An academic appeal is a process that allows a college or university to review a conclusion about your academic progress. It is used to resolve problems that emerge when students at a higher education institution express academic discontent or injustice. In most schools across the country, students have the opportunity to appeal or file a complaint. However, it suggests that complainants file an appeal only if they have evidence to support their claim.
Types of Academic Appeals
There are Several Types of academic appeals that might submit for review:
- Grade appeals;
- Probation appeals;
- Academic suspension appeals; and
- Academic dismissal appeals
- Academic Justifications for Filing a Petition
Students cannot appeal an academic judgment just because they disagree with it or are unhappy with it. For a school to follow through on their complaint, they must offer a definite cause or grounds. In most institutions, only two grounds for appeal are permissible: improper conduct and extenuating circumstances. A student must demonstrate that at least one, if not both, of these factors, apply to their situation. An Academic Appeals Lawyer protects your rights.
Improper Conduct
When school staff makes mistakes with coursework or academic rules are implemented wrongly in your situation, students can file an appeal on this basis. Mistakes made during the administration and grading of a test, attendance, an essay, or any other type of graded work are grounds for improper conduct, as is the decision to suspend or remove you from a degree program.
Extenuating Circumstances
When unexpected circumstances in their life obstruct their academic progress, students may file an appeal on this basis. It may be anything from a family member’s death to a disease that stopped you from going to school. It might deem an extenuating circumstance if this event has harmed your academic achievement.
However, before an appeal is allowed, a student must evaluate if it will validate their extenuating circumstance and provide further facts to guarantee that they are. It’s worth noting that the situation cited in an appeal must be one that the university or institution was not previously aware of. Let’s assume you’ve had a deadline pushed back owing to an illness you’ve acquired. This illness can no longer be used as the basis for a subsequent appeal.
Conclusion:
When you’ve spent tens of thousands of dollars on your education, a failed class, suspension, probation, or expulsion may be devastating. You have every right to appeal a decision made by your institution or university that you feel is unjustified.