A student wishing to challenge the outcome of a hearing should submit an appeal within five (5) business days of the determination in accordance with instructions provided in the outcome letter. The student will receive confirmation of receipt of the appeal from an appeals officer at their Sarah Lawrence email address, typically within two (2) business days of submission. The appeals officer is a hearing officer who is not the original hearing officer and who serves in a professional capacity at the College above the level of the hearing officer.
Either the complainant (if applicable) or the respondent may appeal the hearing officer’s decision. The only grounds for appeals are:
- Material procedural error: A significant procedural error occurred that was prejudicial to the outcome of the hearing and affecting the appealing party.
- Previously unavailable relevant information: New, relevant information has been identified that was not available or known to the appealing party at the time of the hearing, and this information may materially alter the outcome.
- Inappropriate sanction: The sanction imposed was inappropriate based on the weight of the information provided during the investigation and/or hearing.
An appeal is not a new hearing, and the student is not present for the appeal. The appeals officer will consider the written appeal statement and the case record only in determining the outcome of an appeal. The appeals officer will communicate the decision to the student in writing once a decision has been reached, generally within five (5) business days of receipt of the appeal. Unavoidable delays in the processing of an appeal, however, including the complexity of the case, may require additional time for review.
During the consideration of an appeal, sanctions assessed by the hearing officer will remain in effect. The appeal period/process begins when the appeals officer confirms receipt of the appeal. If a student has an additional violation of community standards or College policy while an appeal is being reviewed, the student’s prior conduct sanctions and record, including those being appealed, may be considered in responding to the new violation(s).
Only one appeal per incident is permitted, and the decision of the appeals officer is final. No further appeals are permitted. Questions about an appeal should be directed to the appropriate appeals officer.
Record Retention
In accordance with the College’s record-retention policy, written records of conduct cases will be maintained for seven (7) years. Written records of cases including suspension or expulsion will be maintained in the student’s permanent record.