Reviews and appeals

If you believe that a decision you have received from Bond University was made in error, you may be able to request a review and/or submit a formal appeal of the decision.

Before seeking a review or appeal, you can check whether you can resolve your grievance informally by contacting the person at Bond who made the decision. If your query is in writing, the decision maker will have an opportunity to help you further understand the reasons for their decision and consider your point of view. Informal resolution isn't always available, but the decision maker will be able to advise you if it's an option as a first step towards resolving your grievance.

If attempts at informal resolution have been unsuccessful or that option is not available, read on for information about:

reviewable and appealable decisions, submission details, and deadlines
appeal templates and submission guidance
grounds for appeals
FAQs

Not all grievances can be dealt with by the reviews and appeals process. If you want to provide us with feedback or submit a complaint, visit feedback and complaints.

The University understands that an unfavourable decision may cause stress and anxiety for some students. Therefore, we provide confidential counselling and support services for students experiencing stress or anxiety. For more information, visit our page on wellbeing services.

Decisions types, submission criteria, and deadlines

Click on the types of decisions below to view which decisions can be reviewed and/or appealed, who the application should be directed to and information on application deadlines.

All applications must:

be submitted by you (an application submitted by a third party will not be accepted);
be no more than three A4 pages long with no more than 10 A4 pages of supporting documentation or evidence;
clearly state the decision for which you are seeking the review or appeal;
include relevant details such as your SID, the program name, subject name, subject code, and assessment name; and
in the case of an appeal, identify one or more grounds of appeal.

Where a review is available, you may only submit an appeal after the review process is finalised.

Processes for reviewing or appealing specific types of decisions are set out in the following:

Review of Results Procedure (visit Review of Results for further information)
Appeals Against Academic Exclusion Procedure (visit Academic Progress for further information)
Appeals Against Student Misconduct Procedure

For all other types of decisions, follow the processes set out in the Student Review and Appeals Procedure.

Decisions relating to admission and readmission

Type of decision

If a review is available, how do I request a review?

When do I need to submit the request for review?

How do I apply for an appeal?

When do I need to submit the application for appeal?

Unsuccessful admission to a program due to factors unrelated to Bond’s entry requirements

Your request for review should:

- be submitted to the Head of Admissions

- clearly state why the decision against which the review is sought is incorrect

Within 10 business days of receiving the decision concerned.

Your application for appeal should:

- be submitted to the Vice President Future Students

- clearly state why the decision against which the appeal is being lodged is incorrect. This should not simply repeat what you said in your request for review. Something more or new needs to be provided for a successful appeal. For further details, see Clause 4.3.2. of the Student Review and Appeals Procedure

Within 10 business days of receiving the outcome of the review.

Failure to gain re-admission after serving a period of exclusion from a coursework program

This decision is not reviewable. You will need to submit an appeal.

Your application for appeal should:

- be submitted to the University Appeals Committee

- include the program name and your student identification number

- clearly state why the decision against which the appeal is being lodged is incorrect. This should not simply repeat what you said in your request for readmission. Something more or new needs to be provided for a successful appeal. For further details, see Clause 4.3.2. of the Student Review and Appeals Procedure

Within 10 business days of receiving the decision that your readmission application has been denied.

Decisions relating to enrolment

Type of decision

If a review is available, how do I request a review?

When do I need to submit the request for review?

How do I apply for an appeal?

When do I need to submit the application for appeal?

Cancellation of enrolment due to non-payment of compulsory fees

Your request for review should:

- be submitted to the Credit Manager

- clearly state why the decision against which the review is sought is incorrect

Within 10 business days of receiving the decision.

Your application for appeal should:

- be submitted to the University Registrar

- clearly state why the decision is incorrect. This should not simply repeat what you said in your request for review. Something more or new needs to be provided for a successful appeal. For further details, see Clause 4.3.2. of the Student Review and Appeals Procedure

Within 10 business days of receiving the outcome of the review.

within 20 business days of receiving the outcome of the review if you are an international student.

Cancellation of enrolment, placed on required leave, or other remedial outcome due to Fitness to Practice or Fitness to Study concerns

This decision is not reviewable. You will need to submit an appeal.

Your application for appeal should:

- be submitted to the University Appeals Committee

- clearly state why the decision to deny late enrolment is incorrect. This should not simply repeat what you said in your request for late enrolment. Something more or new needs to be provided for a successful appeal. For further details, see Clause 4.3.2. of the Student Review and Appeals Procedure

Within 10 business days of receiving the decision.

within 20 business days of receiving the decision if you are an international student.

Denial of request for late enrolment into a subject or change of subject

This decision is not reviewable. You will need to submit an appeal.

Your application for appeal should:

- be submitted to the University Appeals Committee

Within 10 business days of receiving the decision.

Denial of request to enrol in more than the equivalent of a normal subject load

This decision is not reviewable. You will need to submit an appeal.

Your application for appeal should:

- be submitted to the University Appeals Committee

- clearly state why the decision is incorrect. This should not simply repeat what you said in your request for overload. Something more or new needs to be provided for a successful appeal. For further details, see Clause 4.3.2. of the Student Review and Appeals Procedure

Within 10 business days of receiving the decision.

Denial of request to change program

This decision is not reviewable. You will need to submit an appeal.

Your application for appeal should:

- be submitted to the University Appeals Committee

Within 10 business days of receiving the decision.

Denial of request to withdraw without an academic penalty

Your request for review should:

- be submitted to the Director of Student Business Services

- include the subject code and subject name

- clearly state why the decision against which the review is sought is incorrect

Within 10 business days of receiving the decision concerned.

Your application for appeal should:

- be submitted to the University Registrar

- clearly state why the decision to deny the WWAPFP is incorrect. This should not simply repeat what you said in your request for review. Something more or new needs to be provided for a successful appeal. For further details, see Clause 4.3.2. of the Student Review and Appeals Procedure

Within 10 business days of receiving the outcome of the review.

Denial of request for letter of release (*applicable to international students)

Your request for review should:

- be submitted to the Director of Student Business Services

- clearly state why the decision is incorrect

Within 10 business days of receiving the decision concerned.

Your application for appeal should:

- be submitted to the University Registrar

- clearly state why the decision by the reviewer is incorrect. This should not simply repeat what you said in your request for review. Something more or new needs to be provided for a successful appeal. For further details, see Clause 4.3.2. of the Student Review and Appeals Procedure

Within 20 business days of receiving the outcome of the review.

Denial of request for cross-institutional study

This decision is not reviewable. You will need to submit an appeal.

Your application for appeal should:

- be submitted to the University Appeals Committee

- clearly state why the decision against which the appeal is being lodged is incorrect. This should not simply repeat what you said in your original request. Something more or new needs to be provided for a successful appeal. For further details, see Clause 4.3.2. of the Student Review and Appeals Procedure

Within 10 business days of receiving the decision.

Imposition of enrolment sanctions where the reason is not the failure to pay university fees

Your request for review should:

- be submitted to the Director of Student Business Services

- clearly state why the decision against which the review is sought is incorrect

Within 10 business days of receiving the decision concerned.

Your application for appeal should:

- be submitted to the University Registrar

Within 10 business days of receiving the outcome of the review.

Deny request to extend program completion period

This decision is not reviewable. You will need to submit an appeal.

Your application for appeal should:

- be submitted to the Provost

You need to submit your request for appeal within 10 business days of receiving the decision.

Decisions relating to the granting of academic credit

Type of decision

If a review is available, how do I request a review?

When do I need to submit the request for review?

How do I apply for an appeal?

When do I need to submit the application for appeal?

Refusal to grant academic credit towards a program

This decision is not reviewable. You will need to submit an appeal.

Your application for appeal should:

- be submitted to the University Appeals Committee

Within 10 business days of receiving the decision.

Refusal to grant internal transfer credit where subjects were completed at Bond University or at an affiliated University under certain circumstances

Your request for review should:

- be submitted to the Executive Dean of Faculty or the Head of the University Academic Unit, or delegate

- clearly state why the decision against which the review is sought is incorrect

Within 10 business days of receiving the decision concerned.

Your application for appeal should:

- be submitted to the University Appeals Committee

Within 10 business days of receiving the outcome of the review.

Refusal to grant an exemption

Your request for review should:

- be submitted to the Executive Dean of Faculty or the Head of the University Academic Unit, or delegate

- clearly state why the decision against which the review is sought is incorrect

You need to submit your request for review within 10 business days of receiving the decision concerned.

Your application for appeal should:

- be submitted to the University Appeals Committee

- be submitted in writing by the student affected by the review outcome

- clearly state why the decision against which the appeal is being lodged is incorrect. This should not simply repeat what you said in your request for review. Something more or new needs to be provided for a successful appeal. For further information, see Clause 4.3.2. of the Student Review and Appeals Procedure

Within 10 business days of receiving the outcome of the review.

Decisions relating to fees and charges

Type of decision

If a review is available, how do I request a review?

When do I need to submit the request for review?

How do I apply for an appeal?

When do I need to submit the application for appeal?

Denial of request to withdraw without a financial penalty (ie refund of FEE-HELP debt or tuition fees) due to special circumstances

Your request for review should:

- be submitted to the Director of Student Business Services

- clearly state why the decision against which the review is sought is incorrect

Within 10 business days of receiving the decision concerned.

If you are a domestic student who has been denied recrediting of FEE-HELP, you should submit your request for review within 28 days of receiving the decision.

Your application for appeal should:

- be submitted to the University Registrar

Within 10 business days of receiving the outcome of the review.

If you are a domestic student who has been denied recrediting of FEE-HELP, within 28 days of receiving the outcome of the review.

Denial of request to waive compulsory fee

Your request for review should:

- be submitted to the Director of Student Business Services

- clearly state why the decision against which the review is sought is incorrect

Within 10 business days of receiving the decision concerned.

Your application for appeal should:

- be submitted to the University Registrar

Within 10 business days of receiving the outcome of the review.

Denial of request to waive late enrolment penalty

Your request for review should:

- be submitted to the Director of Student Business Services

- clearly state why the decision against which the review is sought is incorrect

Within 10 business days of receiving the decision concerned.

Your application for appeal should:

- be submitted to the University Registrar

Within 10 business days of receiving the outcome of the review.

Penalty for non-payment of tuition fees

Your request for review should:

- be submitted to the Credit Manager

- clearly state why the decision against which the review is sought is incorrect

Within 10 business days of receiving the decision concerned.

Your application for appeal should:

- be submitted to the University Registrar

Within 10 business days of receiving the outcome of the review.

Decisions relating to student housing fees and dining fees

Your request for review should:

- be submitted to the Director of Campus Life

- clearly state why the decision against which the review is sought is incorrect

Within 10 business days of receiving the decision concerned.

Your application for appeal should:

- be submitted to the University Registrar

Within 10 business days of receiving the outcome of the review.

Deny application for loyalty discount

Your request for review should:

- be submitted to the Director of Student Business Services

- clearly state why the decision against which the review is sought is incorrect

Within 10 business days of receiving the decision concerned.

Your application for appeal should:

- be submitted to the University Registrar

Within 10 business days of receiving the outcome of the review.

Decisions relating to financial aid disbursements

Your request for review should:

- be submitted to the Director of Student Business Services

- clearly state why the decision against which the review is sought is incorrect.

Within 10 business days of receiving the decision concerned.

Your application for appeal should:

- be submitted to the University Registrar

Within 10 business days of receiving the outcome of the review.

Decisions relating to academic progression

Type of decision	If a review is available, how do I request a review?	When do I need to submit the request for review?	How do I apply for an appeal?	When do I need to submit the application for appeal?
Failure to make satisfactory academic progress resulting in a coursework student receiving an exclusion notice	A review is undertaken as part of a formal appeal submission process.	n/a	First, read the Appeals Against Academic Exclusion Procedure to understand the process. Your application for appeal should: - be submitted to the University Appeals Committee using this Appeal Letter. The appeal submission should fully explain what prevented you from completing your studies - include any relevant supporting documentation (up to 10 A4 pages) - be based on the ground that there were extenuating circumstances that prevented you from completing your studies - email the appeal submission to Student Assist	If you are a domestic student, within 10 business days of receiving the exclusion notice. OR If you are an international student, you should submit your application for appeal within 20 business days of receiving the exclusion notice.
Refusal of request for a leave of absence (domestic, coursework student)	Your request for review should: - be submitted to the Executive Dean of the Faculty or the Head of the University Academic Unit or delegate - clearly state why the decision against which the review is sought is incorrect	Within 10 business days of receiving the decision concerned.	Your application for appeal should: - be submitted to the University Appeals Committee - clearly state why the decision against which the appeal is being lodged is incorrect. This should not simply repeat what you said in your request for review. Something more or new needs to be provided for a successful appeal. For further details, see Clause 4.3.2. of the Student Review and Appeals Procedure.	Within 10 business days of receiving the outcome of the review.
Refusal of a request for a leave of absence (international, coursework student)	Your request for review should: - be submitted to the Director of Student Business Services - clearly state why the decision against which the review is sought is incorrect	Within 10 business days of receiving the decision concerned.	Your application for appeal should: - be submitted to the University Appeals Committee - clearly state why the decision against which the appeal is being lodged is incorrect. This should not simply repeat what you said in your request for review. Something more or new needs to be provided for a successful appeal. For further details, see Clause 4.3.2. of the Student Review and Appeals Procedure	Within 10 business days of receiving the outcome of the review.
Failure to make satisfactory academic progress (HDR student issued with a termination of candidature notice)	This decision is not reviewable. You will need to submit an appeal.		Your application for appeal should: - be submitted to the University Appeals Committee - clearly state why the decision against which the appeal is being lodged is incorrect. This should not simply repeat what you said in your request for review. Something more or new needs to be provided for a successful appeal. For further details, see Clause 4.3.2. of the Student Review and Appeals Procedure	If you are a domestic student, within 10 business days of receiving the exclusion notice. OR If you are an international student, within 20 business days of receiving the exclusion notice.

Decisions relating to assessment (coursework)

Type of decision

If a review is available, how do I request a review?

When do I need to submit the request for review?

How do I apply for an appeal?

When do I need to submit the application for appeal?

Request for review of interim assessment

Your request for review should:

be preceded by consultation with the lead educator about your result (with a view to resolving your concerns);

be in writing;

be submitted to the Associate Dean (SASQ) of the Faculty or equivalent within the University Academic Unit;

clearly provide the reasons for seeking the review (see the Review of Results Procedure).

be submitted only after you visit the Review of Results webpage.

Within 10 business days of receiving the decision concerned.

Your application for appeal should:

- be submitted to the Executive Dean of the Faculty or Head of the University Academic Unit

- include the subject code, subject name and assessment

Within 10 business days of receiving the outcome of the review.

Request for review of final assessment

Your request for review should:

- be preceded by consultation with the lead educator about your result (with a view to resolving your concerns)

- be in writing via the online application form (available on eStudent via this link: Review of Results) which will be submitted to the Executive Dean of Faculty of Head of University Academic Unit or delegate

- clearly provide the reasons for seeking the review (see the Review of Results Procedure)

- be submitted only after you visit the Review of Results webpage

*Please be aware that unless your original result was a fail, if there is no change in result following the review, you may be charged a fee of $50 per subject in respect of which a review was requested.

Unless otherwise advised, you should submit your request for review by 5pm on the Friday of Week 1 of the semester following the final assessment or examination (in respect of which you wish to have the result reviewed).

if you received the result after the official release date of results, you should submit your request for review within 10 business days of the result being published.

Your appeal should:

- be submitted to the University Appeals Committee

- include the subject code, subject name and assessment where applicable;

Within 10 business days of receiving the outcome of the review.

Refusal to grant alternative arrangements for assessment or examination based on accessibility and inclusion requirements

Your request for review should:

- be submitted to the Director of Student Success and Wellbeing

- include the subject code, subject name and assessment;

- clearly state why the decision against which the review is sought is incorrect

Within 10 business days of receiving the decision concerned.

Your application for appeal should:

- be submitted to the University Registrar

- include the subject code, subject name and assessment where applicable

Within 10 business days of receiving the outcome of the review.

Denial of request for deferment of examination

Your request for review should:

- be submitted to the Director of Student Business Services

- include the subject code, subject name and assessment

- clearly state why the decision against which the review is sought is incorrect

Within 10 business days of receiving the decision concerned.

Your application for appeal should:

- be submitted to the University Registrar

- include the subject code, subject name and assessment where applicable

Within 10 business days of receiving the outcome of the review.

Denial of request for assessment extension

Your request for review should:

- be submitted to the Associate Dean (SASQ) or equivalent

- include the subject code, subject name and assessment

- clearly state why the decision against which the review is sought is incorrect.

Within 10 business days of receiving the decision concerned.

Your application for appeal should:

- be submitted to the Executive Dean of the Faculty or the Head of the University Academic Unit

- include the subject code, subject name and assessment where applicable

Within 10 business days of receiving the outcome of the review.

Decisions relating to scholarships

Type of decision

If a review is available, how do I request a review?

When do I need to submit the request for review?

How do I apply for an appeal?

When do I need to submit the application for appeal?

Withdrawal of a scholarship of a coursework student

Your request for review should:

- be submitted to the Director of Student Business Services

- clearly state why the decision against which the review is sought is incorrect

Within 10 business days of receiving the decision concerned.

Your application for appeal should:

- be submitted to the University Registrar

Within 10 business days of receiving the outcome of the review.

Denial of reinstatement of a scholarship following the withdrawal of a scholarship of a coursework student

Your request for review should:

- be submitted to the Director of Student Business Services

- clearly state why the decision against which the review is sought is incorrect

Within 10 business days of receiving the decision concerned.

Your application for appeal should:

- be submitted to the University Registrar

Within 10 business days of receiving the outcome of the review.

Decisions relating to student misconduct

Type of decision	If a review is available, how do I request a review?	When do I need to submit the request for review?	How do I apply for an appeal?	When do I need to submit the application for appeal?
Issuance of Show Cause Notice for a finding of general misconduct and/or penalty imposed by decision maker	In accordance with the Student General Misconduct Procedure, you may respond to the decision’s maker’s notification that a finding will be made against you and/or that a penalty will be imposed, by showing cause as to why that finding should not be made or that penalty should not be imposed in relation to the alleged misconduct.	Within 10 business days of receiving notice of the proposed finding and/or penalty.	Your application for appeal should: - be submitted to the University Appeals Committee - clearly state why the decision against which the appeal is being lodged is incorrect. This should not simply repeat any information that you gave to the original decision maker. Instead, you should provide relevant grounds explaining why (in your opinion) the original decision was incorrect. For further details, see Appeals Against Student Misconduct Procedure.	Within 10 business days of receiving notice of the decision.
Finding of academic or general misconduct and/or penalty	This decision is not reviewable. You will need to submit an appeal.		Your application for appeal should: - be submitted to the University Appeals Committee - clearly state why the decision against which the appeal is being lodged is incorrect. This should not simply repeat any information that you gave to the original decision maker. Instead, you should provide relevant grounds explaining why (in your opinion) the original decision was incorrect. For further details, see see Appeals Against Student Misconduct Procedure.	Within 10 business days of receiving notice of the decision. OR If you are an international student, and the decision is to suspend or expel you due to misconduct, you need to submit your application within 20 business days of being notified of this.
Finding of research misconduct and/or penalty	Procedural Review (refer to the Research Misconduct Policy)		Your application for appeal should: - be submitted to the University Appeals Committee - clearly state why the decision against which the appeal is being lodged is incorrect. This should not simply repeat any information that you gave to the original decision maker. Instead, you should provide relevant grounds explaining why (in your opinion) the original decision was incorrect. For further details, see see Appeals Against Student Misconduct Procedure.	Within 10 business days of receiving notice of the decision. OR If you are an international student, and the decision is to suspend or expel you due to misconduct, you need to submit your application within 20 business days of being notified of this.

Appeal templates

The University has created appeal templates that may make the process easier for you. However, there is no mandated format, and if you choose to structure your response in another manner, as long as it meets the requirements set out in the relevant policy and procedure, it will still be considered. Download the relevant templates below. You may also like to check out our Guidance for Appealing University Decisions for helpful tips to optimise your appeal submission. If you're not sure which template to use, contact us for guidance.

Academic and administrative decisions

APPEAL LETTER

Academic and General misconduct decisions

APPEAL LETTER

Ground for appeal

When submitting a formal appeal, you must identify at least one of the following grounds of appeal:

New and relevant material exists that was not reasonably available to the student before the decision was made and that would have a significant impact on the decision

You will need to submit new information that is relevant to your appeal and explain why that information was not reasonably available to you before the decision was made. You need to show that this information would have affected the decision significantly if it had been considered by the decision maker at the time of the making of the decision.

There was a misapplication of policy or procedure resulting in disadvantage to the student

You will need to identify which policy and/or procedure was misapplied in the decision-making process and show how the policy or procedure was misapplied. Policies and procedures are available on the University’s policy webpage. You will also need to describe how the misapplication of the policy or procedure by the decision maker resulted in disadvantage to you.

There was bias or Conflict of Interest on the part of the decision maker

You will need to demonstrate, through relevant evidence, that the person who made the decision had a substantial association with you, aside from their teaching of or familiarity with you, or with the case and that this association with you or the case led to a lack of impartiality in reaching the decision.

An order or penalty imposed as a consequence of a finding of misconduct was excessive or inappropriate taking into account all the circumstances of the case

You will need to demonstrate why an order or penalty made due to a finding of student misconduct was excessive or inappropriate aside from any impact on you in terms of academic progression, or personal or financial implications.

In the case of Exclusion for unsatisfactory academic progress, there were extenuating circumstances that prevented the student from completing their studies successfully

This ground is specific for appeals against exclusion from a coursework program (as set out in the Academic Progress Policy). Evidence relating to extenuating circumstances may include documentation in the form of a medical certificate or letter from your psychologist/counsellor in relation to periods of illness or your inability to study. You will be required to demonstrate not only that there were extenuating circumstances that prevented you from completing your studies successfully, but also that those circumstances have been resolved and will not impede future academic progress.

FAQs

Click on each of the FAQs below to find out more about reviews and appeals.

Are there any costs involved in requesting a review or submitting an appeal?

A request to review or appeal a decision internally is free to students, with one exception.

Where you are seeking a review of your final assessment results, and the review leads to no change in results (except where the original result was a fail), a fee of AUD $50 per subject reviewed, will be charged to your student account. For further information, refer to the Review of Results Procedure.

What’s the difference between a review and an appeal?

Following receipt of a decision and attempts at informal resolution, a review is usually the next stage in seeking resolution. Some decisions, such as misconduct decisions, don’t have a review stage. Check the table above for the decision you are seeking to have resolved before proceeding.

Where there is no review stage, you should proceed directly to seeking an appeal of the decision. This is a more formalised resolution process with the onus of proof on you to put forward a case as to why the decision was incorrect. For all stages, its best that you check the relevant procedure for guidance before seeking a review of appeal.

Where can I get support or assistance for preparing my request for review or appeal submission?

The Bond University Student Association (BUSA) provides independent advocacy services to students by way of advice, information, support, and assistance on a wide range of topics, issues and decisions that may adversely affect students. To contact them, visit the Advocacy & Support page.

As a student you are entitled to seek external professional advice on any matter impacting you as a student prior to the submission of a review or appeal application and during the process. However, you are not permitted to bring a person acting as a lawyer to a meeting to your review or appeal submission.

What happens if I have submitted reviews and/or appeals for more than one decision concurrently?

If you have submitted more than one request for a review or appeal at the same time (or where they overlap), your requests will be decided separately, although one may affect the outcome of another.

If there is uncertainty or confusion about which matter/s should be decided first, the Academic Secretariat can provide advice and direction.

Can I withdraw a review or appeal after I have submitted it?

Yes, you may withdraw a review or appeal at any stage, with one exception. The exception is an appeal against a finding of student misconduct or the orders or penalties relating to that misconduct. In such a case, you have until the beginning of the appeal meeting to withdraw your appeal. At the beginning of the meeting, the Chair of the University Appeals Committee will confirm with you whether you wish to continue.

If you do wish to withdraw your review or appeal, you must do this in writing.

What support is available to me during a meeting concerning my request for review or application for appeal?

You may bring a support person (not acting as a lawyer) to any meeting or hearing about your request for review or application for appeal. This person may provide practical and emotional support. They can also help you to understand the process, request a break in the proceedings on your behalf, serve as a witness, and assist with language barriers or other needs. However, they may not present your case for you.

The Bond University Student’s Association (BUSA) is a great place to find a support person. BUSA representatives can also assist you with information and advice on University decisions affecting students.

Further information is available on our Advocacy and Support page.

What are the possible outcomes of a review?

The reviewer may recommend that the original decision be varied or set aside;
The reviewer may confirm the original decision; or
The reviewer may suggest an alternative solution to resolve the grievance.

When and how will I hear the outcome of the review?

A decision will be reached usually within 20 business days of receiving the request for review and you will be notified in writing together with reasons for the decision.

I’m not sure whether the decision is appealable. How can I check?

To determine whether the review outcome is eligible to be appealed:

Consult the ‘reviewable decisions, submission details, and deadlines’ section on this webpage; or
Review Schedule B1 of the Student Grievance Management Policy for a list of appealable decisions within the University; or
If you are still unsure, contact the Academic Secretariat at [email protected] for advice.

The policy says that the onus of proof is on the student. What does this mean?

In submitting an appeal, the onus of proof is on you to provide evidence to support your appeal submission and establish that the previous decision was incorrect. To do this, you need to identify one or more grounds of appeal to support your argument and then back that up with supporting evidence or information. A list of appropriate grounds of appeal are set out in the section called 'Grounds of appeal' on this webpage.

What happens after I submit my appeal?

Your appeal will be assessed and only considered valid where it:

does not exceed three A4 pages and is supported by no more than 10 A4 pages of evidence/documentation;
clearly states the decision for which the appeal is being sought;
includes (if relevant) the subject code, subject name and assessment;
clearly addresses why the rationale of the previous review was incorrect;
does not simply re-state the information provided by you to the Review Officer where there has been a previous review; and
identifies one or more grounds for appeal and includes supporting information or evidence.

The appeal must be in writing and submitted by you, not a third party.

The University will not accept an appeal submission based solely on your disagreement with a decision, or outcome of the review of a decision.

Once the appeal is given to the decision maker, they will have 10 business days to assess the submission.

Where your appeal has been deemed invalid, you will be notified in writing. You will be able to seek an external review of the decision that deemed your appeal invalid.

My appeal has been deemed valid. What happens next?

This depends on the nature of the decision or dispute, including its complexity and whether the officer or University body determining your appeal believes that oral evidence (like witness testimonies) is required to reach an outcome.

Where a meeting is convened and you are invited to attend, you will be given notice of the meeting beforehand so that you have enough time to prepare. You will also be entitled to bring a support person to the appeal meeting.

What are the possible outcomes of an appeal?

There are various possible outcomes of an appeal. These include that the decision-maker determining the appeal may:

confirm the original decision or the outcome of the review (where applicable); or
set aside the original decision or outcome of the review (where applicable), and replace it with another decision; or
vary the original decision or outcome of the review (where applicable).

Note that if your appeal is against a finding of misconduct and/or orders or penalties issued by a previous decision maker, the University Appeals Committee may make any order available to the University Disciplinary Board as set out in Schedule B of the Student Code of Conduct Policy.

When and how will I receive the outcome of my appeal?

If the Student Review and Appeals Procedure applies to your matter, you will usually receive written notice of the outcome within 5 business days of the decision maker making a determination. This notice will include reasons for the outcome of the appeal.

Where another policy or procedure applies to your appeal, please consult that policy or procedure for the relevant timelines. Alternatively, have a look at the ‘reviewable and appealable decisions, submisssion and deadlines’ section on this page for further information.

I’m unhappy with the outcome of my appeal. Is there somewhere else I can go?

Yes, there are various independent external agencies that may be able to assist you. Which one you approach will depend on the nature of your grievance or concern, the outcome sought and any other relevant considerations. A list of external agencies are available on our external reviews page.

Usually, the external agency will expect you to have attempted resolution of your grievance through Bond’s processes first. This means you should pursue your review and appeal options to the end before approaching an external agency for help.

How do we handle your personal information?

Bond University is committed to protecting your privacy. We collect and use the personal information provided by you to address your concerns, in accordance with our Privacy Policy. For further information click here.

Respect

We undertake to manage your grievance respectfully and fairly. Please endeavour to do the same when dealing with us and any others involved in your grievance.

Unreasonable, offensive, belittling, derogatory, abusive or threatening conduct will not be tolerated.

Reviews and appeals

Decisions types, submission criteria, and deadlines

Appeal templates

Academic and administrative decisions

Academic and General misconduct decisions

Grounds for appeal

Ground for appeal

FAQs

Respect