Procedures for the Review of Assessment Decisions

 

This page sets out essential information on the process and the first steps that you should take, but does not set out the process word-for-word as the full Procedure for the Review of Assessment Decisions can be found on the 'docushare' section of the University website using the following URL: https://docushare.sunderland.ac.uk/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-63

 

Once you have received your results, there may be the opportunity to request a review of an assessment decision depending upon the circumstances.

 

A review of an assessment decision is also known as an 'academic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Getting Around Booklets

Look out for the useful booklet issued by the University - Getting Around: Review of Assessment Decisions.

Copies can be obtained from Gateway Receiption, from your School Office and from the Students' Union Advice Centre, Edinburgh Building.

If you wish to submit a formal request for review there is a form to complete, but please note that you do not need this form to initially raise your request with an appropriate person.

On request from either Student Services or the Students' Union a booklet or form can be posted to you.

If you would like to see the text of the booklet (Word Document) or print a form (.pdf format) please click on the linksText: Assessment

 

Review booklet

 

Who is involved in an assessment review?

• You the student
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• Academic staff employed by the Students' Union
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• - if you feel that you need advice, support and representation and can't manage to put forward your case to the University, we will assist you.
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• Programme staff
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• - If you believe that you have grounds for a review the staff who will initially consider the matter will be; your *Programme Leader or your Module Leader and the Chair of the Board of Examiners
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• The Student Service Unit
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• - the staff of the Student Service Unit manage the process. They do not act as advocates for the school or student, they do not undertake any form of investigation and do not make any decision as to the merit or otherwise of a request for review

 

Time Limits

 

You need to raise the matter initially within 2 weeks of the receipt of your results being communicated to you. Usually a transcript is sent to you through the post to inform you of your results.

 

Grounds / Criteria for review

 

• You can't just request an assessment review because you do not like failing a piece of work, or think that you deserve a higher grade - only certain grounds allow you to request a review.

 

Requests for assessment reviews can only be considered if;

• You have unconsidered extenuating circumstances (mitigation) that on consideration will show that you have been adversely affected. As there is a mitigation process to enable staff to consider such matters prior to assessment decisions being reached you will also need to explain why you did not bring your extenuating circumstances to the attention of staff at the proper time.
• There has been some form of material procedural irregularity.
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• Material procedural irregularity is one that has affected the final assessment decision (some errors do not affect final decisions). An example of a 'material' procedural irregularity may be an administrative error where your transcript shows that you have failed a module when in fact you know and have proof that you have passed it. Another example may be that an assessment was not conducted in accordance with the regulations for the course.

 

What information do you need to give to the Programme Staff?

 

The Programme staff need to know: * Your full name and student number to identify you properly

• Which module decision you need to be reviewed.
• The details of the unconsidered extenuating circumstances that affected your ability to study and why these details were not brought to their attention using the mitigation process.
• If you feel that there is a material procedural irregularity you must give the staff the full details so they can investigate.

 

What happens next?

 

The staff then passes the details, plus the results of any investigation to the Chair of the Board of Examiners.

The Chair of the Board of Examiners is usually a senior member of the academic staff for your School- usually a Dean or an Associate Dean.

The Chair will consider the matter and give a decision within 2 weeks. If you do not receive a response within 2 weeks you can proceed to the formal stages of the process.

 

The decision (including an explanation) is usually communicated to you in writing.

If the Board agrees to your request a new transcript of results will be sent to you showing the altered decision.

If your request cannot be upheld you will be given an explanation why your request could not be complied with. You may decide at this stage that you are happy with the explanation and can accept what has been decided, but if you remain unhappy you will be given advice how to proceed with the formal stages of the process.

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Grounds/Criteria for formal review

The criteria for proceeding to the formal stages of the process remain the same; * You have unconsidered extenuating circumstances, and/or

• There has been a material procedural irregularity
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I have grounds for formal review

 

If you consider that the criteria are met, you will need to submit your formal request on the Request for Assessment Review Form following the instructions provided on the form and in the 'Getting Around' booklet.

 

I don't have grounds for a formal review

 

If you do not meet the grounds for a formal review but still feel unhappy with the decision and explanation you received there may be other ways of ensuring that you can accept the decsion as being the correct or helping you to overcome any difficulties that may arise.

For instance you may require academic counselling (to help you to cope with the difficulties you encountered with the piece of work), help to consider a transfer course or accept an interim award or you may need financial help (as the time you need to complete your studies may be extended especially if you need to resubmit work or resit).

 

How to contact us

 

If you need assistance please contact the Students' Union Academic Department staff that work within the Advice Centre, Edinburgh Building (City Campus)

Academic Advisors' email:

diane rooney, Academic Advisor

joanne.cocklin, Academic Advisor

Academic Advice is available Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm.

Click for PDF version of Assessment Review Request Form