Academic Appeals

Any student suspended or dismissed because of failure to reach the minimum GPA for his/her classification may file a written appeal and appear before the Readmissions Committee.  The written appeal must be submitted to the Office of Admissions no later than 5 days before the opening date of residence halls as listed in the University Calendar.  This deadline applies for the semester that readmission is sought. 

Once the appeal is filed, the student will be notified in writing (at the address provided by the student on the appeal form) of the time and place to appear before the Readmissions Committee.

Who should appeal?

1. A student who can present and/or provide substantial evidence of unusual mitigating or extenuating circumstances that led to academic difficulties.
    
2. A student who can present and/or provide substantial evidence of changed circumstances that would support the likelihood of the student's future academic success.

What is considered an unusual mitigating or extenuating circumstance?

• diagnosis of an illness or learning disability
   
• major automobile or other traumatic accident
   
• personal, emotional or financial issue

Who should not appeal?

An academically suspended or dismissed student without such evidence as noted above should not appeal.  Without sufficient evidence, the appeal will be denied.  Additionally, a student who fails to practice time management, misses class frequently, turns in assignments late and exhibits other irresponsible behaviors should not appeal.  This appeal process is intended to be used in situations where circumstances were beyond the student's control.

What happens if I decide to appeal?

• You need to print and complete the appeal form.  Submit it to the Office of Admissions no later than 5 days before the opening date of residence halls for the semester or term for which you want to be readmitted.
   
• Be thorough in completing the application form.  Remember you need to offer evidence for circumstances beyond your control or proof that upon your return to the classroom, you are prepared to be academically successful.
   
• Once you submit your form to the Office of Admissions, you will be notified of the date, time and location of where you are to appear before the committee.  This notification will be mailed to the address you provide on your appeal form.  Readmission Committee hearings are usually scheduled on the Monday before classes begin on Wednesday.
   
• The Readmission Committee members are primarily faculty representatives with a few staff and student members.   Each member will have a copy of your appeal to review and access to your complete UNA transcript.  If you are a transfer student, your transcript from the prior institution(s) will also be available to members.
   
• You will need to present to the Committee the following:

1. reasons why you believe you should be readmitted

2. the circumstances that led to your suspension or dismissal

3. answers to questions that Committee members may have about your academic performance and related activities.

• After the hearing, committee members will vote on your readmission.  You will need to come to the Center for Academic Advising and Retention Services (CAARS) for the letter which will inform you of the committee's decision.  For hearings conducted between 8:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., notification will be available after 2:00 p.m.  For hearings conducted between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m., notifications will be available at 5:00 p.m.
   
• If readmitted, you will be required to see an advisor in CAARS before you can register for classes and continue to meet with this advisor until a cumulative GPA of at least a 2.0 is achieved.  Readmitted students are frequently required to attend workshops, study skills sessions, obtain a tutor from the Academic Resource Center and have their professors complete progress reports.

        

          Appeals Form (Adobe PDF format)

         Appeals Form (MS Word Document)