Appeals

Accused students and student organizations may be eligible to appeal the finding of responsibility or the outcomes assigned based on that finding. The person reported as the victim of prohibited conduct in specific circumstances, as well as staff representing the Dean of Students may also be eligible to appeal. The procedures and rules governing appeals vary for individual students and student organizations.

Student Conduct Appeal Request

The specific rules governing appeals in Student Conduct and Academic Integrity investigations are detailed in Institutional Rules on Student Services and Activities subchapter 11-800. For allegations against an individual student, the accused student, the person reported as the victim of prohibited conduct (known as the complainant) in "HOP 3-3031 Track C cases" or "Track C cases,” and staff representing the Dean of Students may appeal an administrative disposition or disciplinary decision based only on one or more of the following grounds, per Institutional Rules Subsection 11-801(d):

1. Significant procedural error inconsistent with the processes as outlined in subchapters 11-500 and 11-600.
2. Discovery of any new information unknown or not reasonably foreseeable to the accused student or the Dean of Students at the time of the hearing that was material to and could have reasonably impacted the Disciplinary Decision.
3. The sanction(s) determined by the Dean of Students, Hearing Officer, or a majority of a Student Conduct Panel are significantly disproportionate to the violation.

Student Organization Appeal Request

The specific rules governing appeals in student organization investigations are detailed in Institutional Rules on Student Services and Activities Section 6-511, found in subchapter 6-500, Disciplinary Procedures. For allegations against a student organization, the accused organization and the complainant in Track C matters may only appeal based upon one or more of the following grounds, per Institutional Rules Subsection 6-511(c):

1. Procedural Error: A procedural error or omission occurred that significantly impacted the outcome of the hearing (e.g., substantiated bias, material deviation from established procedures, etc.). Any challenge for bias must include a) what the bias was, b) how the bias manifested itself, and c) how the bias significantly impacted the outcome. A mere allegation of bias will not be sufficient to meet this ground for appeal.
2. New Evidence: New evidence is information that was unknown or unavailable during the original hearing or investigation that could substantially impact the original finding or sanction. A summary of this new evidence, how it was previously unknown or unavailable, and its potential impact must be included.
   1. If a person or Student Organization Officer refused to testify or participate in the investigation and now wishes to submit their testimony as new evidence at the appellate level, that testimony will not be considered "new evidence" under this ground. The Appellate Officer may determine if the matter will be sent back for further investigation based on this request for appeal.
3. Appeal of the Outcome(s): The Outcome(s) imposed is significantly disproportionate the violation(s) or are of such nature that the Student Organization could not reasonably complete them within the allotted timeframe.