Peer Hearing Board Appeals

Any student having had a hearing before the Peer Hearing Board may appeal the decision to the Dean of Students at hearingboard@linfield.edu. Such an appeal must be lodged in writing within five academic calendar days of notification of the original decision. The written appeal should present specific information as to the reason for the appeal. Appeals may be submitted under three conditions.

1.   Procedural Error: A procedural error occurred would change the outcome. A description of the error and its impact on the outcome of the case must be included in the written appeal; or,

2.   New Evidence: New evidence or information has arisen that was not available or known to the party during the investigation or hearing, that would change the outcome. Information that was known to the party during the resolution process but which they chose not to present is not considered new information. The new evidence, an explanation as to why the evidence was not previously available or known, and an explanation of its potential impact on the investigation findings must be included in the written appeal; or

3.   Actual Conflict of Interest or Demonstrated Bias: The Reporting Party, Investigator, or others with a role in the process with an actual conflict of interest or demonstrated bias for or against the students involved in the case that would change the outcome. Any evidence supporting the alleged conflict of interest or demonstrated bias must be included in the written appeal. 

The severity of sanction is not considered a legitimate ground for an appeal. Only one appeal is allowed per student involved. The Student Rights & Responsibilities Office will review the written appeal and other pertinent information and will notify the student in writing of the office’s decision.

Linfield University Hearing Board Appeals

Any student having had a hearing before the Linfield University Hearing Board may appeal the decision to the Vice President for Student Affairs. Such an appeal must be lodged in writing within five academic calendar days of notification of the original decision. The written appeal should present specific information as to the reason for the appeal. Appeals maybe submitted under three conditions.

1.   Procedural Error: A procedural error occurred would change the outcome. A description of the error and its impact on the outcome of the case must be included in the written appeal; or,

2.   New Evidence: New evidence or information has arisen that was not available or known to the party during the investigation or hearing, that would change the outcome. Information that was known to the party during the resolution process but which they chose not to present is not considered new information. The new evidence, an explanation as to why the evidence was not previously available or known, and an explanation of its potential impact on the investigation findings must be included in the written appeal; or

3.   Actual Conflict of Interest or Demonstrated Bias: The Reporting Party, Investigator, or others with a role in the process with an actual conflict of interest or demonstrated bias for or against the students involved in the case that would change the outcome. Any evidence supporting the alleged conflict of interest or demonstrated bias must be included in the written appeal.

The severity of sanction is not considered a legitimate ground for an appeal. Only one appeal is allowed per student involved. The the Vice President for Student Affairs will review the written appeal and other pertinent information and will notify the student in writing of the decision.

Administrative Hearing Appeals

Any student having had an administrative hearing before the Director of Student Rights & Responsibilities may appeal the decision to the Dean of Students. Such an appeal must be lodged in writing within five academic calendar days of notification of the original decision. The written appeal should present specific information as to the reason for the appeal. Appeals maybe submitted under three conditions.

1.   Procedural Error: A procedural error occurred would change the outcome. A description of the error and its impact on the outcome of the case must be included in the written appeal; or,

2.   New Evidence: New evidence or information has arisen that was not available or known to the party during the investigation or hearing, that would change the outcome. Information that was known to the party during the resolution process but which they chose not to present is not considered new information. The new evidence, an explanation as to why the evidence was not previously available or known, and an explanation of its potential impact on the investigation findings must be included in the written appeal; or

3.   Actual Conflict of Interest or Demonstrated Bias: The Reporting Party, Investigator, or others with a role in the process with an actual conflict of interest or demonstrated bias for or against the students involved in the case that would change the outcome. Any evidence supporting the alleged conflict of interest or demonstrated bias must be included in the written appeal.

The severity of sanction is not considered a legitimate ground for an appeal. Only one appeal is allowed per student involved. The Dean of Students will review the written appeal and other pertinent information and will notify the student in writing of the Dean’s decision.