If you are unhappy about an outcome of a university procedure, explore information about the type of issues you can raise under Final Review Policy and Procedure.
The Final Review process is the final stage of the University's internal procedures. If you remain dissatisfied with the outcome of an Academic Appeal, Formal Complaint, Fitness to Practise case, Student Disciplinary case, Attendance & Engagement decision, Assessment Misconduct case, or Student Visa Sponsorship decision, you may be able to request a Final Review.
A Final Review is not a re-hearing of your original case. The University will consider whether there are valid grounds to review the outcome that was previously reached.
Before submitting a Final Review Request, please read the Final Review Procedure and ensure that your case meets one or more of the grounds for review outlined below and that you have completed the relevant procedure that you are requesting a Final Review of.
What decisions can be reviewed?
You may request a Final Review following the conclusion of the following procedures:
- Academic Appeals
- Fitness to Practise
- Student Disciplinary
- Formal Complaints (for students studying at UK partner institutions)
- Attendance & Engagement
- Assessment Misconduct
- Student Visa Sponsorship decisions
Students studying at UK partner institutions may also request a Final Review after completing their partner institution's complaints procedure, where applicable.
Grounds for requesting a Final Review
You can only request a Final Review if one or more of the following grounds applies:
- The procedure was not followed correctly
You believe that the relevant procedure was not applied correctly and that this affected the outcome of your case.
- New evidence is available
You have significant new evidence that could not reasonably have been provided earlier and which may have affected the outcome. You must explain why the evidence was unavailable previously and provide supporting information where appropriate.
- The outcome was unreasonable or disproportionate
You believe that the decision reached was unreasonable or that the outcome imposed was disproportionate in the circumstances of your case.
What cannot be considered?
A Final Review is not an opportunity to simply disagree with a decision or repeat arguments that have already been considered. Requests that do not demonstrate valid grounds for review may be dismissed at the initial consideration stage.
When should you submit a Final Review Request?
You must submit your request within 14 calendar days of the date you were notified of the formal decision or outcome. Requests received after this deadline will not normally be considered.
Calendar days include weekends but exclude University closure periods such as public holidays and Christmas closure days.
How do you submit a Final Review Request?
Complete and submit the University's Final Review Request Form via the Digital Student Centre, ensuring that:
- You clearly state the grounds for review.
- You explain why you believe the grounds apply.
- You provide all relevant supporting evidence at the point of submission whenever possible.
- You include any documentation relating to the original outcome.
If you are withdrawn or don’t have access to university systems, please email finalreview@gre.ac.uk
What happens after you submit?
Initial Review
The University will conduct an initial review of your submission and will:
- Dismiss the request where insufficient evidence supports the grounds for review.
- Refer the matter back to the relevant board, panel, committee, or investigating officer for further consideration.
- Investigate the request further.
- Dismiss late submissions that fall outside the 14-day deadline.
Where, after initial consideration, the University undertakes an investigation:
The University will:
- Dismiss the Final Review Request.
- Uphold the request in full or in part and implement appropriate action.
- Refer the case back for reconsideration in light of new evidence.
- Modify a penalty in consultation with the relevant decision-maker.
- Establish a Final Review Committee to consider the case.
Where the University concludes its consideration of your request, you will be issued with a Completion of Procedures Letter.
Final Review Committee
In some cases, a Final Review Committee (FRC) may be convened which will be made up of staff independent of the case.
The Committee may either:
- Uphold the original decision; or
- Uphold your review request and recommend appropriate action.
How long will the process take?
The University will normally provide a written response within 28 calendar days of acknowledging your request. If there are delays, you will be informed and provided with an explanation.
What if you remain dissatisfied?
A Final Review represents the end of the University's internal procedures. Once you receive a Completion of Procedures Letter, you may be able to raise a complaint with the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA), information on which will be contained within the University’s letter.
Help and advice
Free independent advice and advocacy is available from the Greenwich Students’ Union at any stage of your complaint: please visit their website or reach out via the online contact form.
Faculty Student Advisors may also be able to support you in your review submission:
- Faculty of Education, Health and Human Sciences: fehhs-sa@gre.ac.uk
- Faculty of Engineering and Science: fes-studentadvice@gre.ac.uk
- Faculty of Law, Arts and Social Science: studentsupportFLAS@gre.ac.uk
- Greenwich Business School: gbs-fsa@gre.ac.uk
Faith communities appoint our University Chaplains to work at the University to care for students and staff of all religions and beliefs, and also for those who do not have a faith background. You can contact the chaplains by dropping in to one of their regular events, or by emailing them.