Appeals

Appeals

1. An accused student has the right to appeal any finding and/or sanction. The student must submit an appeal form and any supporting documentation to the Campus Appeals Committee (CAC) within ten (10) working days of the decision. The complainant, the investigator, and the Presiding Officer (if any) have the right to respond to the student’s appeal.
2. A student may appeal based on: 
   • Unsupported conclusion: The decision made by the faculty member, AIF, or University Hearing Board is not supported by the facts of the case.
   • Procedural error: The adjudication process did not conform with prescribed procedures. The error must have substantially impacted the outcome.
   • Disproportionate sanction: The sanction imposed on the student is grossly disproportionate to the severity of the violation.
   • New information: There is new information previously unavailable or unknown at the time of the initial decision. The new information must be sufficient to alter the outcome. 
3. Appeals are considered only on the basis of the written record. The CAC does not meet with any of the parties.
4. The CAC meets to consider the student’s appeal, the case file, and any statements submitted by the other parties.
5. The CAC may: 
   • Uphold the original finding and sanction
   • Overturn the original finding and sanction, in full or in part
   • Uphold the finding and modify the sanction
   • Remand the case to be re-heard (only in the case of substantial procedural error or significant new information) 
6. The student is notified in writing of the committee’s decision.
7. If the original sanction does not include suspension, expulsion, or an XF grade, the committee’s decision is final.
8. If the sanction affirmed by the CAC includes suspension, expulsion, or an XF grade, the final sanction is determined by the Chief Academic Integrity Officer (CAIO).
9. The student is notified in writing of the CAIO’s decision (if applicable).
10. The appeal process is concluded and the student’s final sanction is implemented. Sanctions are not implemented until all appeal options are exhausted. If a final course grade must be issued before the appeal process is complete, the student should receive a TZ grade.