How do I appeal an exam result?

Let’s start simple. If you feel your mark is lower than expected or deserved, you can view your script to see where marks were gained and lost. The institute will ensure that the internal examiner (your lecturer) will be available to meet with students in regard to their marks. The institute will also let you view your script so as you can see exactly where marks were or were not awarded, under supervision of course. You cannot under any circumstances change or alter the script in any way, but it is recommended that you make your own personal notes.

After viewing your script, a student can request that an administrative recheck be done. This is not an appeal, this is simply making sure that the marks awarded have been added up correctly. This is dealt with via the Correction of Errors and Omissions Process. If your case is upheld, the mark will be officially changed on the record and the student will officially be notified of any changes.

For any student, you are allowed 10 days from the publication of results to appeal the mark. For students who view their scripts, they are allowed 10 days from the day they view the script.

There are three grounds for appeal. All three grounds have different forms and cost different amounts. If an appeal is upheld, the money will be refunded so if you feel you have a genuine case, don’t be afraid to appeal

1. Extenuating Circumstances Process

Extenuating circumstances are situations that were not known of at the time of assessment. Most importantly, submissions regarding extenuating circumstances must be submitted within 10 days of the exam. The responsibility is on the student to let these circumstances be known. If you are sick during the semester, you should submit the sick cert as soon as you get it or return to college. You may never have to refer to it again, but then at least it is on the record if exams don’t go your way and you feel your illness has affected your performance. This is also valid for any personal issues that may be affecting you. Let your Head of Department know so as that it is on the record.

The most common circumstances are sickness, bereavement and personal issues affecting your performance.

There is one other field, where by circumstances can be submitted sub rosa (in confidence). The student regulations state:

It is recognised that, in a limited number of rare and exceptional cases, evidence relating to extenuating circumstances may be considered embarrassing, sensitive or personally damaging by the student and that consequently the student may not wish to make this information known unless it is entirely necessary.

2. Procedural or administrative errors on the part of CIT in the conduct of

assessment or in the application of regulations governing assessment

This is used where there were irregularities or distractions when the exam was in process, or in regard to the way the exam was held. The official grounds for this form of appeal are that the exam was considerably different to the material taught in the duration of the course, the way in which the exam was conducted negatively affected the students performance, the student was misdirected on the format of the exam, Official CIT Exam Regulations were not adhered to fully, or that any known irregularities in the conduct of the exam were not taken into consideration by the Exams Board.

1. Error in the evaluation of material

This is more often referred to as a “Remark and Recheck”. The script is sent to the internal (the lecturer) and a second examiner, usually another member of CIT staff, to be remarked. This is done where a student feels their paper hasn’t been marked fairly or correctly, and deserved more marks for the content of their assessment. Marks can go up, down, or remain unchanged. Any change can affect the overall result.

All appeals must be received by the Registrars Office within 10 working days of the day the exam results are officially released. The responsibility lies with the student to ensure that the appeal has been received by the Registrars office. Applications must be on the appropriate form and signed by the student. Submissions can be made directly by the student to the Registrars office, by post, by fax, or as an attachment to an email. Whatever way it is submitted, it is vital to ensure that it has been received by the Registrars’ Office, and a receipt of acceptance should be collected by the student. Applications made by third parties will not be accepted.

Submitting an appeal, a student should not assume the appeal will be upheld. Students should always prepare themselves for re-sits and register for the repeat exams.

Appeal to the President

Students can challenge the findings of the Exam Appeals Board by initialling an Appeal to the President. Here, the student must show substantial grounds for appealing the Boards findings. An Appeal to the President is a very serious undertaking and should not be seen as just another appeal if the first one doesn’t work.

It is important that students know, or at least know where to find, this information. If at any stage anyone is confused or has any questions regarding appeals, feel free to contact the Education Officer in the Students’ Union or ask in the Exams Office in the Administration Building.