Submit an Appeal
Grounds for Appeal
Office of Advocacy

 

Submit an Appeal

Submit an appeal using our form.

Overview

The accused student has the right to one appeal per decision (unless otherwise noted) of student conduct findings. The purpose of an appeal is not to serve as a second hearing for the case, but rather a review of information to assess if the process provided met the standards of this Code of Student Conduct.

In conduct hearings that involve sexual misconduct or crimes of violence, the complainant, if one exists, may also appeal the conduct decision. In the case where the complainant is informed of the outcome of the matter and an appeal is submitted by the complainant or by the accused student, the other party will be informed of the appeal and provided an opportunity to submit any relevant information they want considered by the appellate authority.


Appeals Submission

All appeals other than academic appeals must be submitted electronically HERE within five (5) business days of the decision as dated in the notice of decision and must include at least one of the specific grounds listed above.  Appeals that are not submitted within five (5) business days, that do not list specific grounds, or that do not fall under one of the listed grounds will not be considered.  Academic appeals must be submitted in accordance with the procedures listed within the college or school that issued the outcome.

 

Appeal Outcomes

A final written determination on the Student’s/Student Organization’s appeal will be issued to the student within a reasonable time.  The appellate officer has the authority to:

  • Sustain the original decision, including the sanctions imposed.
  • Remand (send back) the case to the appropriate hearing body for further consideration.
  • Alter the sanction imposed by replacing, or reducing or increasing the severity of, the sanction(s).
  • Reverse part or all of the original decision and resolve the case with no additional action.

 

Appeals of Cases with Multiple Parties

In conduct hearings that involve sexual misconduct or crimes of violence, the complainant, if one exists, may appeal the conduct decision.  In the case where the complainant is informed of the outcome of the matter and an appeal is submitted by the complainant or by the accused student, the other party will be informed of the appeal and provided an opportunity to submit any relevant information they want considered by the appellate authority.  This information must be submitted within five (5) business days of notification that an appeal has been submitted.

 

Grounds for Appeal

Grounds for Appeal

The request for an appeal must include specific justification on at least one of the grounds listed below: 

  • An action or omission that occurred that was not in accordance with the procedures outlined in or referenced by this Code of Student Conduct, or was fundamentally unfair, which substantially impacted the outcome;
  • New evidence exists that was unavailable at the time of the original hearing that could substantially impact the original finding or sanction (a summary of this new evidence and its potential impact must be included); failure to participate or otherwise present available information in the original hearing does not constitute new evidence; or
  • The sanctions imposed are disproportionate given the context of the violation.     

 

Office of Advocacy

The Office of Advocacy focuses on effective conflict resolution skills that enable students to successfully voice their concerns to the appropriate party and seek resolutions.  In addition to helping with conflicts, researching and providing general assistance to students, the Office of Advocacy works to support and further the best interests of students throughout the university. We encourage all students to contact this office with any questions or disputes that involve the university.  Further, this team works with students to consult on Student Conduct processes and preparation.