Student Appeals

Policy 1.23

Related Policies

I. REASON FOR THIS POLICY

This policy sets out consistent, impartial rules for a student’s appeal against academic and non-academic decisions for which a student does not agree. This policy applies to all prospective students and students enrolled in programs and courses offered at the University and does not limit the right of a student to seek the assistance of an external person or agency to resolve an appeal.

II. DEFINITIONS

1. Academic Appeals. May result from any action taken by the University which affects a student’s academic standing or the student’s academic status within the academic program.
2. Appeal. A request to a higher authority to change a decision previously made (e.g., denial, corrective action, grade, suspension, parking ticket, exemption decisions), typically a decision that a student believes has adverse effects.
3. Appeal Oversight Entities. Committees, groups, or individuals designated to process student appeals. Depending upon the type of appeal, the entity makes recommendations and/or final appeal decisions.
4. Extenuating Circumstances. For purposes of this policy, events that are sudden, significantly disruptive, and beyond a student’s control (e.g., bereavement for a child, sibling, spouse, or partner; shorter-term medical conditions, serious personal injury, medical condition, or health crisis).
5. Non-Academic Appeals. Result from action taken by the University involving a student for reasons of misconduct or other action not classified under academic appeals.
6. Student. Any person who is officially registered at the University during the specific academic term in which the grievance occurs.

III. STATEMENT OF POLICY

1. Conditions.
   1. For purposes of this policy, student appeals may be in one of two categories: academic appeals or non-academic appeals.
   2. The University shall apply substantive and procedural due process in all matters pertaining to the rights of students. Substantive due process addresses constitutional rights of the individual, and procedural due process is an affirmation of this protection. The University shall make every effort to resolve student appeals in an amicable and fair manner.
   3. Students may bring appeals according to the timeline established by the kind of appeal sought.
2. University Responsibilities. To provide students with a structured and safe avenue to appeal academic and non-academic decisions, the University shall be responsible for the following:
   
   1. Maintains the organizational structures needed (e.g., administrative structures, appeal committees, communications, technical supports) that ensure a timely and fair student appeals process).
   2. Responds to any student’s appeal against an academic or administrative decision in a timely manner.
   3. Does not consider appeals under these conditions:
      1. Anonymous appeals.
      2. Appeals that fail to meet the category requirements defined in this policy.
   4. Observes confidentiality throughout the appeal process.
   5. Does not victimize or discriminate against a student who lodges an appeal.
   6. Keeps records of appeals, including but not limited to, appeal documents and outcomes.
   7. Notifies the student of the appeal decision within the timeline established by the type of appeal sought.
3. Student Responsibilities. Burden of proof shall rest with the student to refute or disprove any fact or finding. To that end, a student’s responsibilities shall include the following:
   
   1. Brings appeals for actions that have finality (e.g., course grades, denial of college admission, admission to an academic program, or refusal to permit continuation in an academic program).
   2. Follows the procedures set forth in Section IV of this policy relative to the type of appeal sought.
   3. Appeals within the timeframe specified.
   4. Completes the forms and supply requested information in order for the appeal to be reviewed.
4. Types of Appeals. A student may appeal a grievance in a variety of circumstances in areas that include, but are not limited to, the following academic and non-academic appeals. [See Section IV for specific kinds of appeals.]
   1. Student Affairs Appeals. Students shall submit initial appeals about decisions made in this category to the appropriate Student Affairs office or committee through defined procedures. The VP for Student Affairs shall be the next line of appeal /exemption and be the final authority over related procedures and decisions. The University shall follow the appeal process for academic misconduct set forth by SDBOR Student Academic Misconduct 2.9.2.
   2. Academic Affairs Appeals. Students shall submit initial appeals about decisions made in this category to the appropriate Academic Affairs office or committee through defined procedures. The VP for Academic Affairs shall be the next line of appeal and be the final authority over related procedures and decisions.
   3. Business and Administrative Services Appeals. Students shall submit initial appeals about decisions made in this category to the appropriate Business and Administrative Services office or committee through defined procedures. The VP for Business and Administrative Affairs shall be the next line of appeal and be the final authority over related procedures and decisions.

Exclusions
None

Exceptions
None

IV. PROCEDURES (MAJOR)

Note: While the University develops online forms for each appeal below, current appeal processes have not changed. Each appeal below will have a link to the application at some point in the near future.

The University shall implement procedures tailored to the type of appeal requested. The kinds of appeals available to students are, but not limited to, the following:

1. Student Affairs Appeals
   1. Admission
   2. Financial Aid
   3. Housing Exemption
   4. Loss of University Scholarship
   5. Meal Plan Exemption
   6. Medical Withdrawal Request
   7. Readmission After Suspension/Expulsion
   8. Student Conduct
2. Academic Affairs Appeals
   
   1. Final Course Grade
   2. Academic Suspension
   3. Academic Integrity
   4. ADA Accommodations/Modifications
   5. Dissertation Decisions
   6. Course Cancellation
   7. Backdated Course Withdrawal
3. Business and Administrative Services Appeals
4. Athletics
   1. Team Suspension

V. RELATED DOCUMENTS, FORMS AND TOOLS

• Student Handbook
• Undergraduate Catalog
• Graduate Catalog

VI. POLICY HISTORY

Adopted: 01/11/1988

Revised: 11/02/1998

Revised: 09/04/2007

Revised: 11/17/2025