University of New England

The university follows what is known as due process. Due process allows for fair and equitable treatment of cases brought against students. An important component of due process is the ability to file an appeal if certain conditions are met. Review the following information and the Student Handbook for a detailed explanation of the appeals process.

If the hearing officer or Judicial Board determines that you are responsible for the charge(s), you may appeal your case. Appeals may only be filed in the event of:

1. A reasonable claim of substantive miscarriage of justice.
   The finding appears to be significantly incongruent with established facts.
2. Relevant new evidence
   New, significant or relevant evidence regarding the case becomes available that could not have been discovered by a diligent respondent at the time of the review. Information is not considered new evidence if the student did not attend the original hearing or voluntarily withheld information during the original hearing.
3. Material procedural irregularities
   The specified procedural error or error in interpretation of university judicial procedures may have substantially affected the review such that the respondent was denied a fair review or the irregularity prevented the judicial officer/board from making a fair decision.
4. Imposition of an improper or excessive penalty
   The sanction appears to be significantly incongruent with the violation, given either the student's prior record or the usual action for his or her offense.

An appeal cannot be filed simply because you are unhappy with the decision.

For more information on the appeals process, please review the Student Handbook.

If I Decide to Appeal, What Do I Need to Do?

First, review the Academic and Disciplinary Appeals policy in the Student Handbook. You must then file a written request, based on the criteria outlined in the Student Handbook. For the name of the appropriate appeals hearing officer, consult with the Judicial Officer who originally heard your case.

Upon receipt of your letter, the Judicial Review Officer will make a preliminary decision to accept or reject the case based on the evidence you present in support of one or more of the appeals criteria. You will receive a letter from the Judicial Review Officer with his/her decision on your appeal request. If the request is granted, you will schedule an appointment for an Appeals Review.