We hope that your time at the University will be a rewarding and enjoyable one; however, occasionally problems arise and you find that you have a grievance in relation to actions or decisions taken by University staff, including matters involving administration, learning and teaching and breaches of University policy. This includes grievances in relation to unit results. The University has established a set of procedures for dealing with such matters. The steps involved in grievance resolution are set out in the Student Grievance Resolution Policy and are summarised below.

Please lodge your grievance with your Dean or Director using the Formal Grievance Form.

Academic Grievances

Step 1: Informal Resolution

Students are encouraged, in the first instance, to attempt to resolve matters informally with the individual closest to the source of the grievance. This may mean writing to the staff member whose action or decision has led to the grievance or speaking to the staff member face-to-face.

If the grievance is not resolved to the student’s satisfaction then, as part of the informal resolution stage, the student should normally approach the relevant Course Convener and/or Discipline Head in an effort to resolve the matter with the staff member concerned.

Step 2: Formal Resolution:

If the matter remains unresolved, you may refer the matter, in writing to the relevant Faculty Dean. Students attending the University of Canberra English Language Institute (UCELI) should write to the Director, UCELI. Students attending the University of Canberra College (UCC) should write to the Academic Director, UCC.

Step 3: Appeal

If the matter still remains unresolved, you may appeal to the Student Appeals Committee by writing to The Secretary, Student Appeals Committee, Univerity of Canberra, ACT, 2601.

Step 4: External Review

A student may approach the ACT Ombudsman for a review of a decision of the University Student Appeals Committee. More information is available at:

http://www.ombudsman.act.gov.au/

Administrative Grievances

Step 1: Formal Resolution

For administrative matters, students with a grievance should write to the relevant Director of the administrative unit. There is no informal step for administrative grievances.

Step 2: Appeal

If the matter still remains unresolved, you may appeal to the Student Appeals Committee by writing to The Secretary, Student Appeals Committee, University of Canberra, ACT, 2601.

Step 3: External Review

A student may approach the ACT Ombudsman for a review of a decision of the University Student Appeals Committee. More information is available at:

http://www.ombudsman.act.gov.au/

Exceptions to the Student Grievance Resolution Policy

The policy does not cover appeals against the decision of a Summary Inquiry or a Committee Inquiry under the Student Conduct Rules 2007. Nor does it cover appeals against a fail result for a Higher Degree by Research Thesis (see the University of Canberra’s Gold Book for details).

Information, advice and support

Information and advice about this policy is available from Student Equity and Support Officer.

An advocacy service is provided free-of-charge to all students by the University of Canberra Students’ Association Inc.

Depending on the nature of your grievance, support may also be sought from the Health & Counselling Service. Additionally, or in preference, international students may wish to contact the International Student Support Service and Indigenous students may wish to approach staff at the Ngunnawal Centre for advice. Students with a disability may wish to first approach UC AccessAbility (formerly the Disabilities Office) for advice about grievance processes.