed irrelevant to the appeal will be removed from the application at this stage and will not be considered further as part of the appeal.
6. Precedents
The GRSB will maintain a Set of Precedents, which consists of a collection of statements, not linked to specific cases, that capture how the GRSB Appeals Standing Committee responded to arguments or evidence provided in an instance that might have more general relevance to future deliberations of the committee. These precedents shall be used as an aid to achieving consistency in decision-making by ensuring that members of the GRSB Appeals Standing Committee are made aware of similar circumstances that arose in the past and of the decision made in these instances.
A precedent shall be added where the GRSB members agree that the circumstances that constitute the context and the outcomes of a particular appeal represent an instance that is likely to occur again. The Set of Precedents shall be reviewed periodically in order to remove precedents that no longer apply or to take account of instances where the University’s regulations have changed.
Appendix 1. Terms of Reference of the GRSB Appeals Standing Committee
The GRSB Appeals Standing Committee will consider all eligible appeals based on their individual merits in an objective and impartial manner and will determine the most appropriate course of action pursuant to the information provided.
The function of the GRSB Appeals Standing Committee is to establish whether or not there is a justified case for an appeal against a decision. If there is a justified case for an appeal, the GRSB Appeals Standing Committee will adjudicate on the appeal.
The role of the GRSB Appeals Standing Committee is to:
- a) consider written appeals and submissions;
- b) examine the relevant academic record of the student involved;
- c) seek the views/comments of the Head of School and relevant academic staff where the standing committee considers that it is appropriate to do so;
- d) consider and determine whether or not there is a justified case for an appeal against a decision of the supervisory panel or examiners; and
- e) in the situation of a justified case for appeal, take all information into account and decide to:
- i. uphold the appeal and determine the most appropriate course of action in the appellant’s case; or
- ii. reject the appeal.
The GRSB Appeals Standing Committee shall confine its consideration of each appeal to matters related to procedural fairness, due process and the grounds for appeal indicated by the student, taking into account relevant information available in the student’s record and provided by the Head of School and other academic staff as appropriate.
The GRSB Appeals Standing Committee will comprise of a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 8 members. The Chair of GRSB will be the Chair of the GRSB Appeals Standing Committee, while the Secretary of GRSB will be the Secretary of the committee and will attend in a non-voting capacity. Membership of the GRSB Appeals Standing Committee will normally primarily be drawn from the membership of GRSB and will include a student representative and a mix of representation from across the University’s faculties through the Associate Deans for Research. A maximum of 3 members of the GRSB Appeals Standing Committee may be drawn from outside the membership of GRSB, e.g.., from Emeritus professors and other colleagues with relevant experience in the supervision and examination of postgraduate research students.
No member of the GRSB Appeals Standing Committee who has a conflict of interest or a significant prior involvement in a specific case will be involved in considering that case, and the chair or membership of the committee will be adjusted, if necessary, to accommodate this principle.
The Chairperson may invite a legal professional to attend in an advisory and non-voting capacity. The Chairperson may also request a non-voting representative from the Registry to attend to advise on matters that are regulatory in nature and/or relate to the student record and the impact of decisions on a student’s registration status or record. The appellant does not attend the meeting.
No member of the GRSB Appeals Standing Committee shall take any representations prior to the sitting of the committee from students who intend to make an appeal. Representations made to any member of staff in the University concerning the decision of the standing committee shall not be entertained.
The GRSB Appeals Standing Committee shall make its decision by a simple majority of those present and voting. In the case of an equality of votes, the Chairperson shall have a second or casting vote.
All decisions made by the GRSB Appeals Standing Committee shall be consistent with University regulations and standards, and are subject to approval by GRSB. Once approved by GRSB, the Chair will inform the student and the relevant staff of the decision of the GRSB Appeals Standing Committee. At the end of each calendar year, the Chairperson shall, on behalf of the GRSB, notify Academic Council of the number and outcomes of any appeals considered.
The GRSB Appeals Standing Committee shall have the right to make recommendations and observations to GRSB concerning any matters of detail or principle arising from a case.