The purpose of the Graduate Appeals Committee is to administer several types of appeals initiated by graduate students.
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Appeals of Dismissal from a Degree Program
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Appeals of Denial of Reinstatement from Academic Suspension
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Appeals of Graduate Assistantship Termination
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Other various appeals administered by the Graduate School
The Committee exists to ensure that graduate student appeals have been fairly and equitably considered when a student concern is identified. The Committee collects and reviews evidence, discusses the appeal with the student and any relevant ODU administration and staff, and upholds standards of procedural fairness to ensure that all University policies have been followed.
Appeal Guidance
Specific guidance for each appeal is available in the University’s Graduate Catalog:
Types of Appeals & Next Steps
Graduate students who are considering an appeal can discuss their case with the Graduate School at any time by contacting graduateschool@odu.edu. Depending on the type of appeal, a review by the College Dean or designee may be required before the student proceeds with the Graduate Appeals Committee.
Students wishing to appeal dismissal from a graduate program can collect the following for submission to the Graduate School:
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The original notification of dismissal from the Graduate Program Director
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The completed G8 form: Notice of Student Separation or Dismissal from Program (hyperlink), sent to the student when dismissed.
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Any documentation from the student’s College-level appeal, including the decision notification from the Dean or designee of the college.
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A completed G5 form: Student Appeal Request Form (hyperlink).
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Any other relevant documentation related to the dismissal or College-level appeal.
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Evidence that the original appeal of dismissal was submitted within 45 days.
All items must be submitted to the Graduate School (graduateschool@odu.edu) within 14 days of the notification of the College-level appeal.
Students wishing to appeal reinstatement can collect the following for submission to the Graduate School:
The original documentation submitted in the reinstatement request to the program:
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Written explanation and documentation of factors and circumstances that contributed to the failure to achieve academic standards for the program.
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Evidence that the issues have been resolved.
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An explanation why the student will succeed if reinstated.
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Students wishing to maintain confidentiality regarding special medical or other personal issues can contact the Office of Student Outreach Services.
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A plan of study including the initial 12 credit hours to be taken.
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Evidence that the original reinstatement to the program was requested within 45 days.
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Any outcomes from earlier relevant grade appeals in the program.
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The letter informing the student about their original denial for reinstatement.
All items must be submitted to the Graduate School (graduateschool@odu.edu) within 45 days of the program’s letter denying reinstatement.
Students wishing to appeal termination of a Graduate Assistantship can collect the following for submission to the Graduate School:
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Evidence that the student has met with the supervisor, Graduate Program Director, or Department Chair in attempt to resolve the situation.
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The student’s written appeal to the Dean or designee of the student’s College, and any response from the College.
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Any other documentation related to the appeal.
All items must be submitted to the Graduate School (graduateschool@odu.edu) within 45 days of the program’s letter denying reinstatement.
Important
For any appeal the Committee may also request further documentation or evidence relating to the case. Once all requested documentation has been submitted, the Graduate School will schedule a hearing. The student and ODU faculty/staff may or may not be invited to the hearing, depending on the details of the case.
The Committee’s final decision will be delivered to the student by the Graduate School shortly after the hearing is concluded. The Committee’s decision is final.
Questions?
Please contact the Graduate School with any questions about a potential appeal.