Teacher Education Appeal Process
Upon the denial or abridgement of rights
If the student believes that his/her rights have been denied or abridged, it is essential that the person involved make an attempt to reach an agreement through informal discussions with the instructor and department chair.
Where informal recourse fails, the student may file a formal appeal in writing to the Lauby Teacher Education Center. Should the student wish to carry the appeal beyond the executive committee of the Council for Teacher Education, the appeal should be made to the full body of the Council for Teacher Education via the chair of the Council for Teacher Education. In all formal appeals, the student has the right to be represented by legal counsel and may be accompanied by and advised by a person of his/her own choosing.
Guidelines for submitting Teacher Education student appeals
If the student chooses to appeal the decision, they must do so in writing, within 30 days from the date the alleged act or decision took place. The written appeal must be submitted to the Acting Director of the Lauby Teacher Education Center, Dr. Monica Noraian. However, prior to submitting the written appeal, the student is strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment with Dr. Noraian, as she will review the appeals process and answer your questions. Please contact Ms. Kelly Brown to schedule an appointment with Dr. Noraian.
The director will informally discuss the situation with the student in an effort to determine what steps have been taken toward resolution. The director will forward any appeals to the chairperson of the Council for Teacher Education.
The written appeal should:
- Be word processed
- Be signed and dated
- Include the local address and phone number
- Be concise and specific, with names and dates wherever relevant and possible
- Clearly state the act or decision being challenged
- Clearly state why the act or decision is unauthorized or unjust
- Briefly describe your attempts to reach an agreement through informal discussions with the involved parties
Along with the letter of appeal, the student may include additional information in support of the grievance such as, but not limited to, the following: documents from advisors, supervisors or department personnel, letters or statements from those directly involved in the situation, transcripts of interviews, and other supporting evidence that would help clarify the student's position.
The executive committee of the Council for Teacher Education will act on the appeal. The student will be informed of the decision no later than 30 days after the petition has been received by the director of the Lauby Teacher Education Center. Upon receipt of the decision of the executive committee, the student may appeal to the full Council for Teacher Education.
Procedures to appeal to the full Council for Teacher Education
- Upon receipt of the student's written appeal from the director of the Lauby Teacher Education Center, the chairperson of the council shall arrange for a swift and comprehensive investigation of the matter under consideration.
- The decision of the review board shall be sent in writing to the complainant and other parties involved within 10 working days after the review.
- The complainant may appeal the decision of the review board to the full body of the council. Such an appeal must be in written form and received within 10 working days after the review board decision. The council will schedule a hearing for a regularly scheduled meeting date. The decision of the council will be communicated to the student and other appropriate parties within 30 days of the decision.
- In all matters regarding admission to teacher education, retention in teacher education and teacher certification, complainants have the right to be represented by legal counsel.
For detailed information regarding the format for the Council for Teacher Education hearing, the complainant should contact the dean's office in the College of Education.
(Council for Teacher Education Approved Procedures: 4-3-2007)