1 Academic Appeals STUDENT TUTORIAL Academic Advising Program in the College of Arts & Sciences and the General College

2 Seeking advice Putting it all together Introduction Your decision Moving Forward Definitions What is an Academic Appeal? An academic appeal is a student request for an exception to an academic rule or policy.

3 Seeking advice Putting it all together Introduction Your decision Moving Forward Definitions Why are there academic appeals? The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is committed to helping each student reach his or her full academic potential. Students are encouraged to give thoughtful consideration to their academic and personal goals and to take responsibility for their academic choices and decisions. Nevertheless, on occasion, students’ academic performance is affected by circumstances beyond their control. The academic appeals process is designed to give students an opportunity to appeal an academic rule or policy in extraordinary circumstances.

4 Seeking advice Putting it all together Introduction Your decision Moving Forward Definitions The academic appeals process was created to help students succeed.

5 Seeking advice Putting it all together Introduction Your decision Moving Forward Definitions How do I know if I should pursue an academic appeal? There are many factors to consider when making the decision to pursue an academic appeal. First, it is important that you understand the appeals process. This tutorial is designed to provide you with this information and more to help you make the best decision for you.

6 Seeking advice Putting it all together Introduction Your decision Moving Forward Definitions Student Support As you move through this tutorial, we want you to know that the University is dedicated to your academic success. We care about you and want you to know that you are not alone. Once you've completed this tutorial, come see us in the Academic Advising Program offices. We will work with you to make this important decision. Schedule an appointment Call us:

7 Seeking advice Putting it all together Introduction Your decision Moving Forward Definitions What types of appeals are there? Academic Actions – Course drop(s) – Semester withdrawal – Waiver – Grade appeals – Non-traditional readmission Probation Requests – Probation – Continued probation

8 Seeking advice Putting it all together Introduction Your decision Moving Forward Definitions Course Drops A course drop is a request to drop a class after the semester drop deadline *. If the course drop request is approved, the grade “W” (withdrew) will replace the letter grade. A grade of “W” does not affect grade point average. * See the University Registrar's calendar for deadline datescalendar

9 Seeking advice Putting it all together Introduction Your decision Moving Forward Definitions Semester Withdrawals A semester withdrawal is a request to remove a prior regular or summer term from a student’s academic record. If approved, all courses for that semester are removed and a withdrawal designation is listed on the official transcript. The withdrawn semester is not included in the tally of cumulative hours/semesters toward graduation or cumulative grade point average.

10 Seeking advice Putting it all together Introduction Your decision Moving Forward Definitions Waivers Note: Waivers only apply to students who entered the University on or prior to May 14, A waiver is a request to return to the University from students who are academically ineligible due to inadequate hours or cumulative grade point average.

11 Seeking advice Putting it all together Introduction Your decision Moving Forward Definitions Probation Students must earn academic probation by passing at least 9 credits hours in the preceding fall or spring semester.academic probation Students who fail to do so may appeal for a semester of probation. Probation is an opportunity to get back on track. You cannot have probation in back-to-back fall or spring semesters. In most cases, students approved for probation have a cumulative GPA of at least a Students who are approved for a semester of probation will be required to complete the probation intervention during their probationary semester.probation intervention

12 Seeking advice Putting it all together Introduction Your decision Moving Forward Definitions Continued Probation In the rarest of cases, a student who has already completed a semester on probation but did not return to good academic standing may be granted one semester of continued probation. Students appealing for continued probation will have completed all the required steps of the probation intervention during the previous semester and should have at least a cumulative GPA.probation intervention For more information about academic eligibility and probation, please visit the Student Success web pages.Student Success

13 Seeking advice Putting it all together Introduction Your decision Moving Forward Definitions Grade Appeals A grade appeal is a request to change a permanent grade based on: Arithmetic or clerical error Arbitrariness, possibly including discrimination based on race, sex, religion, or national origin of the student Personal malice The request must be made no later than the last day of classes during the succeeding fall or spring semester. For more information, please see the grade appeal student form.grade appeal student form

14 Seeking advice Putting it all together Introduction Your decision Moving Forward Definitions Non Traditional Readmission A nontraditional readmission request is an appeal to return to the University from a student who is academically ineligible and who has not been enrolled at UNC-Chapel Hill or any other university as a full-time student during a regular fall or spring term in the preceding five calendar years. For more information, please see the non-traditional readmission student form.non-traditional readmission student form

15 Seeking advice Putting it all together Introduction Your decision Moving Forward Definitions Meet with an Advisor All students considering making an appeal are strongly encouraged to meet with an academic advisor by appointment or during walk-in hours.appointment Academic advisors are trained to explain the appeals process and discuss your options. You will decide whether or not to appeal and what to appeal for.

16 Seeking advice Putting it all together Introduction Your decision Moving Forward Definitions Putting it all together Should you decide to pursue an appeal, you will need to complete the appropriate form. If your appeal is for a course drop, semester withdrawal, waiver, probation, or continued probation, you will need to complete the Academic Appeal student form. Academic Appeal If you are submitting a grade appeal, you will need to complete the Grade Appeal student form. Grade Appeal If you are applying for non-traditional readmission, you will need to complete the Non-traditional Readmission student form.Non-traditional Readmission

17 Seeking advice Putting it all together Introduction Your decision Moving Forward Definitions Writing your statement Strong appeals will answer the following questions in detail: What factors beyond your control contributed to your academic situation? What is the link between those factors beyond your control and your academic performance? How did you address your academic situation at the time? How are things different now? What action steps will you take to prevent this from happening again?

18 Seeking advice Putting it all together Introduction Your decision Moving Forward Definitions Supporting Documentation Your appeal may be more compelling with supporting documentation. When appropriate, documents you may wish to include are: Communications between you and the instructor Letter of support from instructors Letter from a medical professional Death certificate, obituary, or funeral program Course syllabus or grade progression Legal summons Documentation of relevant medical issues is also important. Medical documentation is handled differently from other components of your appeal. Continue on for more information.

19 Seeking advice Putting it all together Introduction Your decision Moving Forward Definitions About Medical Documentation I f your request is for medical reasons of a physical nature, you should bring a copy of your statement along with any additional medical documentation to the administrative offices of Campus Health Services (CHS). If your request is for psychological reasons and you were seen by Counseling and Wellness Services on campus or if you were seen by a professional outside of the UNC system, please have your provider fill out the “Provider Information” section on the final page of the appeal form. The provider may attach a separate comments page if necessary. Please follow the directions for submitting provider information included on the form.Campus Health Services If you are unable to submit documentation to CHS, you may submit alternative documentation with your appeal, such as a letter from your health care provider.

20 Seeking advice Putting it all together Introduction Your decision Moving Forward Definitions Agreements It is required that you initial agreements on the student academic appeals form. By signing the agreements section of the form, you understand: Submitting this form does not guarantee that your appeal will be granted. Appeals are only granted in extraordinary circumstances. (For current semester drops, only) You should continue to attend class as well as complete all coursework until you are officially notified of a decision.

21 Seeking advice Putting it all together Introduction Your decision Moving Forward Definitions Helpful Tips Before submitting an appeal: Give due consideration to whether or not an appeal is the best option for you at this time Consult an academic advisor Allow time for the situation to resolve Provide a concise and factual account of your circumstances Demonstrate your use of academic, campus, and other resources Recognize that we all operate under the UNC Honor System

22 Seeking advice Putting it all together Introduction Your decision Moving Forward Definitions Your Decision Your academic advisor is here to provide guidance on the appeals process and additional options. However, you are ultimately responsible for the decision to appeal. Your advisor cannot tell you what to do.

23 Seeking advice Putting it all together Introduction Your decision Moving Forward Definitions Submitting Appeals Appeals are heard on a weekly basis. Check the Academic Advising website and the Student Success website for appeals deadlines (which can be as early as August 2 for fall semesters and January 2 for spring semesters).Academic Advising Student Success Only complete appeals will be reviewed.

24 Seeking advice Putting it all together Introduction Your decision Moving Forward Definitions When will I receive a decision? Generally, students will receive an appeals decision via their UNC account within two weeks of submitting the complete appeal.

25 Seeking advice Putting it all together Introduction Your decision Moving Forward Definitions What do I do after I receive my appeal decision? The decision of the appeals committee is final. If you have a question about your decision, you are encouraged to talk to your academic advisor. Consult with your academic advisor to discuss moving forward with your academic plan. Follow the appeals committee’s recommendations as stated in your decision letter.

26 Seeking advice Putting it all together Introduction Your decision Moving Forward Definitions What if my appeal is denied? We understand that receiving a decision of denied can be difficult. Try not to be discouraged. Please come in and talk to us. We are here to help.

27 Seeking advice Putting it all together Introduction Your decision Moving Forward Definitions You have completed the Academic Appeals Tutorial. We look forward to partnering with you on your academic success.