Student Conduct Appeals and Procedures
Following are procedures for students who want to submit an appeal regarding a decision made in the student conduct review process, which deals with violations of the Code of Student Conduct.
Before submitting an appeal, students should read the appeals section in the Code of Student Conduct at this link.
Appeals are done through documentation only. The appointed Appeal Officer or an appointed Appeal Board, designated by the Vice President for Student Affairs, will review the information from the original conduct meeting, anything submitted through this form, and the findings of the Conduct Officer(s).
Reasons for Student Appeal
Appeals shall be limited to the following reasons:
- The student conduct process was not followed appropriately;
- Absence of sufficient information to support the findings;
- New information that comes up after the hearing but before the appeal deadline;
- Sanction(s) not appropriate based on the findings.
Documentation Required
- Clearly explain the problem and how it fits with one of the appeal reasons above;
- Provide specific information to support the reason for appealing; and
- If the student has new evidence, describe this evidence and explain how it could change the decision or outcome.
Procedures for Student Appeal
The role of the Appeal Officer is to review the appeal based on the specific grounds outlined in the Code of Student Conduct, ensuring that due process was followed, policies were appropriately applied, and that the outcome was reasonable given the evidence presented. The Appeal Officer does not conduct a new investigation but instead evaluates whether procedural errors, new evidence, or disproportionate sanctions warrant a reconsideration of the original decision. Their responsibility is to ensure fairness, consistency, and adherence to university policies and procedures in the appeals process.
An appeal cannot be submitted solely based on disagreement with the decision or failure
to participate in the initial process.
Appeals submitted by third parties, including legal representation, will not be considered
per the appeal process outlined in our Code of Student Conduct.
After Appeal is Submitted
After the appeal form is submitted, the Appeal Officer or the Appeal Board will review
whether the criteria for an appeal are met. All outcomes will remain in place until
the student receives a decision.
Appeals will be handled during normal business hours (Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. -
4:30 p.m., excluding holidays or breaks).
When a student appeal is accepted, it is forwarded to the appointed Appeal Officer or Appeal Board.
Appeal Decision
The appointed Appeal Officer or Appeal Board’s decision is final, meaning no further
appeals can be made under the process outlined in the Code of Student Conduct.
The Appeal Board will submit its decision in writing within 30 business days of receiving the appeal. If there is a foreseen delay in the outlined process, the Appeal Officer or Appeal Board will communicate this with the student via APSU email.