What are the grounds for an academic appeal and the burden of proof?

Any student who believes they have grounds for appeal against a decision by the University should follow the procedure as outlined in the regulations for academic appeals. The regulations outline the time limits for submitting appeals.

The University considers that an academic appeal may be made when there is independent evidence to show:

• That staff or bodies have failed to follow regulations and/or procedures or have failed to follow them with due care.
• That staff or bodies have shown bias or prejudice towards the student in the way they have made the relevant academic decision.
• That the student's performance was affected by extenuating circumstances that they could not report at the time for valid reason.
• That the student’s performance was affected by extenuating circumstances that were reported at the time and relevant new evidence has since become available which has not been taken into account in making the relevant academic decision.

The burden of proof means that it is for the student to show that one or more of the grounds in which they wish to appeal, apply.  This means it is for the student to explain, and provide supporting evidence, that something was or was not the case.

More information can be found on the OSCAR website.