Appeal Process

Any student, who believes an error has been made in the adjudication of his/her case, may appeal. Appeals must be made, in writing, to the Office of Student Life within three (3) business days of the student’s hearing.

Decisions imposed by an individual hearing officer or the Community Standards Board may be appealed to the Vice President for Student Life. The Vice President for Student Life may refer the case back to an individual hearing officer for a Community Standards Conference, Community Standards Board or re-hear the case as a hearing officer. Decisions of the Vice President for Student Life are final.

Decisions imposed by the University Standards Board may be appealed to the University Standards Appeals Committee. This committee is composed of one student, one faculty member, and one administrator. The committee will determine the validity of the appeal and, when appropriate, refer the case to the Vice President for Student Life for rehearing. Appeals must be made in writing within three business days of the hearing. Students must submit a letter, outlining the grounds for appeal, presenting evidence, and attach pertinent documents supporting the appeal. Students may not appeal simply because they do not agree with the decision of the hearing officer or hearing boards.

Appeals must be based on one or both of the following grounds:

Violation of due process as outlined in the William Woods University Student Handbook.
Prejudicial error which resulted in the student being denied a fair hearing. Prejudicial error is defined as an error throughout the course of a hearing that affects the outcome of the hearing.
Appeals of suspension and dismissal will go directly to the President of the University. Any other decision or sanction by the University Standards Board will be directed to the University Appeals Committee. Decisions of the University Standards Appeals Committee are final.

Additional information regarding Community Standards may be obtained from the Office of Student Life.