The College Catalog documents the approach to interactions between the College and students, administration, staff, and faculty. It provides guidance on how policies and processes function within the framework of an academic environment and supports students and faculty in understanding the protocols established by governance and regulatory agencies. Given this established purpose, additional guidance may be required for specific situations and events. General information and definitions are provided below:
Appeal Process
When decisions are made and a dispute arises, students have the opportunity of seeking an appeal. For additional information on specific steps, review the information in the Student Handbook.
Admissions Appeal
Potential students have the right to appeal a decision in regards to his/her admission to the College. An applicant appealing a decision should submit a written request with a full description of the rationale and supporting evidence as to why an admissions appeal should be granted. Complete the Admissions Appeal form provided by contacting Enrollment or Admissions.
General Appeal
When a student seeks further discussion about a policy or procedural decision, the student should complete an appeal form found in the MyACE Portal, Student Commons, or ACE website. A written justification for the appeal is required. The appeal will be approved by the department leadership and escalated to the Academic Appeals Committee or Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, whose decision is final. These steps are addressed in the General Appeals Process in the Student Handbook .
Grade Appeal
Students at ACE have the right to appeal a final course grade that they allege to be the result of arbitrary or capricious grading. To do so, the student utilizes the appeal form available in the MyACE Portal. Students should provide a written rationale and documentation for the grade dispute after following the prescribed steps outlined in the Student Processes Associated with Academic Policies in the Student Handbook .
Non-Retaliation Statement
No individual will be retaliated against for making a complaint about harassment or discrimination, or for participating in the investigation of such a complaint, or for submission of an appeal of any kind to the College. We consider retaliation to be serious and a violation of College policies. We will investigate and resolve complaints of retaliation in accordance with standard investigative practices.
Complaints Process
Both informal and formal complaints require appropriate attention. An informal complaint consists of a difference of perspective or expectation and can be resolved with additional communication through appropriate channels. More general concerns, such as needing assistance contacting a faculty member, can be handled through Student Services, while others may be appropriate for the Suggestion Box located in Student and Doctoral Commons.
Formal complaints are defined by regulatory agencies and require specific steps to ensure fair, consistent and equitable procedures are followed. These steps are addressed in the Student Complaint Policy in the Student Handbook .
For additional information see the Student Complaint Policy in the ACE Catalog .
Exception Policy
The College permits a student to request an exception to policies and procedures due to extenuating circumstances by completing an appeal form stating the reason the requested exception should be made. The student should provide any appropriate documentation to support the request. The College, pending on the request and rationale, can grant an exception to policy or procedure. If a student is unsatisfied with the decision, they can escalate the request/appeal through the appeal escalation path.
Ability to Accept Gifts
ACE faculty and staff cannot accept gifts of any kind, cash or otherwise, from students, family members of students, or anyone representing a student.
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