Revised March 2, 2021

Due to the current COVID situation, all appeals will be reviewed by the Provost or their designee.  When the University returns to normal operations, full appellate boards will be resume when needed.

The Appellate Board shall consider timely appeals of decisions made by the Judicial Board pertaining to violations of the Code of Academic Responsibility. Appeals can be made during the appeal time frame only on the grounds that an error was made in the pre-hearing or hearing procedure which affected the outcome of the hearing. Plus, when there is new evidence which was not previously available. The Appellate Board shall automatically review the sanction(s) imposed in cases where the decision of the Judicial Board involves recommendation of suspension, dismissal or expulsion. When an action requires suspension, dismissal, or expulsion, students who wish to appeal the findings of the Appellate Board may submit an appeal in writing to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost.  The Appellate Board does not apply to cases heard through a hearing process or for violations of Sexual Misconduct, Relationship Violence, and Stalking.  Please see that policy for more information about the appeal process in those cases.

Membership

1. The Dean of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies or designee, who shall be Chairperson in cases of Academic Dishonesty, or the Dean of Students or designee who shall be Chairperson in all other cases.
2. One member of the faculty appointed by the Provost and not currently serving on the Judicial Board.
3. The President of the Student Government Organization or designee.
4. If a member of the Appellate Board should disqualify himself or herself from serving on the Board, or is unable to serve, the Provost of the University shall appoint a comparable replacement.

Procedures

1. The Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost or the Dean of Students shall forward a copy of the letter requesting an appeal to the members of the Appellate Board, and shall convene the members.
2. The Student Affairs Office will forward all records of the case being appealed.
3. The Appellate Board shall review the letter, the case records from the Student Affairs Office, and the grounds upon which the appeal is based, and decide whether or not sufficient grounds exist to hear the appeal.
4. The Appellate Board shall formulate its decision based upon the official records of the hearing from the Student Affairs Office and the appealing person’s written statement. If, however, the Appellate Board decides that the appeal is of such magnitude that it warrants a new hearing, it shall conduct such a hearing based upon the guidelines of the Judicial Board.
5. After reviewing an appeal, the Appellate Board may decide as follows:

• To deny the appeal, in which case the original decision shall stand/be in effect.
• To rule in favor of the appeal, in which case the original decision may be modified, reduced or dismissed.