A student may appeal an ACC decision only on specific grounds: a significant procedural error that could have affected the outcome, new evidence not previously available that could change the decision, or an inappropriate sanction. The appeal petition must clearly explain which of these grounds applies and provide supporting details.
Petition
An appeal petition must be submitted in writing to the Academic Dean within five business days of the ACC decision, or within one calendar week if the decision occurs during Finals Week or within two days of an academic calendar break. The Dean will review the petition to determine whether it meets the criteria for an appeal. If the Dean decides the petition does not meet these criteria, the original decision stands and the process ends.
Hearing Structure
If the Dean determines the appeal meets one or more of the criteria, the Dean organizes an Academic Conduct Council Appeals Board (ACC-A) to review the petition. The ACC-A Convenor and members (one faculty member and one student) must not have participated in the original ACC process. The ACC-A reviews the case and makes decisions about the level of academic concern to be recorded in the Academic Conduct File, and any appropriate institutional sanction.
Determination
ACC-A determinations are final. The ACC-A communicates the decision to the parties immediately at the close of the meeting and provides a brief written summary explaining the rationale to the Academic Dean or designee. Within three business days, the Dean sends both parties a formal statement of the decision, and the decision is recorded in the Academic Conduct File.