Graduate Policies: Appeals
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Graduate Student Appeals


The Graduate Council Appeals Board: Policies and Procedures
The Graduate Council Appeals Board (GCAB) acts as the appeals body for graduate students seeking redress on academic decisions regarding their graduate programs. Before initiating an appeal, the graduate student must fully utilize all other appeal and review processes available in the student's program, department, or college. The student should also discuss the situation with the Graduate College dean's office to explore resolution of the matter at the unit or college level before filing an appeal.

The GCAB reviews written appeals of graduate students concerning:

  • Retention in graduate programs (with the limitations described below).
  • Procedural matters in graduate student programs (e.g., procedures related to Plans of Study, theses, dissertations).
  • Other academic issues that are not covered by other university policies or processes.
  • The GCAB will not entertain any appeals until the graduate student has fully utilized all other appropriate appeal procedures through their academic unit and college.
  • The GCAB does not review appeals pertaining to the following areas because these appeals are heard by other university bodies (see parenthesis below):
  • Course grades (subject to review by the academic unit and college).
  • Results of capstone experiences, comprehensive and qualifying examinations and defenses (subject to review by the academic unit and college).
  • Allegations of academic dishonesty (subject to review under the ASU Student Academic Integrity Policy).
  • Allegations of scientific misconduct (subject to review under ASU policy RSP 210 ["Misconduct in Research"] in the Research and Sponsored Projects Policy and Procedures Manual).
  • Allegations of discrimination (subject to review by the ASU Office of Diversity).

The Guidelines for Graduate Appeals describing further the GCAB appeal procedures, process, and jurisdiction are available from the Graduate College and on the website at http://graduate/asu.edu/files/gradappeals/Graduate_Appeals_Guidelines.pdf.


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