Students may file an academic appeal if they feel they have extenuating circumstances that have affected their ability to follow college procedure in any of the following areas:

• Appeal transfer of a “D” course
• Dropping courses during the defined drop/add period
• Withdrawing from the college during the defined withdrawal period
• Grading
• Graduation Requirement Adjustment
• Required Course Substitution
• Pre-requisite Equivalency
• Transfer of Credit Appeal
• Tuition Payment

Students must complete the Academic Policy Appeal form available in the Registration Office and attach any additional documentation that supports their request. The completed form should be returned to the Business Office. The form will be forwarded to the appropriate academic dean or the appeals committee for review. Students will be informed in writing of the decision regarding the appeal.

1. Student completes Academic Appeals form and turns into the Business Office.
   
2. Form is forwarded to Vice President of Finance and Facilities’ Administrative Assistant for review. Those not involving financial aid or a refund are immediately referred to the appropriate dean (in the division where the faculty resides).
   
3. Academic Appeals Committee review appeals. Final decisions made in Step 3 may be appealed to the President.
   
4. If the appeal involves a request to change a grade (including a “W,” or any other issue affecting a faculty member) the dean and faculty member reach a mutual decision.

If the student wishes to appeal the decision made by the appeals committee they can forward their request to the Academic Appeal Council (AAC).

Students written appeal will be provided to AAC members and affected faculty member 20 days (date to be inserted when meeting schedule set) prior to AAC meeting.

The affected faculty person submits written rebuttal for AAC and student review 10 days (date to be inserted when meeting schedule set) prior to AAC meting.

During the AAC meeting:

• Student (without faculty member present) is allowed an opening statement of up to approximately 5 minutes followed by questions and answers directed by the AAC. This is optional. If student chooses to not be present the AAC will rely solely on the written appeal.
  
• Faculty member (without student present) is allowed an opening statement of up to approximately 5 minutes followed by Q and A directed by the AAC. This is optional. If faculty member chooses to not be present the AAC will rely solely on the faculty member’s written rebuttal.

If the Academic Appeal Council is unable to reach a decision, or if the student wishes to appeal the ruling of the AAC, the appeal (The written appeal and the written rebuttal) will be forwarded to the Sr. Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs.

If the student wishes to appeal the ruling of the Sr. Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs, the appeal (the written appeal and the written rebuttal) will be forwarded to the President whose decision if final.