Fall Edition 2016 > Academic Policies and Procedures > University Dismissal > Undergraduate University Dismissal Appeal Policy

Undergraduate University Dismissal Appeal Policy

A student may be dismissed for one or more of the following reasons:

1. failure to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) according to the standards for their program;
2. for conduct reasons;
3. failure to meet program specific grade requirements. 

Note:  When an "I" grade is converted to a final course grade, a student's academic standing will be re-evaluated.  Any dismissal that may result will be effective as of the date in which the grade was finalized. 

A student who wishes to dispute his/her dismissal or who believes extenuating circumstances affected his/her situation, may submit a petition for appeal.  Extenuating circumstances may include (but are not limited to), the death of a relative, an injury or illness of the student, or a WCU policy or procedures was not followed by the institution.  It is the responsibility of the student who appeals to ensure he/she meets the terms and conditions of the appeals process in order for the appeal to be reviewed. 

Appeals must be submitted in writing within 30 days of notification to students of decision/situation to be appealed.  The Petition to Appeal form must be filled completely and all supporting documentation/evidence must be included at the time of submission.  The written appeal and associated documents are submitted to the Campus Director of Student Affairs, who will forward them to the members of the Appeals Committee.  The written appeal and all appellate documents should include:

• Details and description of the decision or situation being appealed
• Reason or basis for appeal (explain the type of circumstances that contributed to the failure to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress)
• Documentation that supports the appeal (for example, documentation related to the extenuating circumstance)
• Requested resolution being sought
• A viable student success action plan (using the Student Services Action Plan form completed by the student) showing how the student will address the education or behavioral situation if appeal is granted.  The student should use care to explain what the student had done/will do to eliminate those potential problems in the future 

Please Note:  Failure to document the circumstances or submit a completed Petition to Appeal or Student Success Action Plan will result in denial of the appeal.

The denial of an appeal by the Appeals Committee is final and may not be further appealed, although under certain circumstances may be a request that their appeal be reconsidered.