Cambridge University Reporter


Review of decisions of the Applications Committee of the Council: introduction of a review procedure

9 June 2008

The Council is putting forward a Grace (Grace 5, p. 862) to make formal provision for the introduction of a review procedure in relation to decisions of the Applications Committee. The Grace provides that a matter taken for review under the new procedure shall not also be reviewed under the Student Complaints procedure. The review procedure to be adopted, subject to the approval of the Grace, is set out in the remainder of this Notice.

Review of decisions of the Applications Committee of the Council: draft procedure

1. A student, or her or his Tutor with the student's consent, may seek review of a decision in relation to that student made by the Applications Committee.

2. A request for review shall be made in writing, stating the grounds of review, normally within three weeks of written notification of the Committee's decision (unless, in exceptional circumstances, the Registrary or a deputy permits a longer period).

3. The Registrary or a deputy will appoint a reviewer chosen from a panel of potential reviewers maintained by the Council. Exceptionally, a panel of three reviewers may be appointed. If so, references below to 'the reviewer' shall be construed accordingly.

4. The reviewer will consider the request submitted, will obtain an opinion if necessary from the Applications Committee, at her or his discretion will hold a hearing (but there is no obligation to hold a hearing), and will issue an adjudication in writing as soon as possible, stating findings of fact, conclusions, and, if any, recommendations, for consideration by the Applications Committee.

5. The Applications Committee shall normally accept the recommendation of the reviewer. If, exceptionally, the reviewer's recommendation is not accepted a written explanation shall be provided to the reviewer, the student, and her or his Tutor and shall be submitted to the Council.

6. The conclusion of the Applications Committee's consideration of any recommendation of a review is the normal final point of decision within the University. Any subsequent review would normally be by the national Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education, or exceptionally, if relevant, some other University review (for example by the Commissary under Statute D, V and the rules of procedure (Statutes and Ordinances, p. 104)) or under Statute K, 5.

7. A reviewer may summarily dismiss an application which seems to her or him to be vexatious or frivolous.