Informal Efforts at Resolution

In many situations, an academic issue may be resolved through informal efforts, and no appeal will be necessary. Thus, parties must first attempt to resolve an academic issue informally. This means that the student must consult with the instructor concerning the problem.

If a satisfactory resolution to the problem is not achieved and the student wishes to submit a formal appeal, then the student must request a signed and dated acknowledgement of the consultation from the instructor. A handwritten note or signed email is sufficient.

Preparing a Formal Graduate Appeal

Initial Graduate Academic Action

The Graduate Academic Appeals Procedure is applicable when a student wishes to appeal an Initial Graduate Academic Action related to a grade, an academic integrity penalty, a professional disposition determination, or an academic dismissal. Examples of initial graduate academic actions include a final course grade, an academic integrity penalty, professional disposition determination, or notification of dismissal.

Appeal Format

The appeal request must be formatted as a singular PDF and submitted either through official college email accounts or online appeal form (if available). When assembling the appeal, students should include the following:

  1. A detailed statement of the case outlining the reason(s) why the academic decision should be reconsidered as well as any evidence that supports the appeal request. It should also include the student’s name and contact details as well as the names and contact details for individuals (e.g., faculty, internship coordinators, etc.) involved in the matter that the student is appealing.
  2. Relevant supporting documentation should be identified and included in an appendix.

Submitting a Formal Appeal

Only AFTER attempting to resolve a grievance informally should students proceed to submitting a formal appeal. Review the step-by-step guidance outlined in each tab BEFORE submitting a formal online appeal request. It is the student’s responsibility to take initiative in the appeal, and it is the student’s decision whether or not to proceed to each step of the process. 

All individuals involved with an academic appeal are required to maintain the confidentiality of the proceedings and of all materials presented. 

STEP ONE: Department Review

The first step of a formal graduate appeal is directed to the chair of the department offering the course or program. A student wishing to appeal an Initial Graduate Academic Action related to a final course grade, academic integrity penalty, or professional disposition determination must assemble a written appeal request to be shared via email to gradappeals@newpaltz.edu or submitted as part of an online form (if available).

Timeliness of Appeal Request

A graduate student wishing to submit a formal appeal must do so within 10 business days of the Initial Graduate Academic Action.

Department Chair Decision

Within 20 business days of notification of the student’s appeal, the department chair will examine the appeal request, consult faculty and staff as appropriate, and issue a decision. The Department Chair will communicate their decision to the student via official campus email and will copy the Instructor, Program Coordinator, Academic Dean, and the Office of Graduate, Professional & Interdisciplinary Studies in the matter the student appealed.

If a satisfactory resolution to the problem is not achieved, students may escalate their appeal request to the Academic Dean within 10 business days of receiving the Department Chair’s decision.

STEP TWO: Academic Dean Review

The second step of a formal graduate appeal is directed to the Academic Dean (or their designee) of the School/College offering the course or program. Students wishing to appeal the Department Chair’s decision regarding an appeal request related to a final course grade, academic integrity penalty, or professional disposition determination must assemble a written appeal request to be shared via email to gradappeals@newpaltz.edu or submitted as part of an online form (if available).

Timeliness of Appeal Request

Graduate students wishing to escalate a formal appeal must do so within 10 business days of receiving the Department Chair’s decision.

Academic Dean’s Decision

Within 20 business days of notification of the student’s appeal, the academic dean (or their designee) will examine the appeal request, consult faculty and staff as appropriate, and issue a decision. The academic dean (or their designee) will communicate their decision to the student via official campus email and will copy the instructor, department chair, program coordinator, and the Office of Graduate, Professional & Interdisciplinary Studies in the matter the student appealed.

If a satisfactory resolution to the problem is not achieved, students may escalate their appeal request to the Office of Graduate, Professional & Interdisciplinary Studies within 10 business days of receiving the Academic Dean’s decision.

STEP THREE: Graduate Council Review

The third step of a formal graduate appeal is directed to the Office of Graduate, Professional & Interdisciplinary Studies (GPIS) designee who will convene the Graduate Council Subcommittee for Graduate Academic Appeals.  Students wishing to appeal the Academic Dean’s decision regarding an appeal request related to a final course grade, academic integrity penalty, or professional disposition determination must assemble a written appeal request to be shared via email to gradappeals@newpaltz.edu or submitted as part of an online form (if available).

Timeliness of Appeal Request

Graduate students wishing to escalate a formal appeal must do so within 10 business days of receiving the Academic Dean’s decision.

Graduate Council’s Decision

Within 25 business days of notification of the student’s appeal, the GPIS designee will convene the Graduate Council Subcommittee for Graduate Academic Appeals who will examine the appeal request, consult faculty and staff as appropriate, and issue a decision. The GPIS designee will communicate their decision to the student via official campus email and will copy the instructor, department chair, program coordinator, and academic dean in the matter the student appealed.

If a satisfactory resolution to the problem is not achieved, students may escalate their appeal request to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs within 10 business days of receiving the Graduate Council Subcommittee for Graduate Academic Appeals' decision.

STEP FOUR: Provost Review

The fourth and final step of a formal graduate appeal is directed to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Students wishing to appeal the Graduate Council’s decision regarding an appeal request related to a final course grade, academic integrity penalty, or professional disposition determination and students wishing to appeal an academic dismissal must assemble a written appeal request to be shared via email to gradappeals@newpaltz.edu or submitted as part of an online form (if available). 

Timeliness of Appeal Request

Graduate students wishing to escalate a formal must do so within 10 business days of receiving the Graduate Council Subcommittee for Graduate Academic Appeals' decision. Students wishing to appeal an academic dismissal must do so within 10 business days of receiving the dismissal notice.

Provost’s Decision

Within 20 business days of notification of the student’s appeal, the provost will examine the appeal request, consult faculty and staff as appropriate, and issue a decision. The provost (or their designee) will communicate the final decision to the student via official campus email and will copy the instructor, department chair, program coordinator, academic dean, and the Office of Graduate, Professional & Interdisciplinary Studies in the matter the student appealed.