When Walden University hands down disciplinary action, it can leave students anxious and confused about what to do next. Whether alleged misconduct led to dismissal from a program, suspension from school, cancellation of financial aid, or expulsion, a student's academic career is all but ended without an appeal. Unfortunately, this could be the first time students know they can petition for relief.
Even though students can appeal disciplinary action at Walden University, there is a short window of opportunity. Moreover, students may have placed themselves in a situation during the investigation or hearing stage where they unknowingly waived their right to do so. The nuances of the grievance process may be complex for students to navigate, but not for a team of experienced professionals.
The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team brings proficiency and understanding in institutional policies and procedures, ensuring that Walden University student's rights are protected throughout the disciplinary and appeals process. We conduct our own investigations to prepare compelling arguments to present and persuade the appeals committee and get students realigned with their graduation goals. If you are seeking appeals at Walden University, call the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team at 888-535-3686 or fill out our consultation form now.
Petitioning for An Appeal at Walden University
At Walden University, students must submit an appeal through email to the school's chief academic officer (CAO). To appropriately address a petition for appeals, the form requires the following information from the student:
- A statement that constitutes the subject of the appeal.
- The grounds on which the decision is being challenged.
- The reasons the student believes that the decision was made improperly.
- A description of the remedy sought.
- Allegations of adverse effects on the student because of the discipline.
- Any informal efforts taken to resolve the matter.
An appeal and all related materials or documents must be submitted within 30 calendar days of the last day of classes of the academic term in which the decision occurred. A delay in filing an appeal constitutes grounds for rejection.
Grounds for Appeals
At most colleges and universities, students can't appeal for just any reason. Normally, institutions reserve a narrow bandwidth of eligibility for the chance to have their case decision revisited. Walden University is no different.
Students cannot seek appeals “made on the basis of general dissatisfaction with the decision” from Walden University's hearing panel, dean, or their designees. Appeals must specifically address the following:
- Improper facts or extraneous criteria that led to the determination of responsibility.
- Procedural irregularities that substantially affected the outcome of the decision.
Additionally, students must explain that if given the “proper facts, criteria, and procedures, was the decision one that a person in the position of the decision maker might reasonably have made?”
Walden University CAO Options
Upon review of the appeals form, the CAO may remand the matter for further consideration to a lower administrative level. For instance, if the dean handed down the sanctions, the CAO could send the matter to the school's coordinator for conduct review or to the university ombudsperson.
The CAO may also attempt to resolve the matter informally. This could involve the CAO restructuring the disciplinary schedule with alternative sanctions like probation or restricting privileges under certain circumstances. In such case, the student and the party against whose decision the appeal has been filed are notified in writing of the CAO's disposition on the appeal.
In other cases, the CAO may refer the appeal to a three-person panel consisting of individuals not associated with the original case. The panel will convene to consider the matter and report their decision to the CAO. All decisions on appeals must be given no more than 60 calendar days after filing. The final disposition, whether made by the panel, CAO, or their designee, is final and not subject to further appeal.
Further Appeals Through State Agencies
Walden University notes that students may have an additional means of dress if they remain unsatisfied with the CAO's final order. If students are from the following states, they may petition their respective education and college aid boards if appeals are not resolved at the school level with its procedures:
- Arizona: State Board for Private Postsecondary Education
- Connecticut: Office of Higher Education
- District of Columbia: Higher Education Licensure Commission
- Georgia: Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission
- Iowa: College Student Aid Commission
- Kansas: Board of Regents
- Maryland: Higher Education Commission
- New Mexico: Higher Education Department
- North Carolina: Postsecondary Education Complaints
- South Carolina: Commission on Higher Education
- Tennessee: Higher Education Commission
- Utah: Department of Commerce
These agencies contend that institutions must have clearly published grievance procedures, but more importantly, they act as an additional means for filing complaints. Students will also explain the complaint in detail and submit any supporting evidence for their claim.
How Can the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team Help?
Threatened by the end of an academic career, the last thing students want to do is defend themselves alone. The school appeals process has tight guidelines that must be fulfilled before the matter is heard, and even though students may have grounds for appeal, there's no guarantee of relief. However, hiring a professional with tried and tested experience in student discipline matters can make all the difference.
The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team is an invaluable resource to Walden University students struggling through the appeals process. We will ensure that you don't waive your right to redress by conducting our own investigation of the matter to support your defense. Our team has brokered beneficial resolutions with school disciplinary authorities and their Office of General Counsel and will exhaust every means of appeal, including taking the case to further litigation. If you are a Walden University student facing discipline, we will help you obtain the most favorable resolution possible. Contact us at 888-535-3686 or use our confidential consultation form.
