Student Handbook: Academic Appeals

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APPEAL OF UNDERGRADUATE ACADEMIC DECISIONS

General Process

An academic appeal may be made in accordance with this policy when a student believes that an academic decision (e.g., a course grade, admission to a program or major, etc.) involving that student is unfair or erroneous. It is the intent of the University that appeals should be dealt with in a timely manner and moved toward closure with appropriate balance of deliberation and speed. During the regular semesters, the appeal will normally be brought under review by the relevant party within two (2) weeks of its receipt. The process will then move forward to the final decision as rapidly as is reasonably possible. During times between regular semesters (summer, January), review of the appeal may be delayed until the relevant people are available.

Course grades and decisions regarding admission to a major must be appealed within 90 days of the posting of grades or notification to the student of a decision regarding admission to a major.

A. Appeal of Academic Decision by a Faculty Member

Step 1: Consultation with Faculty Member

In order to appeal an academic decision made by a faculty member (e.g., course grade), the student must first interact with the relevant faculty member. This interaction may be made verbally or in writing (letter or email) stating why the student disagrees with the decision. This level of interaction is likely to resolve the issue in most cases.

Step 2: Appeal to Chair of Department or Dean of School/Division

If the situation is not resolved in Step 1, the student may appeal the faculty member’s decision to the Chair of the faculty member’s department or the Dean of the School or Division in which the department resides. This appeal must be in writing and must set forth the reasons for the appeal. The Chair or Dean will contact the student and the faculty member and may seek further information or consultation regarding the merits of the appeal. The Chair’s or Dean’s decision will be provided to the student in writing.

Step 3: Appeal to Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education

If the student is not satisfied with the decision made by the Chair or Dean, the student may appeal the decision in writing to the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education. The Vice Provost will review the appeal in consultation with the School or Division Dean, contact the relevant parties and gather information pertinent to the matter. The Vice Provost may convene an advisory committee to review and make recommendations to the Vice Provost. The decision related to the appeal shall be made by the Vice Provost and is final. The Vice Provost’s decision will be provided to the student in writing.

B. Appeal of Academic Decision by a Department/Major

Step 1: Appeal to Chair of Department

In order for a student to appeal a decision made by a department or major, the student must first submit the appeal in writing to the Chair of the department setting forth the reasons for the appeal. If the original decision was made by a committee within the department, the Chair will forward the appeal to the relevant committee. The Chair or committee will contact the student to discuss the student’s concerns and the relevant departmental policies and practices. In most cases, this interaction will resolve the matter.

Step 2: Appeal to Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education

If the situation is not resolved in Step 1, the student may then appeal in writing to the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education. The Vice Provost will review the appeal in consultation with the School or Division Dean, contact the relevant parties and gather information pertinent to the matter. The Vice Provost may convene an advisory committee to review and make recommendations to the Vice Provost. The decision related to the appeal shall be made by the Vice Provost and is final. The Vice Provost’s decision will be provided to the student in writing.

C. Appeal of Academic Decision by the University

Step 1: Appeal to Registrar

In order for a student to appeal an academic decision made by the University (e.g., academic probation or dismissal), the student must submit the appeal in writing to the Registrar setting forth the reasons for the appeal. The appeal must be made within three (3) weeks of the posting of grades. In most cases, this interaction will resolve the concern.

Step 2: Appeal to Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education

If the situation is not resolved in Step 1, the student may appeal the decision to the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education. The Vice Provost will review the appeal, contact the relevant parties and gather information pertinent to the matter. The Vice Provost may convene an advisory committee to review and make recommendations to the Vice Provost. The decision related to the appeal shall be made by the Vice Provost and is final. The Vice Provost’s decision will be provided to the student in writing.