The University is committed to a fair and just environment for all its members.
As a member of the University you have the right
- to seek a review of, or to appeal, a decision made by an officer of the University
- to make a complaint if you believe in good faith that a breach of the Code of Conduct may have occurred.
In either situation, there are initial processes available before a formal appeal or complaint is made. Below is a summary of the processes. It is strongly recommended you consult the relevant policy, read the Appeals and Complaints Guide, and discuss the situation with a staff member of your College.
Appeals
An appeal is a process by which a student, staff member, or applicant for admission to the University seeks a review of a decision made by the University or by one of its Colleges. Matters which may be appealed include the mark given to a piece of assessment, refusal of admission to a course, or refusal to confer an award.
The initial step in the process is to submit a Review Request Form as set out in the relevant Policy. After that review is completed, and if grounds for appeal remain, an Appeal Notification Form may be submitted to the Appeals Officer (University Secretary). The Appeals Policy details the process including time frames. The relevant forms can be downloaded below.
Complaints
The complaint process applies to a situation in which a student, staff member, or applicant for admission to the University believes the conduct of a member or members of the University towards him or her has not been in accordance with the Code of Conduct, the Conduct and Misconduct Policy, or other relevant policies of the University. In some instances, a complaint may be made by a person who has witnessed the incident that is seen as cause for complaint.
The Conduct and Misconduct Policy establishes a process where an incident or incidents can be reported within your College and responded to with one or more of a range of responses including early intervention, mediation, or other appropriate action. If the outcome of this process is unsatisfactory, or if warranted by the gravity of the situation, a complaint may be made using the Complaint Notification Form and sent to the University Secretary. Details of this process are in the Complaints Policy.
Support
If you require support in making an appeal or a complaint, you should usually contact your College in the first instance and seek advice from a support officer in your College.
You can contact the University’s Fair Treatment Coordinator to discuss an incident of misconduct or to seek information about making a complaint. The Fair Treatment Coordinator is a staff member at the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and can be contacted on codeofconduct@divinity.edu.au.
To view all University policies, see the Policies and Procedures page.