1. Excellence - Education; Research; Knowledge Exchange Academic Appeals and ways to avoid them David Robinson david.robinson@ed.ac.uk Academic Services

2. Excellence - Education; Research; Knowledge Exchange University Appeals 2007/8 – 2011/12 Academic Services

3. Excellence - Education; Research; Knowledge Exchange What is an academic appeal? A request from a student for a decision made by a Board of Examiners to be reconsidered. That decision may relate to: Marks Progression Degree classification Degree award Academic Services

4. Excellence - Education; Research; Knowledge Exchange Grounds for an academic appeal (a)Substantial information directly relevant to the quality of performance in the examination which for good reason was not available to the examiners when their decision was taken. Academic Services

5. Excellence - Education; Research; Knowledge Exchange Grounds for an academic appeal (b) Alleged irregular procedure or improper conduct of an examination. This includes the conduct of a meeting of the Board of Examiners. Postgraduate research students only (c) Evidence of prejudice or lack of due diligence in the examination on the part of any examiners. Academic Services

6. Excellence - Education; Research; Knowledge Exchange Case Consideration Deliberation by sub-committee - Three possible outcomes: 1.No grounds for appeal found to exist and case is closed. 2.Grounds for appeal established and felt to be clear cut – case is upheld and referred to Convener’s Action with sub-committee recommendations. 3.Grounds for appeal established but not clear cut and further investigation required at full Appeal Hearing. Academic Services

7. Excellence - Education; Research; Knowledge Exchange Recurring Themes Special Circumstances; Disability, Learning Profiles and adjustments; Mental health; Borderline candidates; Dissertation supervision (UG & PGT). Academic Services

8. Excellence - Education; Research; Knowledge Exchange Recurring Themes Special Circumstances (Special Circumstances Committees) Disability, Learning Profiles and adjustments (Liaison with Co-ordinator of Adjustments and Disability Service) Mental health (Counselling and other practitioners) Borderline candidates (Minutes) Dissertation supervision (Early intervention and reporting) Academic Services

9. Excellence - Education; Research; Knowledge Exchange Current issues Quality Assurance Agency – UK Quality Code for Higher Education Chapter B9 : Complaints and Appeals on Academic Matters Special Circumstances Task Group Academic Services

10. Excellence - Education; Research; Knowledge Exchange …and finally If you uncover a problem, you can voluntarily reconvene i.e. no appeal. Academic Services