G3.13 Academic Appeal Procedures

Graduate students have the right to appeal an academic decision if the student believes that the decision is inconsistent with published policy.

Academic decisions that may be appealed include:

• Dismissal from the graduate program
• Failure to pass a qualifying or preliminary examination
• Failure to achieve satisfactory academic progress
• Academic disciplinary action related to failure to meet professional conduct standards

Issues such as the following cannot be appealed using this process:

• A faculty member declining to serve as a graduate student’s advisor
• Decisions regarding the student’s disciplinary knowledge, evaluation of the quality of work, or similar judgements.
• Course grades. These can be appealed instead using the L&S Policy for Grade Appeal.

Appeal Process

The Graduate Studies Committee handles academic grievances brought by graduate students in Spanish and Portuguese. Students are encouraged to discuss any grievances first, orally or in writing, with the individual or individuals most directly responsible. If no resolution results, students may address formal complaints to the director of graduate studies or, if the grievance involves the director, to the chair of the department.

A subcommittee of three faculty will be constituted to consider the grievance. This committee will consist of the director (or the department chair), a faculty member chosen by the director or the department chair, and a faculty member chosen by the student bringing the grievance.

If no resolution is found, the student may appeal to the Executive Committee.

If the original decision is upheld, the graduate student may next initiate an appeal to L&S. To do so, the student must submit a written appeal to the L&S Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Academic Affairs within 15 business days of notification of the department’s decision.

• To the fullest extent possible, the written appeal should include, in a single document: a clear and concise statement of the academic decision being appealed, any relevant background on what led to the decision, the specific policies involved, the relief sought, any relevant documentation related to the departmental appeal, and the names and titles of any individuals contributing to or involved in the decision.
• The Assistant Dean will work with the Academic Associate Dean of the appropriate division to consider the appeal. They may seek additional information and/or meetings related to the case.
• The Assistant Dean and Academic Associate Dean will provide a written decision within 20 business days.

If L&S upholds the original decision, the graduate student may appeal to the Graduate School. More information can be found on their website: https://grad.wisc.edu/documents/grievances-and-appeals/.

For grievances related to sexual harassment or discrimination, students should contact the departmental representative, whose name is available from the graduate program assistant.