Step Two: The Process for any of these Appeals Types

Following an initial action, the student may file an appeal. The primary documents to be reviewed are:

  • The written decision from the initial review (grade, preliminary review results, qualifying exam report, etc.);
  • The academic appeal request form (This must be submitted online to initiate the process); [link]
  • The student’s written appeal narrative and any supporting documentation submitted by the student;
  • Any written rebuttal submitted by the instructor or other parties to the

Program-level appeals are submitted to the director or associate director of the program office. Students may file a program level appeal by no later than the end of the academic term following the date of the academic action under appeal.

School-level appeals are submitted to the Office of Academic Programs and the assistant dean for student affairs using the online form. Students may file an academic program level III appeal by no later than six months following the date of the program-level appeal decision.

Written appeals should clearly state what specific charges the student wishes the panel or hearing officer to address, and provide compelling rationale as to this request. An appeal is not a rehearing of the issue; rather, it is a process to correct a perceived injustice based on the grounds for appeal. Therefore, it is vital to address and provide documented support for your case on the grounds listed. It is the burden of the appellant to make his or her case. If supporting documentation is provided, its importance should be explained in the appeal.

The appeal panel or administrative officer has the authority to recommend to the dean’s designee that the original decision be upheld or reversed, the sanctions be increased or decreased, or that the case be dismissed based on failure to provide adequate grounds.

USC Rossier School of Education appeal reviews are not open to the public. As these cases are decided based on the written submission and no oral arguments are needed, students are not permitted to attend the proceedings.

The University of Southern California maintains the privacy of student education records consistent with the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (1974). Detailed information about student’s rights can be found in the “Student Education Records” section of the SCampus Student Guidebook.

Steps