Appeal Policy
A student may appeal for special consideration or exemption from University policy and procedure when it can be shown that extraordinary or extenuating circumstances have contributed to the student’s status being inconsistent with University policy. A student wishing to file an appeal must first contact their Academic Advisor for assistance. The appeal must include the appropriate appeal form, an appeal letter detailing the extenuating circumstances and the desired outcome, and supporting documentation. Incomplete appeals will not be considered. Once complete, appeals must be submitted to the student’s Academic Advisor. Appeals are reviewed by members of the Appeals Committee, which may include the deans, the provost, members of the Office of Academics, and members of the Office of Finance, depending on the nature of the appeal. Appeal decisions will be communicated by the Office of the Registrar to the student in writing via email.
Administrative Appeals
Students may appeal for exception from Aspen University policy/financial policy. Students must demonstrate extraordinary or extenuating circumstances that have contributed to failure to comply with Aspen University policy. Appeals will only be considered if legitimate and significant issues prevented the student from abiding by Aspen University policy. Students who wish to file an administrative appeal can contact their academic advisor for the Administrative Appeal form. Decisions will be rendered within 30 business days of receipt of the completed appeal form and documentation.
Grade Appeals
Students may appeal to dispute an earned final course grade if an error in calculating the grade or using the rubric has occurred. Grounds for appeal can be made when students can provide documentation of an error in calculating the grade or misuse of the rubric. Grade appeals do not involve the treatment, classroom style, or general application of grading policies of a faculty member. For example, the student may not like a particular professor’s classroom style or grading practices as a whole, but this does not constitute grounds for an appeal. The evaluation of student work and the assignment of course grades are the faculty member’s responsibility. The student may, however, use the informal complaint process to address the issue. Grade appeals must be submitted within two weeks of the final grade posting; appeals submitted later than that date will not be considered. Students who wish to file an academic appeal can contact their Academic Advisor for the Grade Appeal form. Decisions will be rendered within 10 business days of receipt of the completed appeal form and documentation.
Good Academic Standing Appeals
Students who have been placed on hold for dismissal due to failure to maintain Good Academic Standing at the end of their Academic Observation period may appeal to remain in their program. Students who wish to file a Good Academic Standing appeal can contact their academic advisor for the Good Academic Standing Appeal form. Decisions will be rendered within 30 business days of receipt of the completed appeal form and documentation.
Transfer Credit Appeals
Students who believe that their transfer credit evaluation is inconsistent with published policy may appeal official transfer credit evaluations by submitting a completed Transfer Credit Appeal Form to the Registrar’s Office within 20 business days of receiving his/her evaluation. Appeals of official transfer credit evaluations are intended for students who have already had an official transfer credit evaluation completed and have previously provided sufficient supporting documentation (e.g. course description, syllabus, etc.). Transfer credit appeals must be submitted within 20 business days of receiving the initial transfer credit evaluation. Students who wish to file a transfer credit appeal can contact their academic advisor for the Transfer Credit Appeal form. Decisions will be rendered within 10 business days of receipt of the completed appeal form and documentation.
Ranking Appeals
Students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure) program who have fallen out of their cohort must appeal to be added to a ranking list for a subsequent cohort. Students who fall out of their assigned cohort will be notified by the Office of the Registrar and will be given a time frame in which to appeal. Students who do not appeal within that time frame will be administratively withdrawn from the university. Students who wish to file a ranking appeal can contact their academic advisor for the Ranking Appeal form. Decisions will be rendered within 10 business days of receipt of the completed appeal form and documentation.