How to Submit an Appeal

Appeal Procedures

A student found responsible through the conduct process may appeal the outcome of the conduct conference by submitting a written notice of appeal within seven (7) calendar days of receiving notification of the decision. Only the student may submit an appeal on their behalf. Appeals submitted by any other party will not be considered.

• Appeals of Suspension or Dismissal: Reviewed by the Vice President of Student Affairs or his/her designee.
• Appeals of LESS than Suspension or Dismissal: Reviewed by the Dean of Student Life or his/her designee.
• All appeals should be directed to the Office of Student Conduct for administration.
• Please see the Code of Student Community Standards for more information about appeal procedures.

Criteria for Appeal:

The appeal must be filed in writing by the appeal deadline date stated in the written outcome of the conduct conference. Appeals must meet one of the following criteria:

• Failure by the Conduct Case Manager or committee to afford the student due process, or a procedural error in the conduct conference which may have been substantial enough to change the case outcome
• The discovery of substantive new evidence which was unknown to the complainant/respondent at the time of the conduct conference that could have a significant effect on the case outcome.
• The severity of the sanction (ONLY in cases that result in suspension or dismissal from the University).

Please Note: Not wanting to receive or complete an assigned sanction is NOT a valid reason for appeal.

Tips for Writing an Appeal

• If you are struggling with how to format your appeal letter, try using a business letter format. Learn more here.
• Pay attention to the deadline for your appeal. Appeals submitted after the deadline in the decision letter may not be reviewed.
• Spend some time organizing your thoughts. An appeal letter written in haste with a high level of emotion is usually less effective than one that is written clearly and in an organized fashion.
• Make sure you clearly identify what appeal criteria you are basing your appeal on. Appeals that do not cite one of of the applicable criteria may not be reviewed.
• Pay attention to grammar and spelling.
• State specifically why your situation meets your chosen criteria. Appeal decisions are based on the information you include in your letter.
• An appeal is not an opportunity for someone to rehear your case. The appeal process does not include a meeting to discuss your reasons for appealing.

Submitting Your Appeal

• Please follow the instructions at the end of your decision letter for appealing the decision.
• If you are attaching an appeal letter or other supplemental information please make sure it is formatted as a word document or pdf.