Center for Academic Advising and Retention Services

Academic Appeals

Any student who has been suspended for one calendar year or any student who has been suspended for three calendar years and has completed one year of the suspension period may file a written appeal and appear before the Readmissions Committee. The written appeal must be submitted to the Office of Admissions no later than 5 days before the opening date of residence halls as listed in the University Calendar. This deadline applies for the semester that readmission is sought. The Readmissions Committee usually meets the Monday before classes begin in the Fall and Spring semesters.

Once the appeal is filed, the student will appear before the Readmissions Committee for the appeal hearing. Students will be notified in writing of the hearing time and place (at the address provided by the student on the appeal form).

Who should appeal?

  1. A student who can present and/or provide substantial evidence of unusual mitigating or extenuating circumstances that led to academic difficulties.
  2. A student who can present and/or provide substantial evidence of changed circumstances that would support the likelihood of the student’s future academic success.
  3. If enrollment in classes is dependent upon the student receiving student financial aid, the student should—during the appeal process—be in contact with the Office of Student Financial Services to determine his/her eligibility for financial aid.

What is considered an unusual mitigating or extenuating circumstance?

  • diagnosis of an illness or learning disability
  • major automobile or other traumatic accident
  • personal, emotional or financial issue

Who should not appeal?

  • students in their first suspension which lasts one semester
  • students on their third suspension if one year of the suspension has not been completed
  • an academically suspended student without evidence of unusual circumstances as noted above
  • a student who fails to practice time management, misses class frequently, turns in assignments late and exhibits other irresponsible behaviors

This appeal process is intended to be used in situations where circumstances were beyond the student’s control.

What happens if I decide to appeal?

  • You need to print and complete the appeal form. Submit it to the Office of Admissions no later than 5 days before the opening date of residence halls for the semester or term for which you want to be readmitted.
  • Be thorough in completing the appeal form. Remember you need to offer evidence for circumstances beyond your control or proof that upon your return to the classroom, you are prepared to be academically successful.
  • Once you submit your form to the Office of Admissions, you will be notified of the date, time and location of where you are to appear before the committee. This notification will be mailed to the address you provide on your appeal form. Readmission Committee hearings are usually scheduled on the Monday before classes begin on Wednesday.
  • The Readmission Committee members will have a copy of your appeal form to review and access to your complete UNA transcript. If you are a transfer student, your transcript from the prior institution(s) will also be available to members.
  • You will need to present to the Committee the following:
    1. Reasons why you believe you should be readmitted.
    2. The circumstances that led to your suspension or dismissal.
    3. Answers to questions that Committee members may have about your academic performance and related activities.
  • After the hearing, committee members will vote by secret ballot on your readmission. You will need to come to the the Advising Center for the letter which will inform you of the committee’s decision.
  • If readmitted, you will be required to see an advisor in the Advising Center before you can register for classes and continue to meet with this advisor until a cumulative GPA of at least a 2.0 is achieved. Readmitted students are frequently required to attend workshops, study skills sessions, obtain a tutor from the Advising Center and have their professors complete progress reports.