The Appeals Process Information

The Appeals Process

Informal Appeal:
If you are considering an appeal, you will get optimal results by starting with the instructor; properly going through the motions of the informal process can save you time and money. Remember to clearly state your case, including the reason(s) for your appeal, and what outcomes you expect.

Step 1. Contact your ProfessorTo begin discussions, set an appointment with your professor, and present your arguments in person. Keep in mind that you must contact your professor within one month of receiving your grade in order to appeal it. Try to assess your professor's position based on his/her reaction to your comments. Ask your professor if there is room for movement based upon the concerns noted in your appeal package. If you are not satisfied with your professor's position, or your professor refuses to discuss the appeal with you, move on to step 2.

Step 2. Contact the Chairperson and Dean You must now consult with the Chairperson and the Dean, respectively. Make appointments to present your case. Try not to let their titles intimidate you; chairpersons and deans deal with students on a regular basis, and they will attempt to assist you to the best of their abilities.

If you are not satisfied with the Department’s and/or Faculty’s position, or the Chairperson and Dean are unavailable, then it is time to initiate a formal appeal. Remember that your appeal must be based on solid evidence; this is not a forum to rant about the course or the professor.

Formal Appeals Process
This process starts at the Registrar’s Office and ends at the Academic Appeals Committee.

Steps:
1. Pick up the Academic Appeals Form at the Registrar’s Office.
2. Read the Student Charter of Rights and Responsibilities and Section 2 Regulation 11 in the Academic Calendar.
3. Visit your Vice President Academic at SMUSA to help you work through the form and better understand the process
4. Fill out the form and attach relevant documentation. It is recommended to put your case in writing. Information including a grade breakdown of the course along with the marks you earned, and a detailed and concrete explanation of your reason(s) for appealing, will help the Academic Appeals Committee better assess your case. Make sure you include any graded material from the class that you have.
5. Pay $30.00 fee to Financial Services and attach the receipt to the Academic Appeals Form. [If your appeal is successful you will be refunded this fee]
6. Drop the form off at the Registrar’s Office.
7. Wait to be contacted by the Secretary of Senate. He/she will invite you to meet with the committee. It may be helpful for your case to meet with the committee, but this is not completely necessary.

Tips:
1. Be clear and concise! The Academic Appeals Form will be your first opportunity to present a valid case to the Academic Appeals Committee.
2. Ensure that you comprehensively fill out the form. Make sure that you state precisely what your expectations are of the appeal process.
3. Attach a copy of the course syllabus, relevant assignments/tests, any relevant email(s) or written communication between you and the professor, and all medical documentation that relates to your case.
4. If you feel that you could better express yourself in a letter (in addition to the form) please attach a letter addressed to the Chair of the Committee.
5. Please make sure that your contact information is up to date on the form and if your email, phone, or mailing addresses change, contact the Registrar’s Office and the Senate Office immediately.
6. Know the process, and know your rights!

About the Academic Appeals Committee:

This committee is a sub-committee of the Academic Senate and is comprised of the Chair of Senate (acting chair of the committee), the Vice President Academic (SMUSA), and faculty representatives from Arts, Commerce, and Science,). The Secretary of Senate is present at meetings as the recording secretary. The committee meets regularly to deal with academic appeals. The members are committed to hearing student concerns, and working towards a fair and reasonable outcome for the parties involved in the appeal. Do not feel intimidated by this body; it is in place to ensure that student rights are protected in the classroom, by conducting a fair appeals process that adheres to the principles of natural justice.

Information on Academic Appeals can be found in the Academic Calender 2009-2010 Section 2, Regulation 11, Page 39.