Appeals for Respondents (Charged Student):
All student conduct proceedings at Rhodes allow for an appeal of the outcome of the hearing. There are two types of appeals, Academic and Non-academic.
- Non-academic appeals will review decisions and outcomes from missed Educational and Accountability Conferences, Administrative Hearings (individual), and the Community Standards Council. The appellate committee reviewing the appeal is the Community Standards Appeals Committee (CSAC), composed of the Associate Vice President for Student Life/Dean of Students (Chair), or their designee, a staff representative from Academic Affairs, and a designated member of the Honor Council.
- Academic Appeals will review disciplinary decisions and outcomes from Administrative Hearings (referred by the Honor Council) and the Honor Council. The appellate committee reviewing the appeal is the Faculty Appeals Committee (FAC), composed of Rhodes Faculty members.
The appeal must be submitted via the appropriate form. The form will be included in the respondent’s outcome letter after their hearing. The rationale for the grounds for appeal must be attached to the appeal submission by the respondent, not a third party.
- Honor Code Appeals Form – Academic appeals
- Standards of Conduct Appeals Form – Non-academic appeals
Appeals are limited to three grounds:
- A hearing procedure was not followed; and/or
- The outcomes imposed were inappropriate for the violation of College policy; and/or
- New and relevant information, sufficient to alter the decision, that was unknown or unavailable to them at the time of the original hearing.
Appeals that are not based on one or more of the above grounds may be dismissed without further meeting or action. As with the original hearing, legal counsel may not attend any appeals hearing. Any advice or assistance of legal counsel must be obtained prior to the appeal hearing. While an appeal is pending, the student may continue to attend their courses and participate in College life as usual, unless they are under interim removal from campus. Additional limitations on personal contact and/or participation in College-related events or activities may be imposed while the appeal is pending.
Decision of the Appeal Committee:
- For Non-academic appeals, the CSAC may, at their discretion, render a decision based on what was submitted or contact the Respondent student for an appeal hearing, and/or additional questions/information. The CSAC may uphold, modify, or overturn the original decision. If the decision is modified, the appellate committee may, at their discretion and considering the information received, impose a more severe decision and/or outcome. The decision of the CSAC is final.
- For Academic appeals, if the Respondent chooses not to testify at the appeal hearing, they may send a written statement of their testimony. The FAC may sustain the decision of the Honor Council or return the case to the Honor Council for reconsideration with remarks and suggestions. The decision of the Honor Council after reconsideration is final.
NOTE: For Appeal Procedures for RSO/AGs, see the Organizational Conduct section.