Appeals
The appeals process is not a "re-hearing" of the original case. A student can make an appeal on several grounds:
- the evidence did not support a finding of being responsible for the policy violation;
- the sanction was too severe;
- procedures were not followed; or
- new information has become available.
It is the student's responsibility to demonstrate that an appeal should be granted based on the stated grounds. In the appeals process, the burden of responsibility is shifted to the student, while at the initial hearing level, the burden of proof is on the person making the charge or allegation. To appeal, the student must state specific grounds and supply documentation in support of his or her claim to the governing body directly above the hearing body before which the case was presented. If the governing body determines the appeal has merit, an appeal will be granted based on the grounds of the appeal. Once again, hearing bodies for the appeals process will not review the entire case.
Appeals of decisions rendered the Area Coordinator should be made to the Director of Housing and Residential Life. Appeals of decisions rendered by the SLCC should be made to the Associate Dean of Student Affairs. Appeals of decisions rendered by the Judicial Board should be made to the Dean of Student Affairs. Appeals must be submitted in writing five (5) working days after the hearing. Failure to appeal within the allotted time will render the original finding and imposed sanctions final and conclusive.
