tips for academic appeal (exit award)

Currently in my final year of university, I recieved an ordinary degree due to not meeting the 360 credit requirement for the Hons degree. I sat and resat two modules (exam component only) and failed both sitting. My univiersity only offers one resit opportunity. I am currently writing my appeal, under the regulation in my academic handbook

Student may appeal on either or both of the following grounds: a. where there is evidence that assessment(s) may have been adversely affected by mitigating circumstances which they were unable, or for valid reasons unwilling, to make known before the original decision was reached;

University knows I have panic attacks and anxiety, in the end of 2nd year, my mother was made redundant and I had to work a full time job (51 hours per week) while studying to pay the rent and bills etc, however due to being overworked and my condition already, my mental health detoritated, and I became depressed and suicidal, as well as an increase in my panic attacks and anxiety.

In my appeal I stated all my symptoms as well as how they affected me on a day to day academically, and I will also have a GP letter to support.

I would like to request some advice on how people who have knowledge about appeals think I can improve the appeal.

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 1

gjd800

There's not really any way to 'improve' it - your circumstances, on the face of things, look extreme, and if your GP can attest that your pre-existing anxieties, combined with the depression would have prevented you from disclosing the issues at the time, then you've given yourself the best opportunity.

For what it's worth, this is my day job and I have seen appeals very similar to this be successful. Best of luck.

Reply 2

appealhelp

update: turns out I got the exit award only due to one module, not two, the other one can be condoned if they reverse the exit award due to my appeal. Which means i only need to appeal one module (yay!!) I've written my statement and waiting for my doc letter cause they said 10 working days to give me the letter and its stressing me ouuuuuttt!!! (been 8 working days))

Also, if they have given me ratified results on the 17th of July and they said I need to apply for appeal within 15 working days from date of publication, does that mean mean 6th of August is my last day to appeal or 7th? Cause I might get the documents on the 7th.

Reply 3

martin7

Original post by appealhelp

update: turns out I got the exit award only due to one module, not two, the other one can be condoned if they reverse the exit award due to my appeal. Which means i only need to appeal one module (yay!!) I've written my statement and waiting for my doc letter cause they said 10 working days to give me the letter and its stressing me ouuuuuttt!!! (been 8 working days))
Also, if they have given me ratified results on the 17th of July and they said I need to apply for appeal within 15 working days from date of publication, does that mean mean 6th of August is my last day to appeal or 7th? Cause I might get the documents on the 7th.

You need to make sure you don't miss the deadline. If your GP's letter doesn't arrive in time, make sure you submit the appeal anyway together with a letter from you to say that you have requested a letter from your GP (give the date that you made the request), that it has not yet arrived, and that you will supply it as soon as you receive it. (And then make sure you do supply it when it arrives.)

If you miss the deadline for submitting the appeal the university may not be required to consider it. I would not take that risk.

Reply 4

gjd800

Original post by appealhelp

update: turns out I got the exit award only due to one module, not two, the other one can be condoned if they reverse the exit award due to my appeal. Which means i only need to appeal one module (yay!!) I've written my statement and waiting for my doc letter cause they said 10 working days to give me the letter and its stressing me ouuuuuttt!!! (been 8 working days))
Also, if they have given me ratified results on the 17th of July and they said I need to apply for appeal within 15 working days from date of publication, does that mean mean 6th of August is my last day to appeal or 7th? Cause I might get the documents on the 7th.

End of day 7th (tomorrow)

Reply 5

appealhelp

i ended up requesting an extension cause my gp has admin issues, got a letter from them and sent to the appeal office, THANK GOD THEY ACCEPTED, gp told me they'll send letter by friday