Article XI – Appeals Process

Appeals must be presented in writing via electronic email by the student, specifically described to the next level of authority such as the Director of Residence Life , the Vice President for Student Success or designated authority, or the President of the University (see chart at the end of this section). An appeal is not a new conference or hearing and students may only appeal one time to the appeal authority directly above the original conference authority. It is a review of the record of the original conference or hearing. An appeal may be dismissed if not sought on proper grounds. If an appeal is upheld, the case with the procedural specifications shall be referred to the original conference authority.  Any sanction imposed as a result of a conference may remain in effect during the process of the appeal. The appeal officer has the authority to defer the imposed sanction while an appeal is in process.  In any event, sanctions may not be increased as a result of an appeal. An appeal may be sought by the student on the following grounds:

A.  On a claim of error in the conference or hearing board procedure: appeals on such grounds must be presented, specifically described, in writing within five (5) business days of the announcement of the decision.

B.  On a claim of new evidence or information material to the case which was not available at the time of the conference: Appeals on such grounds must be present, specifically described, in writing within five (5) business days of the new evidence having been discovered.

C.  A reasonable claim that the sanction imposed is disproportionate to the gravity of the misconduct or history of misconduct. Appeals on such grounds must be presented, specifically described, in writing within five (5) business days of the announcement of the decision.

The Vice President for Student Success reserves the right to assign appeals to the appropriate conference authority. The following are the University Conference and Appeal Authorities:

Conference Authority

  • Area Coordinator
  • Director of Residence Life
  • Vice President for Student Success

Appeal Authority

  • Director of Residence Life
  • Vice President for Student Success
  • President of the University