Objection to decisions of the Examination Board

Summary
Describes what a student can do if they disagree with a decision of the examination chamber.

1. Objection

Formally, a student may not submit an objection to a decision of the examination board. He may, however, submit a request for a review (Article 27 - Request for review - of the TER). He does this through the exam committee tool.

If it concerns a Binding Negative Advice regarding the continuation of studies (BNA), the student must always lodge an appeal via the Cobex.

2. Request for review

If a student disagrees with a decision of the examination board or of an examiner, he must submit a request for a review within three working weeks after the date of the original decision. If necessary, the examination chamber will speak to all those involved and reconsider the original decision.

3. Appeal through the Cobex

If the student does not agree with the outcome of his request, he may lodge an appeal with the Cobex within six weeks of the date of the decision of the examination board. The examination board will then invite the student for an interview, during which it will be possible to discuss the student's grounds of appeal (why does the student think that the decision of the examination board on his request for review is still not correct). This interview can be held by two members of the examination board. If these new arguments of the student are not a reason for a settlement proposal, the examination board will draw up a (statement of) defence for the Cobex. The statement of defence can be based on the thorough handling of the previously submitted request for a review and the discussion that took place with the student as a result of his (notice of) appeal with the new arguments.

A hearing will then be scheduled, at which the appeal will be heard, unless the student chooses not to pursue the appeal. Invited to this hearing are the student as appellant and the examination board, referred to as respondent. In principle, the ruling will be determined within four weeks of the hearing. If the Cobex considers the appeal well-founded, it shall set aside the decision of the respondent in whole or in part. The Examination Appeals Board is not authorised to take a new decision that replaces the annulled decision. However, the Cobex may order that the case be decided afresh by the respondent, subject to any conditions it may impose. A decision of the Cobex may be appealed to the Administrative Justice Department within six calendar weeks from the date of the decision.