G. Appeal Procedures

1. Reasons for Appeal

   The appeal process is not intended to grant a new hearing at a higher level. An appeal shall be limited to a review of the record of the initial hearing, supporting documents, and the Accused’s written appeal. The Accused must explicitly state why he or she believes an appeal is warranted. Appeals will only be considered for the following reasons:
   1. To determine whether the original hearing was conducted fairly and in conformity with prescribed procedures;
   2. To determine whether there was sufficient evidence to support the decision;
   3. To determine whether the Sanctions and Supplementary Requirements imposed were appropriate for the violation for which the Student was found responsible; and/or
   4. To determine whether new Information, not available at the time of the hearing, is relevant to the final decision.

2. Process

   The appeal must be written by the accused, addressed to the appropriate Appellate Officer and delivered to the Office of Student Integrity within five (5) Business Days of the delivery of the decision. Appeal decisions will normally be rendered within ten (10) Business Days either in person, or in accordance with the communication guidelines in Section D.2. At the discretion of the Appellate Officer, a designee may be selected to determine the outcome of the appeal. The Appellate Officers are as follows:
   1. For all low-level cases: the Dean of Students.
   2. For high-level academic cases: the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies and Academic Affairs in conjunction with the Office of the Dean of Students.
   3. For high-level non-academic cases: the Vice President for Student Affairs.

3. Appeal Decisions

   Decisions of the Appellate Officer go into effect immediately. The Appellate Officer is authorized to take one of the following actions:
   1. dismiss the appeal for failure to state valid reasons, in accordance with Section G.1.
   2. find no error and uphold the original decision;
   3. uphold the original decision, but modify Sanctions and Supplementary Requirements;
   4. remand the case to the original Student Conduct Administrator or Student Conduct Panel; or
   5. reverse the original decision.

4. Board of Regents

   The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (the "Board") is the final appellate authority for all cases. Should the Accused be dissatisfied with the decision of an Institute Appellate Officer, he/she may apply to the Board for a review of the decision. The application for review shall be submitted in writing to the executive secretary of the Board within the period specified by the Board of Regents.

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