23.1 A candidate may request a review of a decision made in relation to the following matters:

1. the outcome of a request for an extension of candidature and/or scholarship;
2. a decision not to approve an upgrade from a master-by-research to a doctoral program;
3. a decision to terminate enrolment for failure to obtain approval to take leave from their studies or to suspend their candidature;
4. a decision to terminate enrolment for failure to obtain approval to conduct field or study outside of the University;
5. a decision to terminate enrolment for failure to resume candidature after an approved period of leave or a suspension of candidature;
6. a decision to terminate enrolment for failure to return to ACU after an approved period of fieldwork or study outside of the University;
7. a decision to terminate enrolment for failure to complete an annual Academic Progress Report;
8. a decision to terminate enrolment for failure to comply with any other procedural responsibilities stated in the Research and Professional Doctorate Degree Regulations; and
9. a thesis examination result awarded by the HETS.

In the case of (i), a request to review a thesis examination result may be made only on procedural grounds; that is, where a candidate’s reasons for review are that the HETS has failed to follow the procedures set out in the relevant published University regulation, rule or policy. To the extent that a request for a review concerns the assessment of the merit of the thesis it will not be considered.

The right of review against the result of a coursework unit in a research higher degree will be in accordance with the Academic Regulations.

23.2 A candidate who requests a review of a decision made in relation to a matter listed in Regulation 23.1 must do so in writing to the Manager, Graduate Research within 20 working days of notification of any decision in respect of which the request for a review is submitted. The reasons for the request must be set out in full and all supporting documentation must be included.

23.3 The Manager, Graduate Research will acknowledge the request for a review in writing and refer it to the Chair of the Research Candidate Review Committee normally within five working days of receiving it.

23.4 If a candidate’s request for a review includes allegations of misconduct of a member of staff which may be in contravention of the Staff Code of Conduct, the Chair will seek the advice of the Director, Human Resources, as to whether the matter should be considered under the Staff Code of Conduct. If a process under the Staff Code of Conduct is commenced, the Chair may suspend the review process pending the outcome of the Staff Code of Conduct process.

23.5 The Chair may request further information and/or advice from the candidate, the candidate’s Supervisors and/or Faculty Associate Dean, or any other relevant person.

23.6 The Chair will convene a meeting of the Research Candidate Review Committee to consider the request for a review, including the supporting documentation, as well as any further information and/or advice received. The Committee will comprise:

1. the Chair (nominated by the Dean of Research); and
2. two senior academic staff (nominated by the Dean of Research).

The composition of the Committee will vary depending on the Faculty in which the candidate requesting a review is enrolled.

A person who has been a decision-maker in the matter under review will not be appointed to the Committee.

The meeting may be held by telephone or other electronic means. All members of the Committee must attend for the meeting to be quorate.

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23.7 The Research Candidate Review Committee may decide to:

1. confirm or vary the decision that was originally made in relation to the matter under review; or
2. overturn the decision that was originally made in relation to the matter under review.

23.8 Normally within 10 working days of a decision of the Research Candidate Review Committee, the Chair will notify the candidate in writing of the decision, the reasons for the decision, and the circumstances under which the candidate may submit an appeal against the decision (refer Regulation 24). In the case of an international candidate whose enrolment has been terminated, the candidate will also be notified of the possible implications of the decision on their visa status.

23.9 A copy of the decision will be provided to the candidate’s Supervisors and Faculty Associate Dean Research, and any other staff members who may need to take action as a result of the decision. A copy of the decision will be held by Graduate Research in the candidate’s electronic file and, if the decision is to terminate enrolment, reported to the University Research Committee.

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