Q11. What should I do if a student complains about a mark that has been awarded for their research project/thesis?

The procedures for dealing with academic grievances by Honours students are set out in the Academic Grievance Policy (Coursework and Honours Students).

Under this policy, a student who has a question or concern about a decision, act or omission that affects their academic experience is encouraged to first approach the person directly involved to discuss the matter informally. In the case of a concern about a mark awarded for an assessment task, the student might first speak to the marker and may also informally approach the subject coordinator.

Where the matter is unresolved the student may lodge a formal grievance application with the faculty in accordance with faculty procedures. A formal grievance regarding a mark can only be lodged on the following grounds:

•  Failure to adhere to University or faculty assessment or examination requirements

•  Failure to assess work in accordance with specified criteria

•  Bias by the marker

•  Technical marking or collating error

The formal grievance application and the responses of each person to whom the grievance has been referred must be clearly documented.

Check the following link for:

•  The text of the Academic Grievance Policy (Coursework and Honours Students).

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