Body
Issue/Question
I don’t agree with the outcome of my conduct hearing. Can I appeal their decision?
Environment
- Office of the Student Code of Conduct
- Student Code of Conduct
- Rights and Responsibilities
- BHSU Residence Life
Cause
You received the decision (outcome letter) of your conduct hearing, and you do not agree with the findings or the sanctions the chair, hearing panel, or Senior Student Affairs Officer decided on. You would like that decision to be reevaluated.
Resolution
A student can appeal any decision made during or after their Informal or Formal hearing process has concluded. The appeals process is discussed in the SDBOR Student Code of Conduct, Item 3.7, starting on page 28.
Appeals can only be made on the following four (4) reasons:
- The original hearing was conducted unfairly to the point that it substantially and materially affected the outcome;
- Using the facts found by the Chair, the conclusion regarding whether there was a violation(s) of the Student Code was incorrect;
- The conduct sanction(s) imposed were not appropriate for the violation of the student Code that the respondent was found to have committed; and/or
- New information that was unavailable at the time of the hearing has been discovered and could substantially and materially affect the outcome.
When filing an appeal, please keep the following in mind:
- Be aware of timelines. You must file the initial appeal within five (5) days of receiving the decision.
- Be specific when citing your reasoning for an appeal.
- If you have documentation, provide it. Ensure copies of your documentation are clear and easy to read or hear.
- Be honest. Be honest when speaking about your reasons for appealing the decision, and be honest about your actions and behaviors.
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact BHSU Residence Life at BHSUResidenceLife@bhsu.edu or call our office at 605-642-6464.