Attendance and engagement appeals

What is an attendance and engagement appeal?

An attendance and engagement appeal is a process that supports students to request a reconsideration of a decision to either withdraw or suspend a student, which has been made on the basis of low attendance and engagement. This procedure should be used by all students including those studying at UBIC and other Collaborative Partner Institutions.

Who can I get help from?

We strongly recommend that you contact the Students’ Union who can support you with your appeal. Their trained advisors can offer independent advice and can be contacted by emailing ubu-advice@bradford.ac.uk; or telephone 01274 233300.

The Student Circumnstances and Casework Team can also provide support to help you to understand the procedure, but they cannot support you to submit your appeal. You can contact them by emailing complaintsandappeals@bradford.ac.uk or telephone 01274 235108. 

When can I submit my appeal?

You will receive an outcome letter, informing you of the decision made to withdraw or suspend you due to attendance and engagement concerns. You can submit your appeal by completing and submitting the Attendance and Engagement Withdrawal / Suspension Appeal Form, within two weeks of receiving this letter.

What do I submit?

If you are appealing on the basis of extenuating circumstances, as well as providing evidence to support the challenging circumstances you were experiencing, you will also need to evidence why you were not able to provide this information earlier and when the decision to withdraw or suspend you was made.

How do I submit my appeal?

You will need to wait until you receive your outcome letter which confirms the decision made to withdraw or suspend you. Once you receive this letter you should submit an appeal within two weeks by completing this form - Attendance and Engagement Withdrawal / Suspension Appeal Form.

What can I do if my appeal is late?

Late appeals will not be accepted without good reason. If the appeal is late, you must explain why and provide relevant evidence to support why your appeal is late, otherwise it could be rejected for being out of time. You should provide an explanation and evidence to support your reason for delay. For example, if you were ill during the timescale to submit an appeal.

What if I am on a studying visa?

​​If you are studying on a student visa, you must declare this when completing the appeal form. Make sure you answer ‘yes’ to the question ‘Are you studying on a student visa?’. By doing so the Visa Support Team will be aware that you have submitted an appeal. Consideration may be given to delaying notifying UKVI of your withdrawal or suspension whilst your appeal is under consideration, if this is permitted under student visa sponsorship rules. You should contact the Visa Support Team for further advice.

What about attendance, progression or examination whilst my appeal is being considered?

As you are withdrawn or suspended from study, you are not permitted to attend classes, progress to the next stage of your course or take any examinations whilst your appeal is being considered.

What if I want someone else to appeal for me?

Someone else is not permitted to handle your appeal for you (for example; parents, sponsors, or employers). However, if you have a mental health issue or disability which might impinge on your ability to make an appeal, a third party may be nominated to progress the appeal on your behalf. 

You must confirm in writing that you authorise a third party to represent you by emailing complaintsandappeals@bradford.ac.uk and request a Third Party Consent Form. 

What if my appeal is upheld (is successful)?

If your appeal is upheld (is successful) you will receive an outcome letter, normally within one calendar month after we receive your appeal form. A copy will also be sent to relevant staff to inform them of the decision. At your request we can provide you with a Completion of Procedures letter.

What happens if my appeal is not upheld (is not successful)?

If your appeal is not upheld (not successful), you will receive a completion of procedures letter, normally within one calendar month after we receive your appeal form. A copy will also be sent to relevant staff to inform them of the decision. This means that the original decision will remain unchanged.