Dismissal Appeal Policy
To initiate an appeal, the student must submit a written request to the Dean (or delegate). The written request details the circumstances for the appeal, specifically the published standards that were, from the student’s perspective, not upheld, and the desired outcome.
An appeal request is reviewed by the Dean (or delegate), consulting with the student and the respective program director/chair involved with the dismissal under review, to determine whether the grading or decision procedures were fair, equitable, and consistent. Both the student and the program will be given the opportunity to submit additional documentation to support their position.
The Dean (or delegate) may also appoint an Appeals Panel to provide guidance and recommendations. An Appeals Panel is comprised of 3 to 5 faculty from the School with the expertise and experience to gather additional information, review the appeal request, and provide recommendations to the Dean. Members of an Appeals Panel must acknowledge they have no conflict of interest to serve, such as participation in the grading or evaluation of the student relevant to the appeal request. If an Appeals Panel is appointed, the panel must convene the hearing within 10 business days of the receipt of the appeals request. The student may bring one support person to the hearing, and the department chair/faculty/staff involved may also bring a support person. The support person cannot be a legal representative or lawyer and may not speak prior to or during the hearing. The names and contact information of any support person who will attend the hearing must be provided three days before the hearing. The details and agenda of the hearing will be communicated to the student at least 5 business days before the hearing convenes.
The Dean will communicate their decision in writing to the student within 5 business days of the hearing. The decision of the Dean is final.