Academic Appeals, Student Complaints and Termination of Study or Candidature for an Award

The University’s appeals and complaints procedures provide students with a framework through which to formalise their concerns about aspects of their academic experience or to complain when they feel that standards of non-academic service have fallen short of that which they expected.

The process has been designed to make the appeals and complaints process as accessible and simple as possible and to provide a robust, fair mechanism through which to ensure that all appeals and complaints are considered in the appropriate way at the appropriate level.

A major feature of the process is the emphasis it places on early or informal resolution. All students should note that there is an expectation that they will take responsibility for seeking resolution of their academic or non-academic concerns by raising and discussing them at the earliest possible stage with the relevant individuals in an academic School or administrative Service.

A student who considers that she or he may have reason to pursue an appeal or complaint should begin by familiarizing themselves with the Appeals and Complaints Procedures.

the difference between an appeal (against an academic decision) and a complaint (about an aspect of non-academic service);
the principles upon which the appeals and complaints process is based;
the grounds upon which appeals and/or complaints can be pursued;
the process to be followed in pursuing an appeal or complaint;
who to talk to for additional information;
what informal steps you should take before submitting a formal appeal or complaint;
how to submit an appeal or complaint and when;
the likely timescale involved in conducting an appeal or complaint;
the types of behaviour that are considered unacceptable in pursuing an appeal or complaint;

In addition to the detailed Appeals and Complaints Procedures further information for students considering an appeal or complaint can be found at the following useful links:

The Frequently Asked Questions are available here.
A Glossary of Terms is included as part of the Appeals and Complaints Procedures.
An Appeals and Complaints Procedure Graphic provides a simplified version of the procedure.
The University’s Appeals and Complaints Flyer is available here.

Students wishing to submit an appeal or complaint should do so using Part A of an Appeal or Complaint Form.

The Aberdeen University Students’ Association (AUSA) provides independent, student-focused advice, information and assistance at every stage of the appeals and complaints process. Any student who is unsure where to go, who to speak to or what to do next you can contact the AUSA in person or at the contact details:

Students can also contact the University’s Infohub on the Ground Floor of the Hub (infohub@abdn.ac.uk or telephone 01224 273040) for advice on the appeals and complaints process.

Academic staff with queries about the process should contact the Academic Services Team in Registry at academicservices@abdn.ac.uk