Academic Integrity Policy Violation Decision Appeal Process
A student retains the right to appeal any decision regarding a violation of the Academic Integrity Policy. The written notification of the violation from the faculty member includes directions for proceeding with the appeal process. A written response from the student to the faculty member invokes the appeal process. If no written response is received within three business days, the initial decision is final.
Level 1: Should the student invoke the Level 1 appeal process by submitting a written appeal to the faculty member, the faculty member has three business days to review the student’s written appeal and render a decision whether to affirm or reverse the initial decision. The student or faculty member may request a meeting—either virtually or in-person—or communicate via email. Within three business days of appeal receipt, the faculty member will provide a written appeal decision to the student. If reversed, faculty grade the student work and replace the sanctioned grade with a corresponding numeric grade. If affirmed, students may further appeal to the Department Chair. If no written response is received by the Department Chair within three business days, the Level 1 appeal decision is final.
Level 2: Should the student invoke the Level 2 appeal process by submitting a written appeal to the Department Chair, the Department Chair will review the student’s written appeal and render a response—either affirming or reversing the faculty decision—to the student within three business days. If reversed, faculty grade the student work and replace the sanctioned grade with a corresponding numeric grade. If affirmed, students may further appeal to the responsible Dean. If no written response is received by the responsible Dean within three business days, the Level 2 appeal decision is final.
Level 3: Should the student invoke the Level 3 appeal process by submitting a written appeal to the responsible Dean, the responsible Dean will convene an Academic Misconduct Committee (AMC). The AMC will review documentation related to the appeal, then provide a recommendation to the responsible Dean. The responsible Dean renders a decision in writing to both the student and faculty member. If reversed, faculty grade the student work and replace the sanctioned grade with a corresponding numeric grade. If affirmed, the sanction stands. This is the final level of appeal.
Note: Some departments, such as Nursing, have other discipline-related accreditation standards which may require them to have additional approvals, steps, or timelines to the process while still being congruent with CTC’s policies. For example, Nursing will always have the Director of Nursing included in the appeal process.