Students who are seeking additional feedback or clarification on an assessment should, in the first instance, contact the course convenor.

This step is an informal and non-adversarial process, intended to support learning and assist students to understand how the published assessment criteria were applied to their work. When requesting feedback, students are encouraged to:

• identify specific aspects of the assessment on which clarification is sought; and
• refer to the relevant assessment criteria where appropriate.

Many concerns regarding assessment outcomes are resolved through discussion at this stage, without the need for a formal review.

It is not enough to simply request more feedback.

This step is conversational and non-adversarial, and many concerns are resolved at this stage without the need for a formal review.

Students are expected to access marked assessments promptly and raise any questions within 20 working days after the release of results. Any delay in doing so may impact a later request for review.

After receiving a final course result, a student may request a Stage One review if they believe that:

• the established assessment criteria were not correctly applied; or
• some aspect of the Assessment Rule 2016 or another relevant policy or procedure was not followed

Timing Requirements

A Stage One review must:

• be initiated within 20 working days of publication of the final course result; and
• clearly state the grounds for review by reference to the relevant assessment criteria, rule, policy, or procedure.

For assessments undertaken during the semester, a formal Stage One review can only be lodged after the course has concluded and final results have been released, unless the assessment is a progression-blocking (hurdle) requirement (see exception above).

Consideration of the Review

The course convenor will consider the student’s request, having regard to the requirement to ensure that assessment has been conducted fairly and in accordance with the applicable rules and policies.

Following consideration of the review, the course convenor may, at their discretion:

• re-mark the assessment (or arrange for another person to do so);
• review the marking process without undertaking a re-mark; or
• take another appropriate action.

It is important to note that a re-mark is only one option available to the course convenor and is not a guaranteed outcome of a Stage One review.

After completing the review process, the course convenor has the authority to increase, decrease, or leave unchanged the student’s mark.

The course convenor will notify the student in writing of:

• the outcome of the review; and
• the review process undertaken (if any),

within 20 working days of the request being lodged.

At this stage, the student may accept the outcome or elect to proceed to Stage Two.

While students are strongly encouraged to attempt to resolve concerns informally with the course convenor, it is recognised that this may not always be practicable. In such cases, a student may proceed directly to Stage Two.

Under the Assessment Rule 2016, rule 12(4), a student who remains dissatisfied following Stage One (as they still consider that a result is ‘inappropriate or incorrect because the established criteria of assessment or some aspect of or relevant policy or procedure has not been followed’) may lodge a formal appeal to the Associate Dean (Education), or their nominee.

Requirements for Stage Two

A Stage Two appeal must:

• be lodged within 20 working days of the student being notified of the Stage One outcome (this timeframe is strictly enforced);
• be submitted using the Stage Two Assessment Appeal Submission Form;
• include a covering letter clearly explaining why the result is considered inappropriate or incorrect, by reference to rule 12(4); and
• include any relevant supporting evidence (Assessment Rule 2016, rules 12(5)(c) and (d)).

The student will be notified in writing of the outcome of the appeal, including reasons, within 20 working days of the appeal being received.

A student may appeal a Stage Two decision to the Dean on procedural grounds only, in accordance with Assessment Rule 2016, rule 12(11).  

Requirements for Stage Three

A Stage Three appeal must:

• be lodged within 20 working days of notification of the Stage Two outcome (this timeframe is strictly enforced);
• be submitted using the Stage Three Assessment Appeal Submission Form;
• include a covering letter clearly identifying the procedural grounds relied upon by referencing the wording in rule 12(11) above; and
• include any relevant supporting evidence (Assessment Rule 2016, rules 12(5)(c) and (d)).

The Dean’s decision is final and will be notified to the student in writing within 20 working days of receipt of the appeal.

Students considering a review or appeal are encouraged to seek advice from an independent person who is knowledgeable about the process and potential outcomes. Support and guidance may be available from:

• the Dean of Students
• the ANU Students’ Association (ANUSA)
• Student Safety and Wellbeing
• ANU Counselling
• ANU Accessibility