Decision Review and Appeals

What this page covers:

• types of decisions that are reviewable
• types of decisions that are generally not reviewable
• the difference between review and appeal and grievance processes.

What type of decisions can be reviewed?

Students can request reviews of the following types of University decisions:

• An evaluation decision (i.e., the exercise of proficiency or successful completion judgment) in relation to their studies. For example, final course evaluations/grades, progression, classification, exclusion, termination of candidature, eligibility to earn certification, special consideration, deferred exams, and incomplete course status.
• An administrative decision (i.e., the application of policy and processes). For example, fees, admission, enrollment and attendance, termination of scholarship.

When can a student request a review or appeal a decision?

Course participants (students) and instructor candidates can request a review of a decision that they believe has a real and practical effect on their rights or otherwise disadvantages them in some way. The Student Review and Appeals Policy and Procedures apply to these situations.

Are there decisions that are generally not reviewable? 

Yes. However, the circumstances in which a decision would not be considered reviewable are narrow and include:

• preliminary or interim decisions
• decisions to institute investigations
• decisions that are not capable of review, for example, where only the opinion of an academic or professional expert will suffice
• self-executing decisions, for example, where a policy specifies that if specific criteria are met, then a particular consequence must happen
• decisions that do not adversely affect the student
• service and facility matters, for example, the availability of resources, timing and location of courses, or access to specialized facilities outside the standard operating hours
• issues of policy, procedure, or Terms of Service
• frivolous or trivial matters

Is there a difference between a review and appeal and a grievance or complaint?

Requests for reviews and appeals examine the decisions that ProACT Academy, its instructors, or instructor trainers make concerning a student’s performance. Grievances or complaints related to a situation experienced by a student that does not match the expectations established by the American Red Cross, ProACT Critical Care Academy policies, procedures, or Terms of Service. When a student seeks to review or appeal a decision, they may also have a complaint about their treatment, quality of service, or conduct of the instructional staff or other students.

It is important that:

1. the student’s complaint be dealt with under the Student Complaint Policy and
2. the student’s request for a review of a decision be submitted separately under the Review and Appeals Policy

What is the process for requesting a review or an appeal of a decision?

ProACT Academy has a three-step process for reviewing decisions.

• Step 1: Understanding the decision
  • Students must informally contact the decision maker in person or in writing (by email) to obtain an explanation of the decision, additional information about the decision, check any details, and correct any misunderstandings.
• Step 2: Reviewing the decision
  • If the matter cannot be resolved informally in Step 1, students may request a review of the decision to the relevant review officer using the Review of a Decision Form.
• Step 3: Appealing the decision
  • If, after completing Steps 1 and 2, the student is still dissatisfied with the outcome, they may appeal the outcome of the review to the relevant Appeal Body. Note that not all decisions can be appealed.

How do students request a review or appeal of a decision?

If a student has completed Step 1 (for a review) and Steps 1 and 2 (for an appeal, where available) and is still dissatisfied with the decision, they may apply for a review or appeal of the decision using the Review of a Decision Form.

What is the timeframe for requesting a review or appeal of a decision?

Unless specified otherwise in a policy, the timeframe for applying for a review is within ten (10) business days of the original decision, not including weekends.

You should be aware that during this 10-day period, students are expected also to undertake Step 1 – making contact with the initial decision maker to understand the decision. This is an essential step in gathering information on which to base your application for review.

Similarly, the timeframe for appealing a decision is within ten (10) business days of notification of the review decision unless a different timeframe is specified in a policy.