Higher Degree Complaints and Appeals Regulations

Date of effect

1. These regulations are effective from 28 July 2021

Higher Degrees

2. These regulations apply to the following higher degrees:

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Doctor of Health Science (DHSc)
Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Complaints

3. A candidate for a higher degree who has a concern about supervision or any other aspect of their candidature (other than in relation to enrolment for the degree or its examination, see clause 9(d) of these regulations) is encouraged, in the first instance, to seek a resolution by raising the matter informally with a supervisor or other relevant staff member (e.g. the relevant Head of School or equivalent or Associate Dean Postgraduate or equivalent.
4. Where it has not been possible to resolve a concern informally, the candidate may make a formal complaint to the Chairperson of the Postgraduate Research Committee.
5. A complaint under clause 4 of these regulations must be made in writing and include an appropriately detailed explanation of the concern, together with supporting evidence if available.
6. The Chairperson of the Postgraduate Research Committee must consider the complaint in accordance with the principles of natural justice, and must ensure that all parties of the complaint are accorded the full benefit of those principles.
7. The process may include meetings with the complainant and/or relevant staff; where meetings are held, the parties may, if they wish, be accompanied by a support person.
8. A decision by the Chairperson of the Postgraduate Research Committee with respect to a complaint made under clause 4 of these regulations must be notified in writing to the candidate within 21 calendar days of receipt of the complaint.

Appeals

9. An applicant or candidate for a higher degree
   1. who has met the minimum requirements for admission, and for whom there is appropriate supervision available, but whose application for conditional enrolment is declined, or
   2. who has been accepted for conditional enrolment but whose subsequent application for confirmed enrolment has been declined, or
   3. who wishes to appeal a decision by the Chairperson of the Postgraduate Research Committee made under clause 8 of these regulations, or
   4. who wishes to appeal a decision by the Dean of Te Mata Kairangi School of Graduate Research or the Postgraduate Research Committee in relation to their enrolment for the degree or in relation to it examination

may appeal the decision to the Research Committee.

10. An appeal under clause 9 of these regulations must be made in writing and include a statement of the circumstances of, and grounds for, the appeal, together with supporting evidence if available, and be submitted to the Secretary to the Research Committee not more than 21 calendar days from the date of notification of the decision.
11. Where an appeal is made under clause 9 of these regulations, the Research Committee may delegate authority to hear and decide on the appeal on its behalf to a sub-committee comprising
    1. the Chairperson of the Research Committee (or nominee), and
    2. two members of the Research Committee

The Chairperson of the Research Committee must ensure that none of those considering the appeal was a party to the original decision.

12. A decision by, or on behalf of, the Research Committee on an appeal made under clause 9 of these regulations must be notified to the applicant or candidate in writing, and is final.