Academic issues concern your education and must be solved within the university.
The fact that our advocacy service is independent to the university is important when it comes to such issues. It means we can look at things objectively and work solely in your best interest.
It also holds the added benefit of true privacy/confidentiality – we keep your sensitive personal information out of the university system as much as possible.
Academic Advocacy
Raising a concern or making a complaint
Read the procedures on the Massey website linked below so that you understand the process.
We can assist you with all these steps and it is better that you contact us early in the process.
Know the name/number of the paper the issue lies with AND the name(s) of lecturers or tutors you have for that paper
Prepare a written summary of the issue and if possible include a rough timeline of events:
What is the issue?
Why do you think it started?
How long has it gone on for?
What solutions have you tried?
What is your desired outcome?
Prepare records of communication between yourself and those involved (eg emails with lecturer)
Prepare evidence supporting the issue/attempts to solve it (e.g. the marking sheet in question, the application for extension etc).
Request help below, and we will get in touch with you
It can really suck when you get don’t get the grades you were hoping for, especially if you have worked hard all semester.
The first thing to remember is that your grades DON’T define you and what is important is to get yourself back on track.
Some of the things you can do:
If there was something that negatively impacted on you during your exams (personal issue, unwell etc) you can apply for an aegrotat or impaired performance.
Find information on Results, Re-marks and Requesting Exam Answers.
Assessments and Exams
The 3 AI's: Artificial Intelligence, Academic Integrity & Avoiding Investigation
Learn what you can and can’t do when using AI with your course work and what to do if you are falsely accused of breaching academic integrity rules by using Chat GPT or similar.
Proposed Course Cuts Impact & Impaired Performance
Have your studies been negatively impacted by the proposal for course cuts? Wondering if you can apply for Impaired Performance?
Please watch this recording of our Advocacy team’s online seminar, and get in touch with our team if you have any further questions.
Cuts, Catastrophes, & Impaired Performance
Have your studies been negatively impacted by stress due to recent international events, or by the proposal for course cuts? Do you want to know if you can apply for an Impaired Performance?
If you missed our Impaired Performance seminar or you just want to watch it again, we have uploaded the video portion here. Please note students affected by recent international events will still need to apply for impaired performance, but the university does have a team on standby ready to provide support with this and give emotional support as needed (or just to listen!)