The academic appeal process is the formal due process procedure graduate students are provided if they have been dismissed for failure to maintain the required 3.0 cumulative grade-point average or fail to complete their degree program within the six-year time limit from initial enrollment. Students who have received notification from the graduate office to submit an appeal must do so in a timely manner. The appeal process can take up to 30 days before a student receives an appeal decision.
Role of the Individuals or Committee Responsible for Appeal Decisions
Following the submission of an appeal by a graduate student, the Office of Graduate Studies designated staff composes the appeal file for review. The individual (Dean of the Graduate School), or committee receives the academic file for review and renders a decision after dialoguing with personnel in the academic unit. A reasonable resolution to the students’ appeal is made. The decision is conveyed to the Office of Graduate Studies, in which a designee emails the decision and next steps to the student and academic unit.
Students should follow the details outlined in the appeal form. An incomplete appeal will not be processed. Students should email their appeal to the graduate office. There are suggested steps a student should follow to ensure a successful appeal is submitted.
- Discuss your academic situation with your academic advisor to determine the best approach to submit an appeal.
- Complete the required appeal form and check it to ensure it is complete in providing all pertinent information requested.
- The Personal Statement on the appeal form should be very detailed to explain the reason for your academic performance. Take responsibility for your academic performance rather than blame someone else.
- Be specific about your plan for success in your Personal Statement to convince the reviewer that you won’t end up in the same situation.
- You should attach any supporting documentation that will give evidence to support your case.
- Make sure the form is signed and dated.
- Email the completed appeal to the Office of Graduate Studies.
- If the appeal is approved, make sure you read the decision letter carefully and collaborate with your academic advisor.
- Respond to any questions or clarifying information requested by the appeal committee
What happens if an appeal is denied?
If an appeal is denied at Level 1, you have an option to submit a Level 2 appeal in hopes of the decision being reversed. If the decision for dismissal or other reason is upheld, then you will have exhausted the due process and will not have any other opportunities to appeal a decision.
Academic Appeal Process Level 1 Graduate Studies
An academic committee reviews the appeal and may seek input from the academic department before the final decision is rendered. Students submitting an appeal must focus on the facts or reason for dismissal or extenuating circumstances that prevented them from completing their degree. It is highly recommended that students attach any documentation that will support the appeal and the resolution you seek.
Email notifications are sent to the student and advisor once the decision has been made. If a student’s appeal is approved, the student is provided with next steps that must be adhered to. Students who are approved for six-year time limit requests are given one year from the date of the decision to complete any requirements for progression to degree completion. If a student does not adhere to the one-year extension, one final opportunity in the due process can be used to petition consideration for continuance. A Level 2 Appeal is an option and must be filed according to specific guidelines.
Academic Appeal Process Level 2 Academic Affairs
A student may appeal an unfavorable decision at Level 1. The review at this level includes the committee reviewing the Level 1 file to make an informed decision.