Complaints, appeals and conduct
A complaint about your experience and an academic appeal against a decision are different processes. Use the applicable current policy and seek advice about grounds, evidence and deadlines; this framework summary does not set all those rules.
Where to start
The framework generally expects early informal/local resolution through supervisors, School Research Degrees Leader or School Associate Dean of Research. Your Independent Panel Chair is an independent source of advice if supervision is the concern.
For serious harassment, discrimination or abuse, the framework directs students to Report and Support. Use University wellbeing/support pages to find the current route. You need not treat a serious incident as an ordinary disagreement to be handled alone.
Formal routes
- Academic appeals: Academic Appeals Regulations. School Support Services/Academic Appeals and Integrity Manager provides relevant guidance.
- Complaints: Complaints Handling Procedure, with Governance Services/Complaints and Conduct Manager guidance. Current complaints page.
- Independent student advice: Edinburgh Napier Students’ Association (ENSA).
- Conduct: Student Conduct Regulations, Academic Integrity Regulations and Research Misconduct Policy; serious cases may go to a University panel/committee.
Current-year policies are linked through Regulations, conduct and safety. Check the specific policy’s deadlines promptly; no invented general appeal period is provided here.
An appeal relating to a progress decision can affect payments: Studentships and stipends. For a contested supervision change see Changing supervisors or IPC.
Sources: Framework §1.6, pp. 8–9; Regulations D7–D8. Framework · Appeal/complaint rights.