Appeals Form
Appeals
This policy relates to QQI accredited programmes only. Learners are entitled to appeal any assessment process or assessment result. It is QQI’s Policy that appeals should be considered by the provider in two contexts.
Firstly, by the provider (Local Appeals Process) and secondly, to QQI (National Appeals Process). In any case where a Learner feels disadvantaged by the local Appeals Process they may appeal the provider’s process to QQI but not the assessment decision itself.
Appeals Form
Appeals to The Open College can be submitted in writing using The Open College Learners Appeals Form. Please click here for the Online QQI Appeals Form.
Phase 1 – The Open College Appeals Procedures (Local Appeals Process):
The following procedures are in accordance with all The Open College Quality Policies.
These procedures are subject to modification by the Academic Manager for The Open College for updating or improvement purposes. Learners who wish to appeal a provisional or final assessment score may do so in accordance with Stages (1-3) as below:
Stage 1: A review of the provisional module score by the module tutor
If any learner wishes to proceed with Stage (1) which involves a recheck of all assessment evidence (provisional results only) by the relevant module tutor, they can do so by submitting their request in writing via the template provided no later than 10 days after the original provisional score has been communicated to them. After this 10-day period has lapsed Stage (1) and subsequently Stage (2) of the appeals request can no longer be considered.
The written request must outline clearly the reasons for the request with reference to where any learner feels that marks have been lost or where it is felt that a submission has been marked unfairly. Please note that any ‘recheck requests’ will not be considered unless the reason for the recheck is clearly justified. All applications will be reviewed by the Academic Manager and learners will be notified of the outcome of their request in writing by the college within 4 weeks.
Stage 2: A review of the assessment evidence during the external authentication process
Pending the outcome of stage (1) all assessment evidence will also undergo a recheck of the learner evidence and marking documentation by the appointed External Authenticator(EA) during the external review process.
Learner evidence will be reviewed outside of the colleges’ sampling policy for the review of learner scripts. Feedback will be sought from the nominated EA as to determine an independent evaluation regarding the assessment score in line with the evidence presented. The academic manager will communicate final scores and feedback pending the outcome of Stage (2) to all learners. It is important to recognise that assessment scores may increase or decrease during this process which will be considered for review by the Results Board prior to submitting final results to QQI.
From here, and if it is deemed necessary, learners will be invited to proceed with stage (3) of the process which involves a re-check of all learner evidence, marking documentation and additional feedback emerging from stages (1) and (2) of the appeals process by an independently appointed subject matter expert.
The Academic Manger will inform learners (by email) of this process. Each learner will have 14 days to submit their request for an appeal under the terms of Stage (3) and any requests received outside of this time will not be considered. Additional fees are applicable for this stage of the appeals process and as with Stage (1), all requests must be submitted in writing to the college clearly outlining the reasons leading to this Stage (3).
The independently appointed subject matter expert will compile a report of their findings and the outcome will be communicated in writing to the learner within 4 weeks. In both instances Stage (1) and Stage (3) it is essential that learners present a clear argument justifying the reason(s) surrounding the nature of their request, otherwise applications cannot be considered.
Phase 2 – QQI Appeals Procedures (National Appeals Process):
The QQI Appeals Procedure is a formal process that involves two stages. Following the submission of the Learners Appeals Submission Form including a €10.00 QQI Appeals Fee, the appeal will be made to QQI by The Open College on behalf of the Learner.
Appeals may be made to QQI within 6 months from receipt of notification to provider and within 1 year of receipt of certification.
Stage 1: Internal QQI Review – At this stage QQI may require further evidence from a Learner in relation to the appeal.
Stage 2: Appeals Review Panel – Appointed to determine that the Learner has been treated fairly and that due process has been followed by the provider. The Panel may request to meet the Learner, who may be accompanied if required.
The outcome of the National Appeals Process will not alter a Learners grade however recommendations may be made to the provider for amendments to assessment processes.
Should you wish to discuss this process further you can contact us below at:
The Learning Centre,
Leopardstown Business Centre,
Ballyogan Road,
Leopardstown,
Dublin 18.
Email: info@theopencollege.com
Tel: + 353 (1) 206 1828 or 01 206 1829 – Our advice lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am – 5.30pm.