GSAS Student Handbooks & Policies

Individuals who have been dismissed from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences for poor academic performance or progress may appeal the dismissal decision to the Office of the Dean.

A written appeal of academic dismissal must be submitted to the Office of the Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences in writing no later than thirty (30) days of the date of the notice of dismissal. The letter of appeal should include (a) the basis for the appeal (b) a summary of discussions, if any, between the student and representatives of the student's program such as the student's mentor and the student's Graduate Program Director; and (c) outcome or remedy proposed by the student.  The letter may include additional or new relevant information.  The Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences will inform the Graduate Program Director of the appeal by transmitting the student's letter of appeal.

Grounds. The following are grounds for appeal. 1) Incorrect calculation of grade point average; 2) Misapplication of standards for academic performance and satisfactory progress by the Graduate Program of the Graduate School; 3) Circumstances which had not been known which might be relevant to the dismissal.

Disposition.  The Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences may: 1) act on the appeal; 2) appoint a designee to collect additional information for the Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences; or 3) constitute a three-person ad hoc review committee from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Executive Committee.  The purpose of the ad hoc Committee is to provide an opinion and recommendation to the Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences regarding the appeal. The ad hoc committee will review all materials and communications related to the case.  Additional information may be requested.

The Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences will inform the student and the Graduate Program Director in writing of the method of disposition of the appeal.  If a Dean's Designee is appointed, the student and the Graduate Program Director will be informed of the name and contact information for the Dean's Designee. 

The Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Science's decision with respect to a student's appeal shall be final. The student and the Graduate Program Director will be informed in writing of the Dean's decision.