Appeal Submission Process

Established to afford the responding student an additional level of due process, appellate review is centered on whether or not the original decision is sound enough to withstand the scrutiny of an impartial review. This process is initiated solely at the responding student's request and requests must be submitted online. Closing the case resolution process, any decision made on appeal is final.

Grounds for Appeal

If opting to appeal, you must submit a written statement outlining the specific grounds under which review is sought and upon which an exception to the original finding is desired. Requests for appeal will be entertained only when one or more of the following apply:

1. Evidence not available at the hearing which, had it been available, would in all reasonable likelihood have produced a different finding (responsible v. not responsible).
2. Substantial procedural irregularity based upon a perceived violation of student rights.
3. Perceived hearing officer bias resulting in a violation of the standards of fairness used in disciplinary hearings.

Steps in the Process

If your case meets one or more of the aforementioned grounds for appeal, it is within your right to have your case reviewed by an appellate body. The Judicial Code directs the Dean of Students, or his/her designee, to hear all appeals unless otherwise established by the approved procedures of special boards. All appeals must be submitted online within five (5) business days following receipt of the decision letter. If you are appealing based on the availability of new evidence (see list number 1 above), your appeal must be submitted within thirty (30) business days following receipt of the decision letter.

Prior to rendering a decision on appeal, the designated appeal officer will thoroughly review your case and all issues discussed on appeal. It is reasonable to expect the appeals process to consume approximately twenty (20) business days.

When rendering a decision on appeal, the appeal officer may alter (augment or reduce) the findings as well as the sanctions. Alternatively, the case may be remanded for a new hearing. It is important to note that if, upon review, your case fails to meet the specified grounds for appeal, it will be denied. The decision of the appeal officer will be sent via email to your George Mason University email address. Pending receipt of your appeal decision, you should continue to comply with the sanctions as instructed in your decision notification.

What to Include on Appeal

Specific information your appeal should include:

• Contact information (name, GMU email address, telephone number, G number, current address)
• Relevant hearing information (date of hearing, name and title of hearing officer, policy violations and any applicable sanctions, date of decision letter)
• Grounds upon which your appeal is based

Click here to submit your appeal