I've received a decision or a mark I don't agree with, is there anything I can do?

You can appeal some University decisions, but only on specific grounds (reasons). If you wish to appeal, you must do this within 10 working days of the decision being made available to you.

Please note: Change to the process for submitting Exceptional Circumstances (ECs) after the publication of results (information as of 19 January) - previously, if a student wanted to submit ECs after the publication of confirmed results, the process was to use a specific Appeal form for this, and it was covered under the University's Appeals procedure.  We understand from the University that the process now is for a student to submit their ECs (and evidence for why the ECs are being reported late) via the usual ECs process, even if it is after the Departmental Assessment Board has sat and confirmed results.  We understand that the University's Appeals procedure will be amended to remove the reference to submitting an Appeal in order to report ECs after the publication of results. See the University's Exceptional Circumstances Policy and Procedure and our page on Personal Circumstances Affecting your Studies for more information.

We will update our Appeals guide as soon as possible to reflect these changes.  We have removed our Guide to completing the Appeals form for reporting Extenuating / Exceptional Circumstances, to avoid confusion, and have removed mention of this previous process from this page.

Please read the following detailed guides to the appeals procedure and appeal form.

Guide to Sheffield Hallam University's appeals procedure

Guide to completing an AA1 form

Scroll down for links to the University's appeal form and procedure (the link is also in the guides). 

There are various decisions you can appeal against.  Below is more information about the most common types of appeal.

Appealing against a grade or mark

You can only appeal if:

• There has been an error or irregularity in the marking process or if the assessment regulations haven't been applied properly
• There is relevant new evidence or information that you did not provide and you have a valid reason why you did not submit it at the time

So, for example, you can appeal against a mark if you can demonstrate that some of your work wasn't considered. Or, as another example, if your work was marked according to the module criteria for a previous academic year.

You cannot appeal against a grade or mark just because you disagree with it or feel it is unfair, and you cannot appeal against academic judgement.

You may find it helpful to look at the University's policies and guidance relating to assessment, including about the workings of the Departmental Assessment Boards (DAB) and about the moderation and verification process. Additional information about how assessments are marked and what to do if you have a query about marking is also available.

Appealing against a decision not to approve an Exceptional Circumstances (ECs) request (formerly known as a RRAA)

The Exceptional Circumstances (ECs) Panel considers your ECs request for exams and assessed work that have been impacted by poor health or difficult circumstances. You can appeal against their decision if:

• You believe the Panel has not taken into account the full impact of your circumstances, particularly if you have additional evidence
• There has been an error in the decision-making process
• The Panel hasn't followed the regulations properly

Additional assessment support provisions are available to certain students, such as those with Learning Contracts, carers, and elite athletes. Check if processes have been followed correctly in your case.

Appealing against a decision of an Academic Conduct Panel

You can appeal against the decision of an Academic Conduct Panel if you can demonstrate a procedural or administrative error, or if the penalty is too severe in relation to the misconduct that has occurred.

How to appeal

You should read the University's Appeals procedure first.

You will then need to use the AA1 form. 

View details of all the University's regulations/processes

Deadlines

Appeals must be submitted within 10 working days of the decision being made available to you. If your appeal is late, you will have to provide evidence as to why you could not submit it earlier. If you have a valid reason to request an extension to the deadline for submitting your appeal, contact the department that deals with appeals: appealsandcomplaints@shu.ac.uk. You should continue to work on the basis of your original deadline until you hear whether an extension has been agreed.

Stage 2 appeals

If you are not happy with the outcome of your appeal and you can demonstrate an irregularity in the process or unreasonableness, or supply new evidence that you were not able to provide previously with good reason, you can submit a Stage 2 appeal.

We can check your appeal, help you identify evidence and arguments, and guide you through the process. An adviser can attend Stage 2 Appeal meetings with you too (subject to availability).