FAQ for Appellants

The information provided on this page is intended to assist those who have appealed a decision in a student discipline case or are considering doing so. We make every effort to update the information in a timely manner, but please be aware that, in any conflict between this information and the Student Disciplinary Procedures, the procedures will prevail.

How do I know if I should submit an appeal?

An appeal will only be successful if the appeal body finds that at least one of the identified grounds have been met. The grounds applicable to your case will be found in the appropriate section of the Student Disciplinary Procedures. If you do not have a convincing argument that one or more of these grounds apply in your case, then you should not submit an appeal.

How do I submit an appeal?

In order to appeal your decision, you must submit a Notice of Appeal in writing to the Office for Student Conflict Resolution. We prefer that you email the notice to conflictresolution@illinois.edu. You must either sign the notice or email it from your university email address (if applicable). The Notice of Appeal must include the specific grounds for your appeal, the specific outcome requested, and your reasons in support of the grounds identified and the outcome requested.

What needs to be included in the written appeal?

The Notice of Appeal must contain at least the following:

• specific grounds for appeal,
• specific outcome requested, and
• the appellant's reasons in support of the grounds identified and outcome requested.

Also, you must either sign the Notice of Appeal or email it from your university email address (if applicable).

How much time do I have to submit my Notice of Appeal? Can I request an extension?

You have five business days from the date of your decision letter to submit your appeal materials. You may request an extension by emailing the Director of the Office for Student Conflict Resolution, but extensions are rarely granted.

What happens to the sanctions while my appeal is still being processed?

No contact directives are effective immediately. But unless otherwise noted, we do not implement your other sanctions until the appeals process is concluded. If your case is not appealed, then the sanctions will be imposed when the appeal deadline passes (with the effective dates noted in your decision letter, if applicable). If your case is appealed, then any sanctions will be imposed when the appeal body issues its final decision (assuming any sanctions remain at that time).

Who will hear my appeal?

If your case was decided by a Case Coordinator or the Residence Hall Judicial Commission, then your appeal will be heard by the Director of the Office for Student Conflict Resolution.

If your case was decided by the Director of the Office for Student Conflict Resolution, then your appeal will be heard by the Senate Committee on Student Discipline.

If your case was decided by one of the subcommittees on student conduct, then your appeal will be heard by the Senate Committee on Student Discipline.

What happens after I submit my appeal?

In most cases, the appropriate appeal body will review your submissions and the record of the case, determine whether any modifications or other remedies are necessary, and communicate their decision to you by email. In other cases, the appeal body may request additional information from you before making their decision.

What are the possible outcomes of an appeal decision?

The appeal officer/committee may:

• Affirm the decision;
• Modify the decision;
• Remand the case to the original or new hearing body (with instruction) or a new hearing body (with or without instruction) for a new decision; or
• Modify any sanctions or restrictions imposed.

How likely is it that my appeal will be successful?

Students often ask us this question, but we are not able to answer it. The student discipline system is designed to be fair and educational, but it is not infallible. Respondents who believe that one of the grounds for appeal applies in their case should appeal. Respondents who are unhappy with the decision but do not believe a ground applies should not appeal.