Student Appeals Panel - expression of interest

The constitution of the Student Appeals Panel (SAP) is explained in Part 5.5 of University of Sydney (Student Academic Appeals) Rule 2021 and section 5.5(3) states that “At least six members of the Student Appeals Panel will be undergraduate or postgraduate Students of the University”. The role of the SAP is to provide one student member to sit on the Student Appeals Body (SAB) at hearings. SABs hear University-level appeals against academic decisions, and this provides an opportunity for student SAB members to participate in deciding the appeal outcomes of fellow students.

The appointment is for a minimum of one calendar year. SAP members can also be called upon to sit on panels similar to SABs called Student Disciplinary Appeal Committees (SDACs) to hear appeals against student misconduct findings and/or penalties. This is explained in Part 5 of the University of Sydney (Student Discipline) Rule 2016.

What student SAP members can expect

SAP members will be invited periodically throughout 2026 to voluntarily participate in SABs or SDACs. The only formal requirement to sit on an appeal hearing is that the student member is not from the same Faculty as the appellant; the appellant’s Faculty will be identified at the time of invitation.

A training session will also be provided and chaired by a solicitor either working for or commissioned by the Office of General Counsel (OGC). The training is scheduled to take place on Monday, 1 December 2025 and a duplicate session on Wednesday, 3 December 2025. Successful applicants will be notified by November with further details about the training also sent about that time.

Please note that it is mandatory to attend one session to become an SAP member and that training will be in-person only. Active members can expect to be invited to attend approximately one to five sessions in 2026. At the completion of a student’s term on the SAP, the student may request a letter noting their commitment and involvement with SAB and SDAC hearings signed by the Registrar for inclusion on their resume.

Eligibility

• At least two semesters or research periods of study completed (part-time accepted) by the end of 2025.
• Strong and consistent academic standing.
• No progression issues.
• No misconduct findings or warnings.

How to apply

To apply, please send an email to sau.appeals@sydney.edu.au with the subject 'Expression of Interest – SAP membership 2026 [surname/SID]'.

Expressions of interest are due by Sunday, 12 October 2025. Outcomes can be expected by early November. Compulsory in-person training is to be completed in early December.

Late or incomplete applications are unlikely to be considered so please ensure that all parts of your application are present and submitted on time.

Supporting documents

You need all the documents listed below when you apply:

• your CV
• your current transcript reflecting good academic standing
• a brief personal statement (less than 200 words) on why you believe that you are suited to this task
• a brief reference from an academic member of staff (on their letterhead).