Student Code of Conduct - Appeals

Grounds for Appeal

Appeals must be based on the issue of substantive or procedural errors which were committed during the student conduct process. The student must demonstrate that one or more of the following criteria has merit:

  1. New or newly discovered information is of a character which may substantially affect the outcome.
  2. There was a procedural error which substantially affected the outcome of the hearing.
  3. The sanction is excessively severe.

If there is adequate reason to believe that one or more of the grounds for appeal has merit, an appeal meeting may be scheduled with the appeal authority. The student’s Adviser may attend the meeting.

The appeal authority will review the appeal request and notify the student in writing if the appeal has been granted or the original decision was upheld.

The appeal decision will be final.

Failure to file an appeal or request an extension by the deadline stated in the decision letter constitutes a waiver of any right to appeal.

Appeal of Informal Student Conduct Meeting

When a student and/or student organization has accepted responsibility for violating the Student Code of Conduct as part of an informal conduct meeting, the Respondent may appeal only the educational sanction(s). In these instances, the appeal shall be in writing to the appeal authority designated in the official University letter within three (3) days of the Respondent’s receipt of the letter.

Appeal of Formal Student Conduct Hearing

Appeals shall be made to the appeal authority designated in the official University letter within three (3) days of the Respondent’s receipt of the letter. The appeal shall be in writing, stating the ground(s) for appeal. The appeal letter will be reviewed and, if there is adequate reason to believe that one or more of the grounds for appeal has merit, an appeal meeting may be scheduled. The grounds for appeal are identified under the Ground for Appeal section in the Student Code of Conduct.

In the event new information is relevant to the outcome of the decision, the Student Conduct Administrator may request a re-hearing. The appeal decision is final.

Appeal of University Student Conduct Board Hearing

Appeals should be made to the Vice President for Student Life and Development or designee within three (3) days of the Respondent’s receipt of the letter. The appeal shall be in writing, stating the ground(s) for the appeal.

The Vice-President for Student Life and Development or designee will render a decision and notify the student in writing.

In the event new information is relevant to the outcome of the decision, the Vice President for Student Life and Development or designee may request a re-hearing.

Students receiving suspension for more than nine (9) days or expulsion and who have exhausted all campus appeal procedures may request a contested case meeting before an Administrative Law Judge. This request must be submitted in writing within five (5) days of receipt of the official University letter regarding the appeal.