Appeals Against Academic Misconduct Decisions

You can submit an appeal against an academic misconduct decision, such as a finding of plagiarism. You can appeal this decision on either or both of the following grounds that:

• a decision made at any stage of the process was unreasonable
• there was a material and/or procedural irregularity in either the investigation or disciplinary interview panel (DIP) or the penalty setting, which has prejudiced your case
• additional evidence has come to light since the investigation or DIP which could not have been expected to have been produced at the time of investigation of the case

You must submit an appeal within 10 working days of receiving an academic misconduct decision.

Please complete either our case request form (if you are an existing student) or SCM case request form (if you are a former student or do not have IT access for some other reason)

For guidance on completing the form you can visit our Step-by-step guide to submitting an appeal

The appeals panel can take the following factors into account:

• facts, including new evidence if made available
• whether there was an intention to commit academic misconduct
• mitigating circumstances
• your prior record of academic misconduct
• your level of study

Please note, being ill or having evidenced extensions (formerly assessment mitigations) at the time you did your work is often not accepted as mitigation for academic misconduct. 

Possible appeal remedies

If your appeal is upheld, the academic misconduct decision may be overturned. For example, if the panel decide that academic misconduct did not occur. 

If the panel decides to accept mitigation, the academic misconduct penalty may be lessened. Further information on mitigations can be found on the academic misconduct page.

What if I need further information or help in submitting my appeal?

For advice on submitting an Appeal against an Academic Misconduct decision, you can contact the Students Union:

• Tel: 0161 247 6533
• Email: s.u.advice@mmu.ac.uk
• Web: www.theunionmmu.org/your-advice-centre/

What if I’m not satisfied with the outcome of the appeal?

You can submit a request for a review of the appeal decision.

To request a review you need to complete the Review Request Form.

If you have any difficulties email scm@mmu.ac.uk.

Please send your appeal outcome letter and explain the grounds on which you are requesting a review. The grounds for review are the same as the grounds for appeal. You need to request a review within 10 working days of your appeal decision.

Your review request will be considered by a faculty head of education, or an academic head of department.

You will be issued with a Completion of Procedures notification alongside your review decision. This will provide you with details of how to apply to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (OIA) for an external review.

For guidance on making an application to the OIA, please visit their website: www.oiahe.org.uk