Evaluation and Due Process
Appeal Process Following Dismissal Decision
A student may appeal a dismissal decision. A letter of appeal must be submitted to the Director of the Program and the Office of Advising and Academic Operations. Upon receipt of the appeal letter, the Director will form an appeals committee comprised of a program faculty member representative, the department chair, and the student who is appealing the decision. The student may request that he or she be accompanied by an advocate of his or her choosing. The Appeals Committee will meet with the student, review all data pertaining to the appeal. The department chair will make a determination regarding the appeal. If a decision of dismissal is upheld and if the student is not satisfied by the decision of the appeals committee, a final appeal may be made to the Dean of the School of Professional Programs, who makes a final decision regarding the appeal.
A student who makes an appeal should be prepared to appear before the appeals committee with evidence supporting his or her case not to be dismissed. Failure to attend the appeals meeting will be considered as a decision by the student to withdraw the appeal.
Appeal for Change of Grade or Significant Program Decision
Any appeal for change of grade for a particular course should first be directed to the class instructor. If the issue is not resolved in a manner satisfactory to the student, the student may appeal to the Director of the graduate program. If the student is still dissatisfied, a final appeal may be made to the Dean of the School of Professional Programs or her/his designee. The decision of the Dean is final, and no further appeal is possible. Students have the right to appeal other significant program decisions, such as the formal decision associated with candidacy review for entrance into the practicum and internship. To appeal a candidacy decision, the student must notify the department chair and the Office of Advising and Academic Operations of the appeals request. The request must be made within one week of the decision in order to facilitate the review in a timely fashion in advance of the start of practicum. The appeal process will include the representatives from the program faculty, the student and his or her advocate if desired, and the school dean, who will make the final determination on the appeal.