When the sanctioned student disputes the outcome of a disciplinary procedure, that student may request, through the Director of Residence Life, that an Appeal Committee review the decision. Sanctions may or may not be postponed or suspended pending the outcome of this appeal at the discretion of the Director of Residence Life. The following are not within the scope of the appeal process:
- The interpretation or judgment of University administrators regarding the meaning or implementation of the written regulations, standards, and/or policies of the University.
- The written regulations, standards, and/or policies of the University themselves.
To initiate an appeal hearing, the Appellant is to submit an Appeal Request form in writing, to the Director of Residence Life.
The following are guidelines for appeals:
A request for a hearing to consider the appeal, submitted within five (5) working days from the time the student was informed of the disciplinary decisions. A statement, which includes all of the relevant issues and evidence to be considered. Issues omitted from this statement will not be considered in the appeal hearing. A list of material witnesses, if any, and the essence of their proposed contribution to the appeal hearing. Their testimony will be limited to the specified matters.
The Director of Residence Life will then form an Appeal Committee, made up one of the remaining members of the SCC or SAJC not directly involved in the disciplinary process, along with two faculty/staff members selected by the Director of Residence Life. If no remaining members of the SCC or SAJC are available, the Director of Residence Life may select a replacement from Vanguard faculty or staff.
The Appeal Committee will, within 15 working days of the receipt of the appeal request, review and evaluate the original hearing and decision, as well as the information that the student has presented. Based on the nature of the appeal, the Appeal Committee has the discretion whether or not to call the student and/or his/her witnesses to appear before the Appeal Committee. If the student and/or the witnesses will be called, they will be notified at least two (2) days in advance of the appeal hearing date. The Appeal Committee may tape-record the appeal hearing. The Appeal Committee will issue its decision in writing to the student(s) involved within a reasonable time (usually within 10 working days) of the conclusion of the appeal process. The decision of the Appeal Committee will be final and no further appeal is possible.
It is also important to note that in respect to appeal proceedings, formal rules of evidence are not followed, and past conduct may be considered in the appeal process. No particular model of procedural process is required; however, the Appeal Committee will attempt to structure the procedure so as to facilitate a reliable determination of the truth and be fair and reasonable.
During periods other than regular semesters (summer, Christmas break), the Director of Residence Life reserves the right to alter the timing of the appeals process as necessary, due to faculty/staff/student availability.
Filing a general grievance:
Students who feel they have been unfairly dealt with in any area of the University are encouraged to contact the Student Life office (ext. 4041) for Student Life issues or the Vice President for Academic Affairs office (ext. 4011) for an issue that is academic in nature. In the event that informal procedures fail to resolve the problem the student will indicate in writing the nature of the grievance, the evidence upon which it is based, and the redress sought. The grievance can be filed on a General Petition form which can be obtained in the Student Life Office. Students who feel they have been unfairly dealt with in any area of the University are encouraged to contact the Student Life office (ext. 4041) for Student Life issues or the Vice President for Academic Affairs office (ext. 4011) for an issue that is academic in nature. In the event that informal procedures fail to resolve the problem the student will indicate in writing the nature of the grievance, the evidence upon which it is based, and the redress sought. The Vice President for Student Affairs (VPSA) will act to bring formal resolution to the stated grievance. If satisfactory action is not achieved, the appeal may be directed to the President.
