Are you accused of violating your school’s academic integrity valuations? These accusations can include cheating, giving multiple submissions, plagiarism, improper use of teamwork credit, fabrication, complicity, and forgery. Once the college or university takes action against you for academic misconduct, you can contest the action by filing an academic appeal. In this case, you need a Lento Law Firm academic appeals attorney to advise and guide you through each step of the process. 

What to Expect When You Challenge the Seriousness of the Sanction

If you accept responsibility for the violation and don’t want to contest the facts of the allegations, you can challenge the seriousness of the sanction imposed. However, going this route can lead to you getting an FF grade and an Academic Dishonesty notation in your record. Also, you can be suspended or dismissed from school. 

Sometimes, the FF grade might not be upheld by the Academic Integrity Board. The Board might agree that your transcript should have an F grade. If you pursue this appeal, you will have the chance to retake the class and be part of the graduating class. Also, the Board and the dean might require you to attend an Ethics and Integrity training course. 

Because of this, if you do not agree to the recommended sanction, your lawyer can help you file an appeal that shows the facts you want to dispute. The appeal should be within a specific period. Also, your attorney can accompany you during the disciplinary hearing. This way, you can present your story and ask the committee not to uphold the sanction. Should the board decide not to reverse the sanction, your lawyer can file a Write of Certiorari to a court judge within certain days of the final determination. Otherwise, the court won’t be able to reverse the university’s decision and require the school to remove the FF grade. 

Requirements for Appealing an Academic Decision

You must have a written appeal to be sent through email to the dean of your college and a copy to your instructor. The information in your appeal should include a statement of your position, an explanation of why the decision has no factual basis or support, and a demonstration of the school’s violation of its policy and regulation. To ensure you continue to study in the school with a clear name, you must appeal any academic decision that affects your integrity or your grade.