Raise a concern or appeal

All students have a right to appeal against a number of academic and administrative decisions made by the University. In some circumstances, instead of submitting an appeal, students will have the opportunity to show cause for approval to continue in their studies.

Students can also raise a complaint, problem, issue or concern regarding their current or past involvement with the University by submitting a grievance.

  • Show Cause

    Show Cause may be offered to students who meet the criteria for

    • Program termination due to failing a course required for program completion for a second time.
    • University Suspension due to
      • failing a Core Curriculum course for a second time and/or
      • failing to pass at least 50% of enrolled units of credit in two consecutive semesters to make satisfactory academic progress (that is, failed to achieve a pass grade in at least 50 per cent of their enrolled units of credit).

    The Procedure: Academic Progress outlines the Show Cause eligibility requirements and process.

    You must submit your Show Cause Form within 10 working days of receiving your email notification. Please ensure you submit any relevant supporting documentation to support your application.

    Show Cause FAQs

    How do I submit a Show Cause application?

    To submit your Show Cause application, you will need to complete the online Show Cause Form and attach relevant supporting documentation (if any).

    Your application should include:

    • what factors prevented you from maintaining satisfactory academic progress or passing the specific course(s);
    • why you believe you should be permitted to continue studying in your program;
    • what actions you intend to take to improve your academic progress and/or pass the relevant course(s).

    When should I submit my Show Cause application?

    You must submit your Show Cause Form within 10 working days from the date you receive the notification via your Notre Dame student email. Late Show Cause applications cannot be accepted.

    Can I still attend classes while my Show Cause is being processed?

    Yes, you can still attend classes while your Show Cause is under review. Please note that if you choose to enrol in one or more courses whilst your Show Cause is under review, you are liable for fees and/or charges applicable for the course(s) in which you are enrolled.

    Can I request an extension to submit my Show Cause application?

    If you are waiting on the availability of documentation to support your Show Cause application, such as a medical certificate, you should submit your Show Cause Form within the 10 Working Days and indicate when you will be able to provide the supporting documentation. If necessary, your application can be placed on hold while you gather further evidence.

    If you anticipate being unable to submit your Show Cause in the required timeframe due to exceptional circumstances, you may request an extension by writing to the Student Appeals and Policy Coordinator by email to: show.cause@nd.edu.au, as soon as possible to indicate your intention to Show Cause and outline why you are not able to submit the application on time. Evidence of the exceptional circumstances will be required for an extension to be approved.

    Who reviews my Show Cause application?

    The outcome of your Show Cause application will be determined by the Head of School of the School in which you are enrolled. Additional staff may be consulted if a course failed for a second time belongs to another School, e.g., a Core Curriculum course.

    What are the possible outcomes from my Show Cause application?

    There are two possible outcomes:

    Upheld – the Head of School has determined you have shown  sufficient cause to continue your studies. In this case, the following will occur:

    • you will be allowed to continue your studies in the following semester;
    • you may have conditions imposed on your continued enrolment;
    • Program termination or subject to University suspension will not be recorded on your academic transcript;
    • you will be granted a third and final attempt at the failed required courses or a Core Curriculum course (if applicable).

    OR

    Denied – the Head of School has determined you have not shown sufficient cause to approve you to continue your studies. In this case, the following will occur:

    Program Termination

    • the program termination will be applied and recorded on your Academic Transcript;
    • you will not be granted a third attempt at the failed required course;
    • you will not be allowed to enrol in any program for which the failed course is required;
    • you will be eligible to apply to change to a program where that failed course is not required.

    University Suspension

    • the University suspension will be applied and recorded on your Academic Transcript;
    • you will be suspended from the University for a period of 12 months, after which time you may apply for readmission to the University following the suspension period as per the Procedure: Admissions.

    Can I appeal if my Show Cause application is denied?

    Yes, however, please be aware that as per the Policy: Student Appeals, the grounds for appeal of Program Termination or University Suspension for a student who is requested to Show Cause (and that Show Cause is denied, or a show cause is not submitted) are limited to identifying administrative error or a breach of procedure.

    Further information and help with your Show Cause

    Please read through the Procedure: Academic Progress section before submitting your Show Cause application.

    For any questions about the Show Cause process, please contact show.cause@nd.edu.au or call +61 8 9433 0976.

    Once you have submitted your Show Cause, if you have any questions, please contact your School.

  • Student Appeals

    There are several University decisions that students are able to appeal. These are listed in the Policy: Student Appeals.

    Before you submit an appeal, we encourage you to discuss your circumstances with your Course Coordinator, Program Coordinator or Head of School to resolve things informally. If you aren’t sure if your situation is an appeal or not, you can also discuss your circumstances with our Grievance officer who can provide advice on the best course of action.

    You must submit your Appeal Form within the timeframe outlined in your original outcome email notification. Please ensure you submit any relevant supporting documentation as possible to support your application.

    VET students should refer to the Procedure: VET Student Appeals.

    Appeal Form

    Appeals FAQs

    What can I appeal?

    The Policy: Student Appeals lists the specific decisions that can be appealed. You cannot submit a formal appeal for decisions not listed in the Policy.

    How do I submit an appeal?

    Submit your appeal via the Student Appeal Form with your written statement and all relevant supporting documentation (if any). The only grounds for appeal are those listed in the Policy: Student Appeals. You must include a written statement which should outline:

    • what you are appealing and explain why you are appealing on the grounds of your appeal as listed in the Policy: Student Appeals;
    • a timeline of events;
    • as much information as possible.

    Your supporting documents may include emails with relevant University staff or departments, and medical certificates (where applicable).

    Grounds of appeal do not include disagreeing with the original decision, being unaware of University policies or procedures, or not checking your Notre Dame Student email regularly.

    When should I submit my appeal?

    Appeals are only accepted within the timeframe outlined in the Policy: Student Appeals. The outcome or notification of a decision letter should provide this information and is emailed to your Notre Dame Student email.

    Can I still attend classes while my appeal is being processed?

    Yes, you can still attend classes while your appeal is under review. Please note that if you choose to enrol in one or more courses whilst your appeal is under review, you are liable for fees and/or charges applicable for the course(s) in which you are enrolled.

    Who reviews my appeal?

    Appeals are reviewed by various University Staff, depending on the decision that is being appealed. Information about who will review your appeal is listed in the Policy: Student Appeals.

    How long will it take before I hear the outcome of my appeal?

    We aim to advise you of the outcome of your appeal within 20 working days, but if further information is requested, or the School or Reviewer needs more time to investigate your situation, you will be notified.

    The outcome of your appeal will be sent to your Notre Dame Student email address.

    Help with your appeal.

    Please read through the Policy: Student Appeals before submitting your appeal.

    For any questions about the appeals process, please contact student.appeals@nd.edu.au or call +61 8 9433 0976.

  • Grievances

    The University recognises that students may wish to raise a problem, issue or grievance concerning their current or past involvement with the University (Grievance).

    The University's process for the resolution of Student Grievances is outlined in the University Procedure: Student Grievances.

    Who to contact if you would like help regarding a grievance

    If you would like to raise a concern or complaint regarding any aspect of your involvement with the University, you are welcome to contact specialist staff who will provide you with support and information, and help you identify if the subject matter falls within the scope of the Procedure: Student Grievances or another University policy or procedure.

    If you wish to raise a Grievance or seek further information about the Grievance process, please contact the Student Grievance Officer.

    Student Grievance Officer
    Angela Taylor
    Phone: (08) 9433 0924
    Email: student.grievance@nd.edu.au

    Student grievance FAQs

    Something has happened – I think I may have a complaint or grievance. What should I do?
    If something has happened, and you believe you may have a complaint or grievance, it can sometimes be a good idea to pause for 24 hours or so after the incident has occurred. This will give you time to collect your thoughts and, if you are upset by what has happened, to recover your equilibrium so that you can approach the matter with a clear head. Sometimes rushing into a matter in the heat of the moment is not the best way to resolve a grievance.

    A good way to start resolving your grievance is to think about:

    • What has happened – you could try to summarise it in a brief paragraph
    • Why you are feeling aggrieved
    • What kind of resolution you would like to achieve

    Once you have done this, you should first attempt to resolve your grievance directly with the staff member or student concerned, as soon as possible after the incident has occurred. If you are not sure how to approach this, you are welcome to contact a Student Grievance Officer who will provide you with information and support.

    If you have experienced sexual assault or sexual harassment, you do not need to pause or to follow the student grievance resolution process. Please contact a Respect Officer who will provide you with support and guidance. Further information about support for students who are affected by sexual assault, sexual harassment or domestic or family violence, is available below in these FAQs, or at our Student Wellbeing and Support page.

    Where can I find a copy of the Notre Dame student grievance resolution process?
    The Notre Dame student grievance resolution procedure is available here.

    I would like support regarding my grievance. Who should I contact?
    You are welcome to contact the Student Grievance Officer.

    Student Grievance Officer
    Angela Taylor
    Phone: (08) 9433 0924
    Email: student.grievance@nd.edu.au

    If you are upset and you require counselling support, you can make an appointment with a University counsellor. The Notre Dame student counselling service is free and confidential. Please refer to the Counselling Service page for more information about the service and how to make an appointment.

    What will happen if I contact a Student Grievance Officer?
    The Student Grievance Officer will listen to your concerns, treat you with respect, provide you with information and support regarding the student grievance resolution process, and help to connect you with other support services as needed. While the Student Grievance Officer will help to support you, they are not there to act as an advocate on your behalf.

    When you speak with the Student Grievance Officer, have your notes handy so that you can explain:

    • What has happened – you could try to summarise it in a brief paragraph
    • Why you are feeling aggrieved
    • What kind of resolution you would like to achieve

    If you haven’t yet attempted to resolve your grievance directly with the staff member or student concerned, the Student Grievance Officer will help to guide you on how to approach this. Direct resolution is usually the fastest and most effective way for students to resolve a grievance, and is therefore encouraged.

    Do I need to be a current student to access grievance support?
    Student grievance support is available to current Notre Dame students, and to former and prospective students of the University. You can raise a concern about any aspect of your current or past involvement with the University.

    I have tried to resolve my grievance directly with the person concerned, but it didn’t work. What should I do now?
    If you have tried to resolve your grievance directly with the staff member or student concerned, but it hasn’t worked, you have the option to raise your concern as a ‘formal grievance.’ You will need to contact a Student Grievance Officer to take this step.

    Student Grievance Officer
    Angela Taylor
    Phone: (08) 9433 0924
    Email: student.grievance@nd.edu.au

    To raise a formal grievance, you will be asked to submit some paperwork including:

    1. a form (one page of A4) titled ‘Student Grievance – Request for Resolution.’ The Student Grievance Officer will provide you with a blank copy of this form to complete, if needed
    2. a grievance statement prepared by you, which should include:
      • a detailed description of the grievance
      • an outline of the preliminary steps you have taken to try to resolve the grievance
      • a statement of your desired outcome
      • a copy of any supporting documentation in support of the grievance

    When the Student Grievance Officer has received your formal grievance paperwork, a Senior Officer will be identified to investigate your grievance. In most cases, the Senior Officer will be the Dean of your School. If your grievance involves your Dean or in other appropriate cases, a different Senior Officer may be assigned.

    Once the Senior Officer has been identified, the Student Grievance Officer will send them your formal grievance paperwork. If your grievance involves a staff member, the Senior Officer will provide the staff member with details of the grievance so the staff member can understand, consider and respond to the grievance. The Senior Officer may offer to meet with you, and/or with any staff or other students who are involved in the grievance.

    The Senior Officer has 20 days in which to complete his/her investigation of your grievance (although the timeframe can be extended). At the end of this period, the Senior Officer will aim to resolve the grievance by agreement between the parties involved. If this is not possible, the Senior Officer will provide a proposed resolution, including reasons for the resolution, in writing.

    If both parties accept the resolution, the agreed course of action will be implemented immediately. If you or anyone else involved in the grievance does not accept the resolution, within five working days you or the other person can request that the matter be escalated.

    The University’s student grievance resolution procedure has mechanisms for escalating a student grievance within the University, and externally if needed.

    I have a meeting about my grievance. Can I bring a support person?
    A student or any other party to a grievance may bring a support person to a meeting. A support person may not be connected with, or perceived to be associated with, the grievance.

    At the meeting, a support person can provide you with support but they are not permitted to advocate or speak on your behalf. If you wish to bring a legal practitioner as your support person, you need to seek prior written approval from the University to do so.

    Are student grievances confidential?
    Student grievances are treated confidentially by the University. This means that, to the greatest extent possible, information about your grievance will not be shared with other staff or students.

    In some situations, the resolution process may require information about your grievance to be shared. For example, if you submit a formal grievance involving a staff member, the staff member will be informed about the grievance in sufficient detail to enable them to properly understand the grievance and respond.

    In general, any information that you provide to the Student Grievance Officer regarding your grievance will be shared with as few people as possible, depending on the circumstances of your grievance. If you have any concerns about this, please feel free to discuss the matter with the Student Grievance Officer.

    Student grievance information is collated by the University from time to time, for internal reporting purposes. This enables the University to understand what kinds of grievances are being raised by students, and to address any areas of concern if they arise. All information provided by students is de-identified for reporting purposes. This means that, when internal University reporting on student grievances takes place, students’ names and other identifying information are removed from the data.

    If I raise a grievance, could it be held against me in the future?
    At Notre Dame, students can seek a resolution of a grievance free from fear of discrimination and victimisation.

    If I raise a grievance, can I withdraw it at a later date?
    If you raise a grievance, you are free to withdraw it at a later date. This can occur any stage of the resolution process.

    In addition, a grievance can be dismissed or discontinued at any time if it is found to be frivolous or vexatious or if it would result in abuse, harassment or victimisation of any person. Any student who raises a complaint that is misleading, frivolous or aimed at hurting another party, may be subject to student misconduct processes.

    I am not sure if my matter is an appeal or a grievance. How do I find out?
    If an academic or administrative decision has been made by the University, and you do not agree with that decision (e.g. you have been denied an application for special consideration, or you wish to appeal a final grade) you may be able to appeal the decision.

    The process for resolving student grievances is different. If you are unsure whether your matter is an appeal or a grievance, contact a Student Grievance Officer and they will guide you in the right direction.

    I have experienced sexual assault, sexual harassment, or domestic or family violence. Who should I contact?
    If you have experienced sexual assault, sexual harassment, or domestic or family violence, you are warmly encouraged to contact a Notre Dame Respect Officer or any other member of staff.

    Our Respect Officers have been specially trained and they will:

    • respond with compassion and understanding
    • coordinate practical academic support for you as needed, to help you continue with your studies
    • help you to access University support services (e.g. Counselling, Campus Ministry) and external support services
    • provide information about formal reporting options

    How to contact a Respect Officer

    Fremantle
    Respect Officer
    Rachel Fuller
    Phone: (08) 9433 0879
    Email:
    fremantle.respectofficer@nd.edu.au

    Sydney
    Respect Officer
    Charlotte Armstrong
    Phone: (02) 8204 4687
    Email:
    sydney.respectofficer@nd.edu.au

    Broome
    Respect Officer
    Maria Morgan
    Phone: (08) 9192 0631
    Email: 
    broome.respectofficer@nd.edu.au

    For further information about support for students who are affected by sexual assault, sexual harassment, or domestic or family violence, please refer to the Student Wellbeing and Support page.