UCA’s Academic Appeals Process

In accordance with theUCA Student Handbook, a student is entitled to petition the University Academic Adjustments and Appeals Committee forreliefof an unfair hardship brought about by academic regulations when warranted by special circumstances. The Academic Adjustments and Appeals Committee reviewsatypical casesin which rigid application of university academic regulations might result in an injustice to an individual.

THIS PROCESS DOES NOT APPLY TO THE APPEALS OF A FINAL GRADE IN AN INDIVIDUAL COURSE. PLEASE SEE THE SECTION, “GRADE APPEALS” IN THEUCA STUDENT HANDBOOKIF YOU WISH TO APPEAL A FINAL GRADE IN A SPECIFIC COURSE.

The basis of the appealmust be issues or events of an extreme nature that were unforeseen and uncontrollable by the student. A student submitting an appeal must also providespecific evidencethat the issue or event impaired the student’s academic performance.

Examples of issues or events that can impair a student’s academic performance may include:

  • death of a close family member;
  • unanticipated, serious medical health difficulty (excluding chronic health conditions.
    (Students are responsible for properly balancing school work with known chronic conditions);
  • serious mental health difficulty that prevented the student from withdrawing from a course or courses (excluding chronic conditions. Students are responsible for properly balancing school work with known chronic conditions);
  • legal matter.

The Academic Adjustments and Appeals Committee willNOTconsider a student’s appeal if the appeal is based upon:

  • disagreement with the grade assigned by the instructor. The steps for a grade appeal are provided in theUCA Student Handbook;
  • a course grade’s adverse effect on the student’s grade point average, probationary standing, or other eligibility;
  • poor performance in coursework or poor work habits;
  • missed deadlines;
  • change of major or educational plans;
  • inability to complete class work due to external work demands;
  • financial issues;
  • lack of awareness or understanding of academic policies.

Procedures to Petition for Relief

The petition form can be obtained from the Office of the Registrar or online at

petition should be completed after consultation with the student’s advisor.

The Academic Adjustments and Appeals Committee meets monthly.Complete signed petitions received by the Registrar’s Office by the first day of the month will be considered in that month.

The office of the registrar is located inHarrinHall, Suite 224, 201Donaghey Ave. Conway, AR 72035.Email: e: (501) 450-5200.Fax: (501) 450-5734.

An appeal is a request that the academic rules do not apply to you.In order to have your appeal considered, UCA academic policy requires that there be UNFORESEEN AND UNCONTROLLABLE circumstances that impaired your academic performance. Poor performance in coursework, poor work habits, missed deadlines, or change or major are not appropriate grounds for appeal.

INCOMPLETE FORMS OR INAPPROPRIATE DOCUMENTATION will result in immediate dismissal for consideration.

To complete your appeal, you must submit (even if you are planning to attend) the following to the Office of the Registrar by the first day of the month for your appeal to be considered for that month.

  • completed petitionto thestudentAcademic Appeals and Adjustments Committee form;
  • a typed letterthat explains the rationale for your appeal.Be specific and include details to support your case;
  • documentationto support your appeal (medical records, police report, obituary, emails from professors etc.).

The student must also provide objective documentation of the events or situations contributing to the situation under appeal and their impact on learning.Example documents:

  • obituary,copyof death certificate, newspaper notice;
  • medical records or physician’s letter explaining a medical condition and its effects.Clinic notes, doctor and prescription receipts are not sufficient documentation;
  • copy of police report, photos, witness statements etc.;
  • letter from a lawyer, court documents, bail documents, police reports etc.

Students will be notified by UCA email (or letter) about the outcome of their appeal by the Office of the Registrar after the Academic Adjustments and Appeals has reviewed the case.

PETITION TO THE STUDENT ACADEMIC APPEALS AND ADJUSTMENTS COMMITTEE

NAME: / STUDENT ID:
DATE:
MAJOR: / MINOR:
ADDRESS: CITY, STATE, ZIP
UCA EMAIL: / PHONE:
ACADEMIC ADVISOR: / Fall Spring May Intersession 1st Summer
2nd Summer 8-week Summer
10-week Summer 13-week Summer
YEAR AND SEMESTER FOR WHICH YOU AREAPPEALING YEAR ______(Circle Semester )
I WISH TO APPEAL THE FOLLOWING (please check):
_____Request an after the fact withdrawal for ______semester/semesters.
_____Request for grade forgiveness out of chronological order.
_____Request to have suspension removed.
_____Other______
ATTACH A TYPED DETAILED EXPLANATION FOR APPEAL (REGARDLESS OF ATTENDANCE AT THE ACADEMIC APPEAL AND ADJUSTMENTS COMMITTEE MEETING)APPEAL WILL NOT BE REVIEWED WITHOUT THIS EXPLANATION.

____PLEASE CHECK IF YOU WISH TO ATTEND THE ACADEMIC ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS COMMITTEE MEETING.

Student Statement:

I understand that requests for exception to university policy are considered only when unforeseeable and uncontrollable circumstances prevail.I understand that if I am petitioning regarding a class for the current semester, my attendance in that class is required until a decision is made and my instructor may be contacted regarding my participation/attendance in my course(s).I understand that all correspondence related to my appeal will be conducted through UCA email.I understand that a change in my academic record (current or retroactive) may result in a change in what I owe for tuition/fees or financial aid, and that it is my responsibility to meet with a representative in the Student Financial Aid Office/Student Loans Office to discuss the potential financial implications of this appeal prior to submitting the appeal.I verify that the information provided is accurate.

______Student Signature

______Student Name (print)

______Date

Forward completed appeals form and documents to:

Office of the Registrar, Harrin Hall, Suite 224, 201 Donaghey Ave. Conway, AR 72035.
Email: . Phone: (501) 450-5200. Fax: (501) 450-5734