General Regulations

Appeal a SCD Academic Board Decision

Research degree candidates may appeal against a decision of the Academic Board:

1. to terminate candidature;
2. not to award the degree;
3. not to allow re-submission.

A candidate may appeal on the grounds of:

1. procedural irregularities;
2. evidence of prejudice or bias.

The research degree program appeals process shall operate according to the following rules:

1. a candidate shall notify an appeal in writing to the Dean of the Sydney College of Divinity within 30 days of notification of the decision which is the subject of the appeal;
2. on receipt of an appeal the Dean shall refer the matter to the Standing Committee of Council;
3. on receipt of a formal notification of an appeal, the Standing Committee of Council shall establish an ad hoc Research Postgraduate Appeals Committee which shall:
   1. be composed of:
      1. an independent chairperson, being a member of the College Council;
      2. the chairperson of the Academic Board;
      3. the Dean of the College;
      4. a postgraduate candidate.
   2. determine and report to the College Council on appeals by research degree candidates against a decision of the Academic Board:
      1. to terminate candidature;
      2. not to award the degree;
      3. not to allow re-submission.
4. the Appeals Committee shall meet within 21 days of having been appointed;
5. the appellant shall have the right to present to the Appeals Committee any material deemed relevant to the appeal;
6. the appellant may also exercise an option to appear before the committee in which case
   1. the appellant may be accompanied by an advisor whose function shall be to support the appellant;
   2. the advisor shall not be permitted to act as advocate or spokesman;
7. the decision of the Appeals Committee shall be final and shall be reported to the next meeting of the College Council.