Appeals Process

Appeals Process

Requests to reconsider actions that affect the academic status of a student, including but not limited to requirements to correct deficiencies, suspension, and plans for remediation, must be submitted, in writing with complete supporting documentation, to CASPP (Committee on Academic Standing, Progress and Promotion) within 10 business days of receipt of the action.

  1. An appeal must cite the basis of the reconsideration and provide sufficient and detailed information to support an appeal of DGSOM policy. Disagreement with the policy is not sufficient cause to request an appeal. 
  2. During the appeals process, CASPP will consider:
    1. Whether new information is available. 
    2. Whether there is any evidence of discrimination that impacted the student's ability to participate in any academic, research, or other University service, program, or activity as determined by the appropriate Institutional Office.
    3. Whether there is any evidence of a procedural error.
    4. Whether there is any evidence that the identified Academic Performance Committee (APC) acted in an arbitrary or capricious manner.
  3. If a request for appeal is denied by CASPP, the decision may be appealed to the Vice Dean for Education, in writing with complete supporting documentation, within 10 business days from the student’s notification of CASPP’s final decision.
  4. CASPP decisions may be appealed solely based on whether CASPP followed appropriate procedures in reaching its conclusions and formulating actions. If the Vice Dean for Education concludes that CASPP did not follow appropriate procedures, they will remand the matter to CASPP for reconsideration. The decision of the Vice Dean for Education is final in all matters involving fulfillment of academic, professionalism, or technical standards, and related remediation plans.
  5. If the Vice Dean for Education upholds a recommendation of CASPP to dismiss a student from DGSOM, this decision may be appealed to the Faculty Executive Committee (FEC), in writing with complete supporting documentation, within 10 business days from the student’s notification. The FEC will not reconsider the facts and statements on which the original decision was based. Appeals to the FEC may be filed solely based on: 
    1. Whether there is any evidence of discrimination that impacted the student's ability to participate in any academic, research, or other University service, program, or activity as determined by the appropriate Institutional Office.
    2. Whether there is any evidence of a procedural error in CASPP's review that prejudiced the student’s ability to receive a fair hearing.
    3. Whether there is any evidence that CASPP acted in an arbitrary or capricious manner.

Policy Responsibility and References

  1. RESPONSIBILITY
    Committee on Academic Standing, Progress, and Promotion (CASPP)
    Student Affairs Office
  2. REFERENCES
    LCME Element 9.9: Student Advancement and Appeal Process
  3. POLICY OWNER
    Student Affairs Office
  4. APPROVED BY
    Committee on Academic Standing, Progress, and Promotion (CASPP) - Pending
  5. REVIEWED BY
    Curricular Affairs Office
    Student Affairs Office
    Vice Dean for Education
  6. REVIEWED DATE and REVIEW CYCLE
    September 2026, 5-year review cycle