Academic Appeals FAQ
Who can assist me with my questions on academic suspension and the appeal process?
The Senior Director of Undergraduate Studies can assist you with your questions. Please contact Mike Shell by email (sms8n@uvawise.edu) to schedule an appointment.
What is academic suspension?
Academic suspension is an official disciplinary action taken when a student’s academic performance has consistently fallen below the minimum requirements of the College. A student may be placed on Academic Suspension following (1) semester of Academic Probation (excluding summer sessions) if the Cumulative GPA remains below 2.00. Students will be notified of academic suspension by the UVA Wise Registrar and the notation of “Academic Suspension” will be attached to the transcript for the semester(s) in which the suspension is enforced. Students on Academic Suspension are prohibited from enrolling in classes and participating in extracurricular student activities until reinstated to UVA Wise. Students on academic suspension must appeal for reinstatement to the Academic Appeals Committee.
How long is an academic suspension?
Students suspended for the first time will not be permitted to enroll in classes at UVA Wise for (1) academic semester (excluding summer sessions). Students suspended at the conclusion of the Spring semester may enroll in no more than (2) courses during the summer sessions.
Students suspended for a second time will not be permitted to enroll in classes at UVA Wise for (1) calendar year. Students notified of a second suspension may not enroll in classes during the summer sessions, nor can they immediately appeal for reinstatement.
When can I appeal my academic suspension?
Students notified of first academic suspension may immediately appeal to the Academic Appeals Committee for reinstatement. If granted, the student will be allowed to enroll in classes for the next academic semester.
Students notified of their second academic suspension are not eligible for immediate appeal to the Academic Appeal Committee for reinstatement and must serve the full academic suspension term prior to an appeal for reinstatement.
What kind of materials should I include with my application?
Students are required to complete the formal application relevant to their appeal request. UVA Wise transcripts and degree audits will be added automatically to their application by the Office of Academic Affairs. Students are also encouraged to submit the following information in support of their application:
- Formal Letter to the Committee. This letter should contain a reflection by the student demonstrating an understanding of the issues they face limiting their academic success and describe an action plan for addressing those limitations should they be reinstated.
- Letters of Recommendation. Students may request letters of recommendation from professionals in support of their application for reinstatement. References should address the student’s academic strategies, potential and, if the referees have direct experience, the student’s approach to academic work in the higher education environment. Letters may also be submitted by other professionals outlining the student’s work ethic outside the classroom. Letters may not be submitted by family members, clergy, or individuals outside the academic or professional environments. Letters of recommendation should be sent directly from the reviewer to the Senior Director of Undergraduate Studies; letters submitted by the student will not be included in the application dossier.
- Higher Education Transcripts. Students that have completed coursework at other higher education institutions (such as community colleges, etc.) may submit transcripts for review by the Academic Appeals Committee. Transcripts must represent final course grades earned in courses; courses in-progress may not be reviewed by the Academic Appeals Committee. Unofficial transcripts are sufficient for the application process.
Can I be present at my appeal hearing?
Yes, students have the right and are encouraged to meet with the Committee on the day of their appeal hearing. Students are permitted to attend both in-person or remotely via teleconference. Please communicate with the Senior Director of Undergraduate Studies if you plan to attend your hearing to schedule an appointment.
What can I expect at my appeal hearing?
The Academic Appeals Committee members review all application materials ahead of the hearing date. If you choose to attend your hearing, you will have the opportunity to directly discuss the nuances of your application with the Committee. Typically, students are allowed to first make a brief statement regarding their appeal, followed by questions from the Committee members on specific points related to their application. The Committee will then excuse you from the meeting prior to private deliberations and a subsequent vote.
Does the Academic Appeal Committee review financial aid appeals?
No. Financial Aid Appeals must be submitted separately to the Office of Financial Aid.
Who makes the final decisions on my appeal?
Final decision on appeals for reinstatement from academic suspension is made by the Provost, whereas final decision on grade appeals is made by the Academic Appeals Committee.
When do I learn the outcome of my appeal?
You will be notified of the final decision of your appeal as soon as possible. You will be notified both by email and through an official letter mailed through the US Postal Service. Final decisions on reinstatement will be communicated simultaneously to the Office of Admission, Office of Financial Aid, Registrar’s Office, and Office of Student Affairs.
Does academic appeal reverse my academic suspension?
No, academic appeal does not reverse academic suspension. The appeal process is necessary to regain permission to once again enroll in classes at UVA Wise; however, the notation of “Academic Suspension” remains permanently attached to your official transcript.
What happens next if I am reinstated?
If reinstated through the appeal process, students should make immediate contact with the Office of Admission to complete the readmission process. Once readmitted, students should make appointments with the Office of Financial Aid and Registrar’s Office to complete processes necessary to enroll in classes for the upcoming semester. Students requesting on-campus housing must also contact the Office of Student Affairs following readmission.
Students reinstated from academic suspension are placed on Academic Probation on their return to UVA Wise. Reinstated students are required to meet with the Senior Director of Undergraduate Studies within the first two weeks of the upcoming semester. Students are also required to meet with the Academic Success Center team to develop an iPass Academic Rehabilitation Plan.
Can I appeal the decision of my academic appeal?
No, you may not appeal the final determination of the academic appeal process.