Student Appeals

Student appeals may be categorized as academic appeals or non-academic appeals. Academic appeals may result from any action taken by the college which affects a student’s academic standing or the student’s academic status within the academic program. Non-academic appeals result from action taken by the college involving a student for reasons of misconduct or other action not classified under academic appeals. In situations where there is a question regarding the type of appeal (academic or non-academic) the President will render a decision as to the type of appeal based on current practices in higher education.

Academic Appeals

Any student has the right of appeal on grievances resulting from any action taken by the college which affects a student’s academic standing or the student’s status within the academic program. The steps below enable students to exercise this right:

1. Students first share the grievance to the instructor(s) or staff member(s) involved. An attempt is made to resolve the matter at this level. This conference should take place within ten working days of the incident that generated the concern whenever possible.  
2. If the complaint is not resolved, students may present the grievance to the Department Head of the division.
3. If the complaint cannot be resolved at the department level, students may present their grievance to the Vice President of Curriculum who may involve the Academic Affairs Committee to make a final decision.  The decision of the Vice President of Curriculum will be final.

A student may remain enrolled in class at the discretion of the Vice President of Curriculum, in those cases regarding academic appeals, until such time as a decision is reached concerning the disposition of the student’s appeal.

A student withdrawn from the clinical portion of a health education course may not be readmitted to the clinical area during the appeals process. Should the appeal outcome favor the student, arrangements shall be made to provide the necessary clinical experience missed by the student. See Health Education Department DISMISSAL POLICY.

If a student wishes to request an appeal, he/she must do so in writing within ten school days following the notification of the action or grade. The student has ten school days between each appeal level (i.e., between Department Head and Vice President of Curriculum). In all cases, appeals beyond the departmental level must be in writing. Burden of proof shall rest with the student to refute or disprove any fact or finding.

The Vice President of Curriculum, in those cases involving academic appeals, shall have ten school days upon proper notification of appeal to make a disposition of the appeal.

If the Academic Affairs Committee is consulted, the session shall be conducted informally by the Vice President of Curriculum. Evidence may be submitted to the committe by the student and/or appropriate faculty member(s). Neither the student nor the faculty member(s) may be represented by counsel before the Academic Affairs Committee.

Grade Appeal 

Students have the right to appeal an assigned final course grade within ten (10) working days after the grades are posted on Web Advisor. Students must follow the student procedures outlined under “Academic Appeals”. 

Non-Academic Appeals

Any student has the right of appeal regarding grievances resulting from any non-academic action taken by the college. The steps below enable students to exercise this right:

1. Students should provide a written appeal of the grievance or concern to the Associate Vice President of Students Services. 
2. If students disagree with the decision of the Associate Vice President of Student Services, they may request a hearing before the Student Appeals Committee. t
3. If students disagree with the decision of the Student Appeals Committee, a written appeal may be made to the President. The decision of the President will be final. 

If a student wishes to request an appeal, he/she must do so in writing within ten school days following the notification of the perceived inappropriate action by the college and the student has ten days between each appeal level (i.e., between Associate Vice President of Student Services, Student Appeals Committee, and President). Burden of proof shall rest with the student to refute or disprove any fact or finding. 

The Associate Vice President of Student Services and the President, in those cases regarding non-academic appeals, shall each have ten school days beyond proper written notification of appeals to make a disposition of the non-academic appeal.

A student who disagrees with the decision of the Associate Vice President of Student Services may request a hearing before the Student Appeals Committee. The Student Appeals Committee shall consist of (1) Committee Chair, (2) Faculty Members, (2) Staff Members, and (1) SGA President or Officer. The request must be submitted in writing to the Associate Vice President of Student Services within 10 school days after receipt of the Associate Vice President’s decision. The Associate Vice President shall refer the matter to the Student Appeals Committee with the relevant facts and findings revealed by the Associate Vice President’s investigation. The Student Appeals Committee has 10 school days to render its recommendation on the student’s appeal.

Each student requesting an appeal of the Associate Vice President’s decision shall receive basic procedural rights such as the rights to counsel, the right to present evidence, and the right to appeal the decision of the committee to the President who will review the official record of the hearing. The request must be submitted in writing to the President within 10 school days after receipt of the committee’s decision.  The decision of the President is final and ends the appeals process.

The Associate Vice President of Student Services reserves the right to place a hold on any suspended/expelled student’s account to prevent registration.