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Abstract: 

Within the past three years, there has been a particular uproar on college campuses related to the appeals process. Invariably, the tumult has been caused by high-level reversals of decisions. In nearly all of these cases, judicial bodies, and often the first appellate level, found students to have violated college policy, and sanctions were imposed. Upon final appeal, often to a provost, vice president, or college president, the finding was reversed, or the sanction was changed, often being reduced. For the most part, these appellate decision-makers ad only transcripts of the hearings, and were not present at the initial presentation of the evidence. In all of these cases, enraged students, faculty, and the public responded to the appearance of impropriety, heavy-handedness, or a perception of institutional desire to “CYA.” Through these cases, it has become clear that the appellate power needs to be wielded with great discretion. This article gives advice on how to better handle the appeals process and what questions should be addressed before taking action.

Keywords: FERPA;

Affiliations:  1: Editor.