OIA - Office for the Independent Adjudicator

The OIA can only review complaints about whether a University has correctly followed it’s procedures, followed its regulations and whether the outcome you have received from the University is reasonable.

Please check the guidance on the OIA website to determine whether you are eligible.

The OIA expects students to follow a university’s internal appeal or complaints procedures to their conclusion before submitting an OIA complaint. You will know when the internal procedures have concluded when you have been issued a Completion of Procedures letter by the UEA. This can be issued at different stages of the academic appeal and complaints process, depending on the circumstances.  

You can only submit a complaint to the OIA within 12 months of the date of the Completion of Procedures letter.

The OIA cannot review complaints about academic judgement and cannot directly change academic outcomes or results through their complaints process. If an OIA complaint is decided to be Justified, or Partly Justified, they will make recommendations to the University. This can include changes to policy or procedure, practical opportunities for a student to have a further assessment attempt, or an apology. 

More information about potential outcomes can be on the ‘Putting things right’ page.

We can talk through your decision to make a complaint to OIA, review your statement and evidence, and help manage your expectations about what is a reasonable outcome for the complaint. 

Please contact us if you would like to speak to an advisor.