An appeals process is an essential safeguard for an imperfect human process that attempts very hard to be fair. The appeals process is available to each party. All appeals must be submitted in writing to the Resolution Coordinator within five (5) academic calendar days after notification of the Dean of Students’ decision to accept or modify the recommendations resulting from the hearing. Appeals must be based off one or more of the following grounds:
- Proper procedures were not followed;
- The evidence clearly does not support the finding(s);
- Sanctions/interventions are insufficient or excessive relative to the violation; and/or
- There is new evidence not reasonably available at the time of the hearing.
The appeal will be reviewed by an Appeals Board composed of one student appointed by the Central Student Government (CSG), one faculty member appointed by the Faculty Senate, and one administrator appointed by the President. Within seven (7) academic calendar days, the Appeals Board will recommend one of the following actions to the VPSL:
- Confirming the decision made through the hearing process;
- Altering the outcome;
- Striking the initial finding of responsibility and/or outcomes and remanding to the original fact-finder for further consideration with corrective instructions from the Appeals Board;
- Order a new hearing before a new fact-finder.
Within five (5) academic calendar days of receiving the recommendations from the Appeals Board, the VPSL, or their designee, may accept or modify the recommendation(s). The decision of the Appeals Officer is final. Please contact your Resolution Coordinator if you have any questions about the appeals process.
Additional Information