If permission to appeal is granted

Appeal is granted flowchart

If the ARA grants you permission to appeal, this means your appeal will be heard by a panel of three (3) members of the University Appeals Committee/Tribunal. Most hearings are oral and held in-person. However, in some cases, a written hearing may be held instead.

The SAO aims to schedule hearings approximately 30 days from the date of the ARA decision, however hearing dates can be impacted by party availability and other procedural matters.

To prepare for your oral appeal hearing, it is important that you:

  • Consider bringing an advisor (support person)
    • An advisor is someone who attends the appeal hearing with you as a support person. Advisors do not play an active role in hearing (i.e., they don’t typically speak in the hearing), but you will get an opportunity to speak with them during breaks. 
    • Examples of who may be an advisor include the Student Ombuds, a trusted friend or family member, or legal counsel.
    • If you are bringing an advisor, make sure that you notify the Student Appeals Office as soon as possible but no later than the deadline.
  • Are organized and prepared
    • The Student Appeals Office will provide with you the agenda for the appeal hearing. Be sure to review the agenda in advance and arrive on time.
    • Have a copy of all of the appeal materials with you and have them organized so that you can easily find them. Note that the University Student Appeals Office will not print off materials for appellants, respondents or other hearing attendees.
    • Although the hearing panel has reviewed all of your written submissions, you will be provided with an opportunity to provide short opening and closing statements. Organize your thoughts so that you can provide these in an effective, concise manner and within the time allotted. It may help to write down what you want to say. Focus on your grounds (or reasons) for your appeal and why the outcome you are seeking should be accepted. Avoid irrelevant information.
    • You will be given a chance to ask questions of the other party. Preparing these in advance will assist you in ensuring that all of your questions are asked.
    • Anticipate questions that you may be asked, and have responses prepared.
  • Be honest and present yourself in a professional manner
    • All parties are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful manner. Appeal hearings are non-adversarial and questions are posed through the Panel Chair (there is no direct cross-examination). 
    • Appeal hearings are recorded by the Student Appeals Office.
    • If you do not understand something that is happening during the hearing, or do not understand a question that has been asked of you, let the Panel Chair know and ask for clarification.
    • You may not be able to respond to something right away, so take notes during the hearing so that you can recall these points and address them when it is your turn to ask questions or provide your conclusion.
    • Remember to take your time and to ask for a break if you need it. This is your opportunity to make your best case.
  • Understand the Student Misconduct and Academic Appeals Policy and its procedures
  • If you have questions or do not understand any part of these documents, please contact the Student Ombuds for support. We want to make sure you have the information you need regarding the appeal process and that you have the best chance to make your case.

My appeal was denied by the University Appeals Committee or the University Appeals Tribunal, what does that mean?

If your appeal was denied by the University Appeals Committee (UAC) or the University Appeals Tribunal (UAT), that means that the outcome you requested has been denied and your appeal was not successful.  The decision and outcome that you were appealing remains in effect. 

Decisions of the UAC on academic assessments are final and not further appealable at the University.

If the UAC decision was regarding an academic progression matter or academic or non-academic misconduct, you may be able to appeal further to the UAT on limited grounds. If you are considering appealing to the UAT, you are strongly advised to connect with the Student Ombuds for advice and support.

Decisions of the UAT are final and not further appealable at the University.

Support resources are available, click here for information.

 

I was successful in my appeal, what happens next?

If you were successful in your appeal, the outcome described in the appeal decision will occur.  It may take time for the outcome to be achieved, and you may need to provide the appeal decision to your Faculty, the Registrar or another person on campus to ensure that the outcome is put in place as soon as possible.

If you have concerns that Respondent to your appeal has not carried out any action required by the University Appeals Committee or the University Appeals Tribunal, please contact the Student Appeals Office (appeals@ucalgary.ca).