Assessment Decision Appeals

Assessment Decision Appeals

TAFE SA recognises your right to appeal an assessment decision. 

Always start by discussing the issue with your lecturer or assessor. They may be able to resolve the matter with you. You will also need evidence to support your appeal. Being unhappy with your result alone is not enough reason to appeal.

You can find all the details you need to know, right from how the appeal process works to getting your hands on some important information and resources.

Watch the ADA student video to learn about how it works, or visit the links below: 

• When you can appeal
• When an appeal may not go ahead
• How to appeal an assessment decision
• Possible appeal outcomes
• Escalating your appeal
• Forms and other information
  

When you can appeal

Your appeal must be based on evidence. Evidence to support your appeal could include emails, screenshots, assessment feedback, submission records or access plans.

You may have grounds to appeal if:

• the marking guide or benchmark was not used fairly or consistently
• a technical problem affected your submission
• there was an error with the submission deadline
• feedback was not given or was given too late
• you believe the assessor was not fair or impartial
• a reasonable adjustment was not provided or used
• there was an error when your result was recorded
• assessment instructions were not applied consistently
• the feedback does not match the result you received.

When an appeal may not go ahead

Your appeal may not go ahead if:

• you are only unhappy with your result
• you do not provide enough evidence
• you should have used the extension or special consideration process
• your reason is not covered by the Assessment Decision Appeals Procedure
• you submit your appeal after the due date without a reasonable explanation.

How to appeal an assessment decision

You can lodge an appeal within 20 business days of formal notification of your assessment decision. Formal notification happens when TAFE SA records your final unit or subject outcome in My TAFE SA.

1. Prepare your appeal

Explain which assessment decision you are appealing, why you want it reviewed and what outcome you are seeking. Gather evidence to support your appeal.

2. Complete the appeal form

Complete the Assessment Decision Appeal Form and attach your supporting evidence.

3. Lodge your appeal

Send your completed appeal form and supporting evidence to the Principal Lecturer for your course.

4. Wait for the initial review

Your assessor and the Principal Lecturer or Educational Manager will check whether your appeal meets the requirements for an investigation. You will receive their decision in writing within 7 business days of lodging your appeal.

5. Receive the outcome

If TAFE SA investigates your appeal, you will receive the outcome in writing within 20 business days from the date you lodged it.

Possible appeal outcomes

After the investigation, TAFE SA may either:

• deny your appeal
• ask you to complete the assessment again
• ask another assessor to verify your result or reconduct the assessment
• change your result or grade.

Taking your appeal further

If you disagree with the outcome, you can take your appeal to the Faculty Director within 7 business days of receiving the outcome.

The Faculty Director will review the process and available evidence. You will receive a written outcome within 7 business days.

If you are still not satisfied, you can refer to complaints and feedback for information about further review options.