What if I disagree with the decision?
If you believe that a decision made under the Student Discipline Regulations is unfair, you may appeal the decision. An appeal must be received by the appeal authority not more than 14 days after the date on which the relevant decision was formally notified to you, must be made in writing, and must be based on one or more of the following grounds:
- that the process used for addressing the alleged misconduct was unfair
- that the decision reached was manifestly at odds with the evidence
- that the remedy imposed was manifestly at odds with the misconduct
- that significant new evidence has become available that could not have been reasonably obtained and presented during the initial process and that could have a material effect on the decision made.
(section 25(4), 26(4), 27(4) of the Student Discipline Regulations)
Note: A decision made by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori under Tikanga Māori provisions (section 23 of the Student Discipline Regulations) is final and cannot be appealed.
Who can I appeal to?
1. Appeal to the Chairperson of the Student Discipline Committee
If the complaint was heard by a Pro Vice-Chancellor of Health, Engineering, Computing and Science, the University Librarian, the Director of Student Services, or an Academic Delegate, you can appeal the decision to the Chairperson of the Student Discipline Committee.
The letter of appeal, along with the receipt showing payment of the appeal fee, may be submitted at the reception desk in the Student Centre, or sent to:
The Secretary to the Student Discipline Committee
Academic Office
University of Waikato
Private Bag 3105
Hamilton 3240
[email protected]
Fee: $50.00, paid to the Student Centre
Note: An appeal must be received by the appeal authority not more than 14 days after the date on which the relevant decision was formally notified.
2. Appeal to the Student Discipline Appeals Committee, a committee of Council
If the complaint was heard by the Student Discipline Committee, the Chairperson of the Student Discipline Committee (under summary jurisdiction), or the Vice-Chancellor, you can appeal the decision to the Student Discipline Appeals Committee, a committee of the University Council. The Student Discipline Appeals Committee comprises three members - two members appointed by and from Council and one other member appointed by the Council on the basis of his or her knowledge of legal processes, who is chairperson of the committee.
The letter of appeal, along with the receipt showing payment of the appeal fee, may be submitted at the reception desk in B Block, Gate 5, Hillcrest Road, Hamilton, or sent to:
The Council Secretary
University of Waikato
Private Bag 3105
Hamilton 3240
[email protected]
Fee: $200.00, paid to the Student Centre
Note: An appeal must be received by the appeal authority not more than 14 days after the date on which the relevant decision was formally notified.
What should I include in my appeal?
The letter of appeal should contain all of the information that you think is relevant and necessary to support your appeal, including the following information:
- Your full name and student ID number
- The email address you would like to be contacted by
- A summary of the matter or decision being appealed
- The grounds on which the appeal is being made (see section 25(4),26(4) or 27(4) of the Student Discipline Regulations) and relevant details in support of the appeal on each of the grounds.
The letter must be signed and dated.
Attach to the letter copies of any relevant evidence or documentation to support your appeal (if appropriate).
Note: The Waikato Students’ Union (WSU) provides a student advocacy service, and can assist you in the preparation of your appeal letter.
Once your appeal has been received, the appeal authority will advise you of the date, time and location of the appeal hearing. You will be invited to attend the appeal meeting in person to speak to your appeal. Subject to the agreement of the appeal authority, you may bring a support person or an adviser to the hearing if you wish. Also invited to attend will be the original complainant/s and the authority that made the decision you are appealing against.
After the hearing, the appeal authority will make a decision and you will be notified of that decision in writing.
The decision of the appeal authority is final.