Appeal of University or Programmatic Dismissal (See SAP Appeals Policy for SAP Dismissal)

A student who wishes to dispute their academic dismissal or who believes extenuating circumstances affected their situation may submit a petition for appeal. Extenuating circumstances may include, but are not limited to, the death of a relative, an injury or illness of the student, or a WCU policy or procedures that may not have been properly followed by the Institution.  It is the student's responsibility who seeks an appeal to ensure he/she meets the terms and conditions of the appeals process.  

After receiving the notice of dismissal, students have thirty (30) days to submit their appeal request.  The Petition to Appeal form must be filled out entirely, and all supporting documentation/evidence must be included at the time of submission.  The written appeal and associated documents are submitted to the Campus Director of Student Affairs, who will forward them to the campus Appeals Committee members.  The written appeal and all appellate documents should include:

  1. Details and description of the decision or situation being appealed
  2. Reason or basis for the appeal (explain the type of circumstances that contributed to the dismissal)
  3. Documentation that supports the appeal (for example, documentation related to the extenuating circumstance)
  4. Requested resolution being sought
  5. A viable student success action plan (using the Student Services Action Plan form completed by the student) showing how the student will address the education or behavioral situation if appeal is granted.  The student should use care to explain what the student has done or will do to eliminate those potential issues in the future 

Failure to document the circumstances or submit a completed Petition to Appeal or Student Success Action Plan will result in denial of the appeal.  The denial by the Campus Appeals Committee is final and may not be challenged.