A love/hate relationship: how to appeal an assessment mark

We all know the huge feeling of relief you experience after submitting an assessment or sitting an exam. However, this feeling is often short-lived as doubt and fear begin to set in as you await the results.

“I forgot to include my references”

“I don’t think I answered that question correctly”

“What if I don’t get 53% to pass this unit ?!l”

Do these concerns sound familiar?

And then, after what seems like a life time of waiting, you receive your marks… and they’re less than you thought. You might feel as though your hard work hadn’t been recognised and you feel as though you could have gotten a better mark – maybe you weren’t feel well on the day of the exam?

Before you email your unit coordinator for an appeal, take a moment to look at your options.

The University of New England has rules and procedures surrounding how you can seek feedback or appeal an assessment.

• First, compare your assessment to the rubric/marking criteria. Did you meet all the learning requirements?
• Second, consider seeking feedback from the unit coordinator. This can give you a better understanding of where you might have lost marks and can improve for the next exam or assessment.
• Third, may wish to appeal the assessment. This usually means seeking a re-mark or special consideration, which is where we come in! You can contact us at advocacy@une.edu.au and we can assist you through the appeal process.

What happens when you appeal the result

If you appeal the result and seek a re-mark or special consideration there are three possible outcomes:

• You get a higher mark
• You receive the same mark
• You get a lower mark

What are your options?

Sometimes life happens! If you are having difficulty completing your assessment or preparing for your exam you can apply for extensions, special consideration, special exams, special extensions of time or appeal results.

There are different rules and time-limits for applications, and it is always best to submit your application in time. We are here to help you navigate the process, so you don’t feel alone.

Receiving a less then perfect mark never feels good, but it’s not the end of the world. Advocacy & Welfare are here to guide you when your studies go a little pear shaped, regardless if you’re online or on-campus! Reach out!

Visit us: Our office is located in the top courtyard just across from the UNE Life Student HQ main office.

Open: Monday to Friday from 9.00am – 5.00pm

Call us: 02 6773 3116