13.5. Appeal of Activities Intrinsic to Acquisition of a Graduate Degree

All other appeals are addressed through the Graduate College appeal process. The burden of proof lies with the graduate student. These appeals may address dismissal from a graduate program or the Graduate College, sanctions beyond the course grade for academic misconduct or dishonesty, and degree-acquisition processes that are unique to graduate education. The processes intrinsic to graduate education include specification of degree requirements, preliminary and qualifying examinations, disquisition writing and approval, and possible dismissal from the program.

Appeals of processes intrinsic to graduate students are complicated in that there may be different levels of individuals and committees involved depending on the nature of the specific grievance. An additional complication is that for some complaints, levels prior to the Graduate Dean are advisory in nature and cannot supersede a decision of the Graduate Dean. The steps outlined below will vary in number depending on the nature of the grievance as no relevant level may be skipped. The first step begins with the person/committee most closely related to the grievance. Additional steps are added with each level of reporting above the initial level. The table below indicates which individuals/committees should be included for specific issues. If there is an issue that a student wishes to appeal that is not included in the table and is not covered by another policy and appeal process, the student should consult with the Graduate School regarding the steps to take. This consultation should be documented in writing and the resolution signed by the Graduate Dean.

Graduate Student Appeals

Topic of Grievance	Levels of Appeal	Decisions Prior to Graduate Dean are Only Advisory
Preliminary/comprehensive exam or final defense	Supervisory Committee Graduate Program Committee Dept Head/Chair Academic Dean Graduate Appeals Committee	No
Disquisition writing and approval	Supervisory Committee Graduate Program Committee Dept Head/Chair Academic Dean Graduate Appeals Committee	No
Degree requirements	Supervisory Committee Graduate Program Committee Dept Head/Chair Graduate Appeals Committee	Program Specific Requirements - No Requirements in Graduate Bulletin -Yes
Dismissal	Supervisory Committee Graduate Program Committee Dept Head/Chair Academic Dean Graduate Appeals Committee	Yes
Additional Penalties for Academic Misconduct Beyond Course Grade (Not including Suspension/Expulsion)	Supervisory Committee Graduate Program Committee Dept Head/Chair Academic Dean Graduate Appeals Committee	No
Research in which the student is involved	PI Dept Head/Chair Academic Dean Graduate Appeals Committee	No

Note. For the Supervisory Committee level, appeals should be submitted to the chair of the student’s supervisory committee (i.e., the student’s advisor). For the Graduate Program level, the appeal should be submitted to the Graduate Program Coordinator. If the program does not have a coordinator, the head or chair of the department should receive the appeal. For the Graduate Appeals Committee, the appeal should be submitted to the Graduate Dean. In each case the person receiving the appeal has the responsibility to consult with the other members of the committee or program regarding the appeal.