Academic Appeals Policy

1. Introduction

A Review of Results and an Appeal give candidates the opportunity to check that the marking and moderation processes carried out by Brussels College, and by the relevant awarding body (such as NCC Education or Northwood University), were followed correctly for a particular assessment. This process allows candidates to satisfy themselves that the result issued to them is fully justified, including the correct application of any scaling, Special Consideration, or Academic Misconduct penalty.

2. Scope and Grounds for Appeal

This policy relates to marking and moderation procedures and their application only, and not to matters of academic judgment. A change of mark will not be made simply because a candidate disagrees with the mark awarded.

Appropriate grounds for a Review of Results or Appeal include a genuine belief that:

• Documented assessment or moderation processes were not followed correctly
• An administrative or clerical error occurred in the calculation, recording, or transcription of marks
• A Special Consideration or Academic Misconduct penalty was incorrectly applied or calculated
• Procedural irregularity affected the conduct of the assessment itself

2.1 Effect on the Original Result

Where a Review of Results or Appeal reveals that the original result awarded to a candidate is higher than justified by their work, the grade awarded may be lowered as a result of the review. Where a Review or Appeal raises doubt over the marks awarded to other candidates in the same assessment, this will be investigated fully to ensure the marks issued to all affected candidates are correct.

3. Stage 1: Review of Results

4. Stage 2: Formal Appeal

4.1 How to Submit a Formal Appeal

1. Submit in Writing: Email a written Appeal to i.chiloglu@brucol.be within 10 working days of receiving the Stage 1 outcome
2. Include:
   • The result being appealed and the date it was issued
   • The specific ground(s) for appeal, as set out in Section 2
   • Any supporting evidence
   • The outcome of the Stage 1 Review of Results, if applicable
3. Acknowledgement: Confirmation of receipt will be sent within 3 working days

4.2 Investigation

The Appeal will normally be resolved, and a written outcome issued, within 20 working days of submission.

5. Possible Outcomes

Outcome	Meaning
Appeal Upheld	A procedural error is confirmed; the mark or decision is corrected accordingly
Appeal Partially Upheld	Some irregularity is found but does not materially change the overall result; process improvements are noted
Appeal Not Upheld	Documented procedures were found to have been followed correctly; the original result stands

6. External Escalation

Where a qualification is awarded by an external awarding body (for example NCC Education or Northwood University), and the candidate remains dissatisfied once Brussels College's internal Stage 1 and Stage 2 process has concluded, Brussels College will issue a Completion of Procedures letter confirming that internal avenues have been exhausted. The candidate may then refer the matter to the awarding body directly, under that body's own Enquiries and Appeals procedure.

7. Timescales

Stage	Timescale
Stage 1 Request Deadline	10 working days from result publication
Stage 1 Outcome	10 working days
Stage 2 Request Deadline	10 working days from Stage 1 outcome
Stage 2 Acknowledgement	3 working days
Stage 2 Outcome	20 working days from submission

8. Protection from Detriment

9. Record Keeping

• All Review of Results requests and Appeals, together with their outcomes, are recorded centrally by the Vice Rector's office
• Records are retained until the deadline for any further review or appeal has passed, and in any case for a minimum of one academic year
• Anonymised appeal data is reviewed periodically to identify trends in marking or moderation that require attention

10. Related Policies

• Special Considerations Policy
• Malpractice and Maladministration Policy
• Complaint Procedure
• Student Charter

11. Contact Information