Appeals Process

updated and approved by Academic Steering Committee Feb. 10, 2026

Figure 1 - Appeals Hierarchy

Appeals of decisions made by a Program’s review/discipline committee are first heard by the Committee for Academic Review.

Students also have the right to appeal a decision rendered by the CAR to the Graduate School Dean. In both cases, appeals must be submitted in writing (email) within fourteen (14) days after receiving notice of the decision and must specify the basis for appeal.

Appeal of CAR Decision

• Appeals are made directly to the Dean of the Graduate School.

• The Dean of the Graduate School may assign a panel of Senior Associate Deans for academic programs in the Graduate School to review the appeal. A panel member who is identified as having a conflict of interest may be replaced at the discretion of the Dean of the Graduate School.

• The appeals process will entail a review of the student's written appeal and the record from CAR to determine whether the decision was arbitrary and capricious or inconsistent with institutional policies or procedures.

• The appeals process may include requests to hear from the student or other individuals involved with the case.

• If impaneled, the Senior Associate Deans will make their recommendation to the Dean of the Graduate School.

• The Dean of the Graduate School will issue the final decision, which may uphold, modify, or overturn the CAR recommendation.

• The Dean of the Graduate School’s decision is final and binding.

• Written outcome of the appeal will be sent via email to the student, CAR and all those copied on the original CAR decision.

NOTE: Grade appeals do not utilize this process. Instead, grade appeals should follow the Graduate School Grade Appeals Process.