Student Appeals, Grievances, and Academic Due Process

The University of Texas at Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Program is committed to providing students with fair, equitable, and consistent academic and professional decision-making processes. Students are entitled to academic due process when subject to adverse academic or professional actions. The Program ensures that decisions affecting enrollment, academic standing, progression, remediation, deceleration, dismissal, or other significant academic matters are based on documented evidence, consistent application of published Program policies, and appropriate faculty review.

Academic Due Process

Academic due process includes the student's right to:

1. Receive timely written notice of an adverse academic or professional decision.
2. Be informed of the basis for the decision and the applicable Program or University policy.
3. Review relevant documentation supporting the decision, when permitted by University policy.
4. Submit a written response and supporting documentation within established timelines.
5. Request review through the appropriate Program or University appeal process.
6. Receive written notification of the final decision.
7. Receive an impartial review by the appropriate University official or committee in accordance with applicable University policy.

Academic due process does not guarantee reversal of a Program decision but ensures that
decisions are made fairly, consistently, and in accordance with established Program and
University policies and procedures.

Student Appeals

Students may appeal academic and program decisions, including enrollment decisions, progression determinations, remediation decisions, leave of absence decisions, dismissal decisions, and other academic actions in accordance with applicable Program and University policies. Grade appeals are governed by the Program's Grade Appeal Policy.

Appeals must:

1. Be submitted in writing within the timeframe established by the applicable Program or University policy governing the decision being appealed.
2. Clearly identify the decision being appealed.
3. State the basis for the appeal.
4. Include supporting documentation demonstrating that the decision was inconsistent with published Program or University policies, course requirements, or established academic procedures.

The burden of demonstrating that a Program or University policy was applied incorrectly, inconsistently, or unfairly rests with the student submitting the appeal. Appeals will be reviewed by the appropriate University official or committee designated under the applicable University policy. Decisions rendered through the institutional appeal process are final.

Student Grievances

Students who believe they have experienced unfair treatment, inconsistent application of Program policies, inappropriate conduct, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or other concerns affecting their educational experience are encouraged to seek resolution at the lowest appropriate level whenever possible.

Students should first discuss concerns with the individual involved whenever appropriate. If resolution is not achieved, concerns may be elevated to the Course Director, Academic Advisor, Director of Clinical Education, or Program Director as appropriate. When informal resolution is inappropriate or unsuccessful, students may pursue formal grievance procedures through the applicable University offices in accordance with institutional policy.

Program and Institutional Appeal Procedures

The Physician Assistant Studies Program follows the official University of Texas at Tyler academic appeal and grievance procedures and does not maintain separate appeal processes outside those authorized by the University. Students retain all rights afforded under University policy for academic appeals, grievances, discrimination complaints, harassment complaints, retaliation complaints, misconduct investigations, and other institutional review processes.

To preserve the integrity and impartiality of the appeal process, the Program Director does not participate in Academic Student Progress Committee (ASPC) deliberations involving progression, remediation, deceleration, or dismissal recommendations that may subsequently be appealed.

Protection from Retaliation

No student shall be subjected to retaliation for filing an appeal, submitting a grievance, participating in an investigation, serving as a witness, or exercising any right afforded under Program or University policy. Allegations of retaliation will be reviewed and addressed in accordance with applicable University policies and procedures.

Records

Appeals, grievances, decisions, and supporting documentation shall be maintained in accordance with University record-retention requirements and applicable federal and state laws governing student educational records. Records will be maintained confidentially and accessed only by individuals with a legitimate educational or administrative need, consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and University policy.

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