4.6 Appeal of Decisions

4.6.1 General Information
Every graduate student has the right to appeal decisions resulting from the application of University regulations.

Appeals will be considered in the case of health issues, bereavement, and/or other acceptable cause, duly authenticated.

For assistance in the appeals process, a student is advised to consult with the School of Graduate Studies.

In preparing an appeal a student may consult advisors or facilitators. Such advisors or facilitators may include an international student advisor, a faculty advisor, a counsellor, a representative from the Memorial University of Newfoundland Graduate Students' Union (GSU), or a faculty member who is familiar with the appeals process and who is willing to undertake the role of student advisor or facilitator.

Appeals are made before specific committees that exist at the University to provide an objective review of cases. The appeals process is designed to assist students at critical points in their graduate program and to provide an accessible and transparent process for students. Refer also to Routes of Appeal of Academic Regulations for information concerning where appeals should be directed.

The principles of natural justice shall be applied to the appeals processes and decisions. These principles include, but are not limited to, such practices as all parties to the appeal receiving timely and adequate notice, all parties to the appeal having the opportunity to submit arguments and supporting documentation, and all parties to the appeal being made aware of the evidence considered by the committee. No person will sit in judgment on an appeal if that person has been previously involved in a decision-making process related to the matter under appeal or if that person has any conflict of interest, bias, or reasonable apprehension of bias.

While the University makes provision for students to appeal decisions made under University regulations, the academic, financial, or other consequences of the appeal process rests with the student.

When an appeal is denied, the student will be advised in writing of the reasons for the decision and if there are further steps that can be taken in the appeals process.

A student whose appeal is denied by the Appeals Committee of the School of Graduate Studies may appeal to the Senate Committee on Academic Appeals. Academic units whose decisions are overturned by the Appeals Committee of the School of Graduate Studies may appeal to the Senate Committee on Academic Appeals. Decisions of the Senate Committee on Academic Appeals are final and within the University there is no further appeal.

Unless the student bringing the appeal requests otherwise, student appeals are heard anonymously by all committees except the Senate Committee on Academic Appeals.

 

4.6.2 Routes of Appeal of Academic Regulations
Normally, the responsibility for making an appeal before the appropriate committee of the University rests with the student.

A student who is ineligible to officially register for courses but who wishes to attend classes, laboratories, or other educational activities while an appeal is in progress can do so only with the written permission of the Head of the academic unit concerned. Such permission will not unnecessarily be withheld.

A student whose request for waiver of regulations has been denied may direct the appeal as described below.

Appeals against decisions of the Head of an academic unit will be made directly to the Dean of Graduate Studies.

Appeals against decisions of the Dean may be made to the Appeals Committee, School of Graduate Studies. Letters of appeal should be directed to the Chair of the Appeals Committee, c/o School of Graduate Studies.