Stage three - investigation by a panel, which will include external representation and which the complainant and other relevant parties can attend. The investigation at each stage would normally be completed within 30 working days and culminate in a report with a decision whether to uphold or reject the complaint and with recommendations for any future action. If the complainant wishes to proceed to the next stage then there must be valid reasons for doing so. If a resolution cannot be reached by the end of Stage 3 then you have the right to take your complaint to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator. Cardiff Metropolitan University’s full Complaints Procedure can be found on-line as indicated above, but if you do make a formal complaint you will automatically be sent a copy. The Complaints Officer, who co-ordinates all complaints across Cardiff Metropolitan University, can be contacted at Academic Registry, Llandaff on ext: 5810. 4.1.5 There are several Appeals Procedures for different purposes and these can be accessed in the Academic Handbook. See: http://www3.cardiffmet.ac.uk/English/registry/academic_handbook/ Pages/AH1_07.aspx Appeals are a formal process and should not be seen as a ‘quick fix’. To make representations against decisions of Examination Boards you will need either the Verification Procedure or the Appeals Procedure, depending on the nature of your representations. The Verification Procedure covers such matters as checks for arithmetical errors in results, or checks that mitigating circumstances previously submitted were considered by Examination Boards. The Appeals Procedure should be used if you had mitigating circumstances but there was a good reason why you could not have reported them before the Examination Board, or where you are alleging defects or irregularities in the conduct of assessments. If in doubt which procedure to use, please contact the Academic Registry by email: regulationsunit@cardiffmet.ac.uk You can only appeal on one or both of the grounds stipulated in the Appeals Procedures. You cannot appeal against academic judgement. In other words you cannot formally proceed with an appeal that simply challenges a tutor’s mark because you disagree with it. Cardiff Metropolitan University’s Verification Procedure follows the process below:
Application for Verification should be made within 14 days of the Examination Board being held; the facts of the case then have to be verified, normally within eight working weeks;
If the verification process identifies that there is no basis on which to refer the case to an Examination Board at that stage, you will be informed via a Completion of Procedures letter;
If there is such a basis, your case will be referred to the Chair of the Examination Board for review of the Board’s previous decision. The University’s Appeals Procedure follows the process below:
An Application for Appeal should be made within 14 days of the date of the Examination Board being held; A decision will be made normally within 8 working weeks whether or not there is a case to refer to an Appeal Board;
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Either an Appeal Board will be established and you will be invited to attend and participate if you wish to do so, or you may opt for the appeal to be resolved administratively by the Chair of the Appeal Board, which is usually much quicker; If the appeal is upheld, your case would be referred back to the Chair of the Examination Board for review of the Board’s previous decision.
4.2 Disciplinary Procedure 4.2.1 This procedure deals with problems that may arise with student behaviour; hopefully, you will never need to use it! It does not cover any academic matters. There are also additional disciplinary procedures related to Halls of Residence and the Students’ Union. 4.2.2 Basically the procedure covers the following types of misconduct on or off campus, which are likely to constitute improper interference with the functioning or activities of Cardiff Metropolitan University, those who work or study at Cardiff Metropolitan University or the reputation of Cardiff Metropolitan University: violent, indecent, disorderly, threatening or offensive behaviour or language (including possession of prohibited substances or weapons) fraud, deceit, deception or dishonesty;
action likely to cause or impair the health, safety and well-being of any Cardiff Metropolitan University stakeholder; verbal abuse, bullying or any form of harassment, intimidation, victimisation or discrimination;
damage to or defacement of any property belonging to Cardiff Metropolitan University or Cardiff Metropolitan University stakeholder; misuse or unauthorised use of Cardiff Metropolitan University premises or property; any criminal offence;
failure to supply relevant information;
failure to comply with previously imposed penalties. 4.2.3 As with the Complaints Procedure Cardiff Metropolitan University encourages any misconduct or allegations of misconduct to be resolved informally as quickly as possible with the persons involved. If this is not possible or the nature of the offence is so serious, then the following steps will be taken: An investigating officer(s) is appointed, who will make a report, normally within 30 working days, with recommendations dismissing the case or suggesting informal or formal warnings are issued or the student is suspended. If a criminal offence has been committed then almost certainly the police will be informed. For further details of Cardiff Metropolitan University’s Disciplinary Procedure contact: Director of Student & Registry Services: 029 2041 5810 57