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What to Expect at an Appeal
Students have the right to appeal certain decisions made through the student conduct process. An appeal provides an opportunity to request a review of a finding of responsibility, an assigned sanction, or both, depending on the circumstances of the case.
An appeal is not a new hearing. The purpose of the appeal is to determine whether the original decision should be changed based on the information presented and the requirements of the Code of Student Conduct.
Students are encouraged to review Section 5.10 of the Code of Student Conduct for complete information about the appeals process.
What decisions can be appealed?
Under the Code of Student Conduct, the following decisions may be appealed:
University Hearing Decisions: Students may appeal the findings, assigned sanctions, or both following a decision by a University Hearing Officer or University Hearing Board.
Sanctions Following an Admission of Responsibility: When a student admits to a policy violation and accepts responsibility, the student may appeal the sanction imposed by the Conduct Proceedings Officer (CPO), but not the finding of responsibility.
Decisions Following Missed Meetings: When a student fails to attend two scheduled CPO meetings and a sanction of suspension or expulsion is imposed, the student may appeal the sanction.
Other Decisions: A CPO may grant an opportunity to appeal in certain circumstances, as permitted by the Code.
Some resolutions, including mutually agreed-upon settlements, are not eligible for appeal.
How do I submit an appeal?
Appeals must be submitted in writing within five (5) business days of the decision being appealed.
Your written appeal must be submitted to the Conduct Proceedings Officer and include:
Your name.
The decision you are appealing and who made that decision.
Whether you are appealing the finding of responsibility, the assigned sanction, or both.
An explanation of why you believe the decision should be changed.
The outcome or change you are requesting from the Appeals Board.
Appeals submitted after the deadline will not be considered unless an exception is granted by the University President or the President's designee.
Who serves on the Appeals Board?
The Appeals Board consists of three trained University representatives:
The Student Government Association President or designee.
The Chairperson of the Academic Senate or designee.
The Associate Vice President for Student Affairs or designee.
The Appeals Board reviews the information and arguments presented to determine whether the original decision should be changed.
What to expect during your appeal
The Appeals Board may establish procedures appropriate to the circumstances of each case. However, an appeal generally follows these steps:
Opening Statements: The Appeals Board introduces the participants, explains the procedures, and reviews the decision and sanctions being appealed.
Presentation by the Appealing Party: The individual requesting the appeal presents their position and explains why they believe the original decision should be changed.
Response from the Other Party: The other party has an opportunity to respond to the appeal and explain their position regarding the original decision.
Questions from the Appeals Board: Board members may ask questions to clarify information or better understand the arguments presented.
Deliberation: The Appeals Board reviews the information and arguments before reaching a decision.
Can I present new evidence?
An appeal is not an opportunity to present an entirely new case.
The Appeals Board considers the record of the original hearing, relevant information presented to the Board, and the arguments made during the appeal.
Additional witnesses, witness statements, or new materials may not be introduced during the appeal.
Students should focus their appeal on explaining why the original findings or sanctions should be changed based on the information already available.
Can I bring an advisor?
Yes. Students may bring an advisor of their choice, including a friend, family member, faculty or staff member, or attorney.
Your advisor may provide support and guidance but may not speak, answer questions, or present arguments on your behalf.
If your advisor is an attorney, you must notify your CPO at least two business days before the appeal hearing.
What happens after the appeal?
The Appeals Board reviews the original decision and determines whether a change is warranted.
Depending on the circumstances, the Appeals Board may:
Uphold the original decision.
Change or set aside a finding of responsibility.
Modify an assigned sanction.
Direct that a new hearing be conducted.
Provide another remedy permitted under the Code of Student Conduct.
The Appeals Board must hear the appeal within 15 business days after the written appeal is submitted to the Conduct Proceedings Officer.
Appeals Board decisions are generally final. Certain decisions involving suspension for more than one week or expulsion may be eligible for discretionary review by the Vice President of University Engagement and Student Affairs. Applications for this review must be submitted within five business days of the Appeals Board's decision.
For additional information, please review Section 5.10 of the Code of Student Conduct.
For questions about the appeals process, contact the Office of Student Conduct at 989-774-1345 or StudentConduct@cmich.edu.