Handbook | University Policies and Regulations | Conduct as a member of the University community

Graduate School Procedures Regarding Violations of the Picketing Code

VIII. Appeals
a. There shall be a Board of Appeals consisting of three members of the Graduate Council who did not sit on the original hearing of the case one of whom will be a graduate student and two of whom shall be a faculty member.

b. When the decision involves other than a sanction of expulsion, suspension, or deferred suspension, a student may appeal the decision by delivering a letter of appeal to the Provost within seven (7) working days of the student's receipt of the Graduate Dean's decision. The letter of appeal shall specifically allege and factually support one or more of the following grounds:

1. A procedural error or irregularity which materially affected the decision;

2. New evidence not previously available which would have materially affected the decision; or

3. The decision is unsupported by substantial evidence, i.e., evidence that a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support the decision.

c. When the decision of the Graduate Dean involves a sanction of expulsion, suspension, or deferred suspension, a student may appeal the decision by delivering a letter of appeal to the Provost.

d. If a sufficient claim is presented under one or more of the specified grounds, the Appeal Board shall request a copy of the record before the Graduate Hearing Board. Within fourteen (14) days from receipt of the record, the Appeal Board shall review the record and forward a written recommendation, which shall be included in the record, to the Graduate Dean.

e. Within fourteen (14) days from receipt of the record and recommendations from the Appeal Board, the Provost shall render a written decision in the case, or request the Board to clarify its recommendation. Upon receipt of said clarification, the official may proceed to decide the matter as specified herein. The decision of the Provost shall be final, and shall be based only on the record. A copy of the decision shall be sent to the charged student and included in the record.