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Graduate University Dismissal Appeal Policy

A student who has been dismissed for the following reasons:

  1. failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress according to the standards for their program,
  2. conduct reasons,
  3. failure to meet program specific  grade requirements,

who then disputes the dismissal or who believes there were extenuating circumstances that 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 WCU policy or procedures were not followed by University officials. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure he or she meets the terms and conditions of the appeals process in order for the appeal to be reviewed. The process to submit an appeal is as follows:

  1. Appeals must be submitted in writing within 30 days of notification to students of decision/situation to be appealed. The Petition to Appeal form must be filled out completely and all supporting documentation/evidence must be included at the time of submission. The written appeal and associated documents are submitted to the Director of Student Affairs, who will forward them to members of the Appeals Committee. The written appeal should include:
    1. Details and description of the decision or situation being appealed
    2. Reason or basis for appeal (for example, explain the type of circumstances that contributed to the failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress)
    3. Documentation that supports the appeal (for example, documentation related to the extenuating event)
    4. Requested remedy being sought
    5. Viable student success action plan (using the Student Services Action Plan form completed by the student) showing how student will support education or behavioral situation if appeal is granted (what the student has done to eliminate those potential problems in the future)

      Failure to document the circumstances or submit a completed Petition to Appeal or Student Success Action Plan may result in a denial.

  2. The denial of an appeal by the Appeals Committee is final and may not be further appealed.