PURPOSE

The academic appeal procedure is designed to offer a means to resolve disagreements related to the interpretation of academic and/or selective admissions program policies. A student may request in writing (through the Office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs) a hearing before the Academic Appeal Committee.

NOTE: Academic dismissal from the institution, based on grade point average (GPA) per the Academic Standing, Probation, Dismissal and Reinstatement Policy (#1003), may not be appealed.

If a department or program has recommended course or program dismissal, the student may continue in coursework (providing there are no threatening or security behavioral issues) until appeal processes are concluded. However, if an issue has been documented at a partnership location (e.g., clinical sites, secondary institutions, correctional or military facilities), then the student is no longer eligible to continue participation in internships, apprenticeships, and or clinical-based practice. For clinical sites, this sanction is immediate. 

The College President or the President’s designee may immediately suspend a student in the event that it is reasonably determined that a student’s continued presence on campus poses a significant danger to either the student or to others or if there is reasonable cause to believe that such an interim suspension is required to protect lives or property and to ensure the maintenance of order. (Section C. Emergency Suspension, Standards of Conduct for Students Policy)

LEVEL 1 –ACADEMIC APPEAL COMMITTEE

DOCUMENTATION OF ISSUE

Documented evidence of said policy violation must be provided by the student in regard to the academic issue (this includes correspondence, course notes, grading/testing, procedural variances, etc.).

The appeal (containing documented evidence) must be received by the Vice President of Academic Affairs' office within 10 business days after the event. The student will be notified by email at least three business days prior to the hearing with the Academic Appeal Committee. The notice will state the time, date, and place of the hearing. The hearing will be held within 10 business days of receipt of the request for appeal. If the student appeals and fails to present during a live appearance (in person or through an electronic medium) for the scheduled appeal hearing, the committee will dismiss the appeal. There will be no further opportunity for appeal. The Academic Appeal Committee is appointed by the Vice President of Academic Affairs and consists of administrators, faculty and students. Five members of the committee, selected from these three groups, with at least one member from each group, will hear the student appeal. An audio recording of the proceedings will be made.

TIMELINE

The hearing will occur within 10 business days of the appeal being received by the college. A business day is defined as a day the college is open for business. The student will be requested to appear at the hearing, each party/group shall have the right to have an advisor present (including an attorney) at the party's own expense. Although each party has the right to have an advisor present, the advisor may not speak for the student or the college.

OUTCOME

The outcome or decision will be communicated to the student, college faculty/administrators and the Vice President of Academic Affairs within 5 business days of the hearing.

LEVEL 2—INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION

The Level 2 Institutional Appeal Review is not intended to be a full re-hearing of the original appeal. A summary of NEW EVIDENCE that was unknown or unavailable during the original hearing which could substantially impact the original finding or sanction must be included in order to request an additional hearing. This evidence must be provided before the appeal date will be scheduled ONLY NEW documented evidence of said policy violation will be accepted from the student in regard to the academic issue (this includes additional correspondence, course notes, grading/testing, procedural variances, etc.) to provide causal evidence in the case.

If the decision of the Academic Appeal Committee requires further clarification by the student, the follow-up appeal (including new/unpresented evidence) must be received by the Vice President of Academic Affairs' office within 10 business days. The student will be notified by email at least three business days prior to the hearing with the Vice President of Academic Affairs. The notice will state the time, date, and place of the hearing. The hearing will be held within 10 business days of receipt of the request for appeal. If the student appeals and fails to present during a live appearance (in person or through an electronic medium) for the scheduled appeal hearing, the appeal will be dismissed. A business day is defined as a day the college is open for business. Each party shall have the right to have an advisor present (including an attorney) at the party's own expense. Although each party has the right to have an advisor present, the advisor may not speak for the student or the college.  An audio recording of the proceedings will be made. The Vice President of Academic Affairs will consult with the President about the recommended outcome before the final decision is rendered. This decision will be final.

OUTCOME 

The outcome or decision will be communicated to the student and college faculty/administrators within 5- business days of the hearing.