Student Appeal of Academic or Instructional Decisions

Students may appeal an academic or instructional decision by faculty if they deem the decision is incorrect or unfair. The appeal must be made in a timely manner in accordance with established procedures. Issues that may be appealed include, but are not limited to, assignment of grades and course requirements.

The Academic Appeal Process

Students must represent themselves in the appeal process. Students may contact their academic advisor for assistance.

The First Level of Appeals

The first step in the appeal process is for the student to contact the faculty member who made the academic or instructional decision. This contact must be initiated within 120 calendar days of the official notification date of the decision.

Supervisor Level Appeals

In the event that a satisfactory solution is not reached by the faculty member and the student, or in the event the faculty member and student are unable to address the appeal, the student may then appeal to the appropriate assistant/associate dean, program manager, or immediate instructional supervisor (hereafter referred to as supervisor).

The supervisor will review the student's appeal and make a decision based on its merits. The supervisor's investigation and decision must be concluded within 30 calendar days of the date the student appealed the decision to the supervisor. The supervisor will provide written documentation of the decision to the student and faculty member.

Supervising Dean Level Appeals

In the event the student is dissatisfied with the decision of the supervisor, a further appeal may be made to the appropriate supervising dean or designee. Such appeal must be made in writing within 30 calendar days of the date the student received notification of the results of the secondary appeal.

This formal, written appeal must contain information and documentation supporting the reason for requesting review of the initial academic or instructional decision. This written appeal should succinctly describe the issues involved, including relevant conditions, evidence, perceived inaccuracies/inequities, and other pertinent information.

The supervising dean or designee will conduct a formal review of the appeal as presented by the student, including review of relevant policy, considering information from the faculty member, and reviewing the decision of the instructional supervisor.

The formal review and decision must be completed within 30 calendar days of the dean or designee's receiving the student's written appeal. The supervising dean's decision must be communicated in writing to all involved parties within 30 calendar days. The decision of the supervising dean or designee is considered final.

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