Within five (5) Business Days after delivery of the written notice of outcome, the Responding Party, as defined in the Student Conduct Code ("Code"), may submit written rationale for appeal of the determination on findings or the determination on sanction(s). In extenuating circumstances, an extension of time may be granted by the Director of Community Standards & Student Accountability. A request for an extension of time must be made in writing and approved by the Director.
The appeal must clearly state the grounds on which it is based and present specific reasons or justifications to support the appeal. Appeals will be considered if based only on the following grounds: (a) a specified procedural error(s) occurred that significantly impacted the outcome of the Hearing; (b) new information exists that was not known or could not have been known at the time of the Hearing and could substantially impact the determination on findings or sanction(s); (c) the determination on findings was not based on substantial information—that is, whether there were not sufficient facts, even if believed by the University Conduct Board or Administrative Hearing Officer, to establish that a violation(s) of the Code occurred; or (d) there is no reasonable basis for the sanction(s) or the sanction(s) is grossly disproportionate to the severity of the violation(s).
Upon receipt of the appeal, the Director or designee will promptly forward those meeting the requirements, along with the Record on Appeal, to the Vice President for Student Affairs or designee. Appeals not meeting the requirements will not be considered.
The Vice President or designee shall make a decision based upon the written appeal and the Record on Appeal. The decision may: (a) affirm the determinations on findings and sanction(s) (if applicable); (b) affirm the determination on findings and modify but not eliminate the sanction(s); or (c) remand the case to the same or a new University Conduct Board or Administrative Hearing Officer.
The Vice President or designee will deliver their decision in writing no later than ten (10) Business Days after receiving the appeal documentation. The decision of the Vice President or designee affirming the findings shall be final and conclusive, and the sanction(s) will be imposed as directed. If the case is remanded, the appropriate Conduct Procedures set forth in the Code shall apply.
Additional information regarding the appeal process can be found in Section VIII.F.3. of the Code.
