Students who wish to appeal a disciplinary action related to academic dishonesty must submit a written appeal in the form of a letter (electronic or hard copy), any other documents or evidence to support their case, and the names of any supporting witnesses to the assistant to the VPAA (acadaffairs@cotteey.edu) within three business days of the sanctions being imposed.
The appeal materials will be routed to the President or the VPAA, as appropriate. The VPAA (in cases regarding a faculty decision) or the President (in cases regarding a VPAA decision) will contact the faculty member(s)/VPAA and request relevant documents, evidence, and names of witnesses. Requested materials should be sent to the assistant to the VPAA within two business days of the request. If the student does not provide a written appeal, any other documents or evidence, and names of witnesses within three business days of sanctions being imposed, there will not be a hearing. If the faculty member(s)/VPAA do not provide relevant documents, evidence, and names of witnesses within two business days of the request from the chair, the hearing will go forward without these items.
The President or VPAA will convene an Academic Appeals Committee to consider the appeal (see "Academic Appeal Committee" for composition of the committee) and set a hearing date within three business days of receiving the written appeal and accompanying documents from the student. Invitations to the hearing will be sent via Cottey email to the student, faculty member(s)/VPAA, and any witnesses identified. The student is encouraged to attend the hearing and may be accompanied by an advocate chosen from among the college's employees. The advocate will sit with the student but may not comment on the proceedings. The faculty member(s)/VPAA who imposed the sanctions is also encouraged to attend the hearing.
The proceedings will be recorded. All aspects of this process are to be kept confidential.
The decision of the Academic Appeal Committee is final.