Author Appeals Policy

ACADEMIA International Journal for Social Sciences (AIJSS)

At AIJSS, we are committed to a fair, objective, and transparent editorial process. While our peer review procedures are designed to ensure academic quality and integrity, we acknowledge that authors may occasionally wish to contest editorial decisions. This policy outlines the formal process for submitting appeals and ensures such requests are handled ethically and consistently.

1. Valid Grounds for Appeal

Authors may submit a formal appeal if they believe:

  • The decision was influenced by a misunderstanding or misinterpretation of the manuscript’s content, methodology, or data.

  • Reviewer feedback included factual inaccuracies or misjudgments that affected the editorial outcome.

  • There is evidence of reviewer or editorial bias, conflict of interest, or procedural errors in the peer review process.

❗ Note: Appeals based solely on general disagreement with reviewer opinions—without clear justification—are unlikely to be considered.

2. Submitting an Appeal

Timeframe
Appeals must be submitted within 20 calendar days of the decision notification. Late appeals may be reviewed only under exceptional circumstances.

Submission Format
Authors should submit a formal written appeal addressed to the Editor-in-Chief via the official contact method listed on the journal website:
???? https://academia.edu.pk/index.php/Journals

The appeal letter must include:

  • A clear and concise explanation of the grounds for appeal

  • Specific references to reviewer/editorial comments in question

  • Supporting evidence, such as additional clarification or corrected data

  • (Optional) A marked-up revised manuscript and a detailed response to reviewer comments

3. Appeal Review Process

Upon receiving the appeal:

Initial Assessment
The Editor-in-Chief will review the full appeal package, including the original manuscript, reviewer reports, and editorial decision. Feedback may be requested from the original handling editor or additional members of the editorial board.

Further Evaluation (if needed)
Depending on the case, the Editor-in-Chief may:

  • Reconsult the original reviewers

  • Invite independent reviewers with no prior involvement

  • Seek advice from a neutral editorial board member or an ethics advisor

Final Decision
Based on the findings, the journal may:

  • Uphold the original rejection

  • Invite revision and resubmission

  • Accept the manuscript (with or without revisions)

The author will receive a written explanation of the final outcome.

4. Appeal Limitations

  • Only one appeal per manuscript is permitted.

  • Submitting an appeal does not guarantee a change in decision.

  • Appeals that are repetitive, baseless, or aggressive in tone will not be considered.

5. Ethical Considerations

If the appeal raises potential ethical concerns—such as reviewer bias, unreported conflicts of interest, or procedural violations—the matter will be referred to the AIJSS Ethics Committee for further investigation.

Corrective actions may include:

  • Reassigning the manuscript to a different editor or review team

  • Conducting a formal investigation in accordance with COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines

6. Communication and Timeline

  • Acknowledgment: Authors will receive confirmation of appeal receipt within 5 business days

  • Resolution Time: Appeals are typically resolved within 4–8 weeks, depending on complexity and availability of reviewers

AIJSS is dedicated to academic fairness and transparency. The appeals policy provides a structured pathway for genuine concerns to be reviewed while preserving the integrity and credibility of the peer review process.