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Student Academic Appeals
As a La Sierra student, you have the right to appeal any academic decision made about you (except decisions made by the Academic Integrity Committee). It’s tempting to make that appeal directly to the Provost or the President. But La Sierra has developed an Appeal Process that ensures your appeal is reviewed by people who are knowledgeable with your situation and academic decision-making. For complete details, download this excerpt from the Undergraduate Bulletin.
This page provides information on:
- What is an academic decision?
- What are the appeal criteria?
- How do I appeal a decision initially made by a faculty member or department (such as a grade in a class)?
- How do I appeal a decision initially made by a dean? (a Provost Appeal)
WHAT IS AN ACADEMIC DECISION?
Examples of academic decisions include:
- A grade on an assignment or course
- Academic standing
- Eligibility to participate in an academic program
- Eligibility to receive an academic honor or degree
- Denial of an academic variance petition
WHAT ARE THE APPEAL CRITERIA?
To successfully appeal an academic decision, you must show at least one of the following:
- That the decision rests on an inaccurate factual claim
- That the decision rests on a misinterpretation of a university policy
- That the decision rests on an inconsistent application of university policy, or
- That the decision flows appropriately from a general university policy, but there is a good reason to grant an exception
HOW DO I APPEAL A DECISION INITIALLY MADE BY A FACULTY MEMBER OR DEPARTMENT (such as a grade in a class)?
Follow a 3-step process.
Within 3 weeks of the academic decision, talk in person (or via Zoom, phone or email) about your concern with the faculty member; this is your best chance of convincing the faculty member to make a change.
Do not skip Step 1!
Since the faculty member is in the best position to understand your situation and to grant your request, consider carefully whether you wish to continue the appeal process if your request isn’t granted. If you do wish to continue, go on to Step 2.
Within 3 weeks of your discussion with the instructor, submit a written appeal to the chair of the faculty member’s department. (The University website indicates chairs of department, or inquire with the Dean’s Office.)
Your written appeal should:
- State clearly what change you would like to see
- Indicate which Appeal Criteria applies to your situation (see the list above)
- Provide clear and accurate details
- Focus on the facts
- Provide copies of documents, email messages, etc. that support your request
Most students write their appeal via email.
The department chair may wish to speak with you in person about the situation, and will very likely talk with the instructor. The chair will have 3 weeks to respond to you in writing.
If both the instructor and the department chair have denied your appeal, your chances of success are steadily decreasing. If you wish to continue the appeal process, go on to step 3.
Within 3 weeks of receiving the department chair’s decision, submit a written appeal to the dean of the college or school that oversees the department to which you appealed in Step 2. Most students submit the same message and supporting documents as in Step 3, but you can add additional information or respond to the department chair’s denial.
The Dean may wish to speak with you about your situation, and will likely speak with the department chair and the instructor. Alternatively, the Dean may ask a panel of 3 faculty to review your appeal. The Dean will have 3 weeks to respond to you in writing (longer if a panel is convened).
The Dean’s decision is FINAL. This means there is no additional appeal to the Provost or President.
HOW DO I APPEAL A DECISION INITIALLY MADE BY A DEAN (such as not appearing on the Dean’s List)?
Follow a 2-step process.
Within 3 weeks of the academic decision, talk in person (or via Zoom, phone or email) about your concern with the dean; this is your best chance of convincing the dean to make a change.
If the dean denies your appeal, you may go on to Step 2.
Within 3 weeks of your discussion with the Dean, submit a written appeal to the Provost using the Provost Appeal form (see the appeal form link in the left menu).
Your written appeal should:
- State clearly what change you would like to see
- Indicate which Appeal Criteria applies to your situation (see the list above)
- Provide clear and accurate details
- Focus on the facts
- Provide copies of documents, email messages, etc. that support your request
The Provost may wish to speak with you in person about the situation, and will very likely talk with the dean. Alternatively, the Provost may ask a panel of 3 faculty to review your appeal. The Provost will have 3 weeks to respond to you in writing (longer if a panel is convened).
The Provost’s decision is FINAL. There is no additional appeal to the President.
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