Procedures : Appeals
Student Appeals
- A student found to have violated the Code of Student Conduct has the right to appeal the original decision. The appeal is not intended to re-hear or re-argue the same case, and is limited to the specific grounds outlined below. The appeal must state the specific grounds for the appeal and should include all supporting documentation. The appeal must be postmarked or hand delivered to the appropriate appeal officer, or sent via email, as provided below, within five (5) working days after the date on which notice of the decision is sent to the student. Each student shall be limited to one appeal. The decision of the appeal officer is final.
- In cases involving charges relating to sexual harassment as defined in applicable university policy, the victim may appeal the original decision. Such charges include, but are not limited to, sexual misconduct and stalking.
- A student who has accepted responsibility (Administrative Disposition) for violating the code of student conduct waives the right to appeal, except on the basis that the disciplinary sanction is grossly disproportionate to the violation(s) committed.
- Each party shall be limited to one appeal. The decision of the appeal officer is final.
Grounds for appeal
An appeal may be based only upon one or more of the following grounds:
1. Procedural error that resulted in material harm or prejudice to the student (i.e., by preventing a fair, impartial, or proper hearing). Deviations from the designated procedures will not be a basis for sustaining an appeal unless material harm or prejudice results;
2. Discovery of substantial new evidence that was unavailable at the time of the hearing, and which reasonably could have affected the decision of the hearing body; or
3. Disciplinary sanction imposed is grossly disproportionate to the violation(s) committed, considering the relevant aggravating and/or mitigating factors.
Non-attendance by the accused student may not be the sole grounds for an appeal. Dissatisfaction with a decision is not grounds for appeal.
Appeal Procedure
1. Complete the Appeal Request Form, including signing the form.
2. If applicable, attach supporting documentation.
3. Turn in the signed form and any added documentation to Student Conduct by the deadline. Student Conduct will ensure that the appeal officer receives the appeal and the record of the case.
4. Students neither meet with nor make oral presentations to the appeal officer, except at the request of the appeal officer in order to obtain relevant information.
5. Students who do not submit their appeals by the date/time specified in their decision letter waive their opportunity to appeal.
6. Students who do not provide information concerning the basis of their appeal waive their opportunity to an appeal.
For more information on the Appellate Process, you may wish to review Section 3335-23-18 of the Code of Student Conduct.