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Policies and Regulations

POLICY TITLE: Academic Appeals Policy

APPLIES TO: All credential producing academic programs.

ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY: Academic Affairs

APPROVED BY: KSU Board of Regents

EFFECTIVE DATE: June 12, 2026

NEXT REVIEW DATE: June 2028

POLICY STATEMENT: This policy establishes procedures for student appeals related to academic standing, grades, suspension, dismissal, and withdrawal. This revised version integrates requirements and institutional conditions resulting from Kentucky Senate Bill 185 (2026, SB), which imposes enhanced financial oversight, operational controls, and administrative authority at Kentucky State University (KSU).

Appeals Authority: In accordance with SB 185, KSU is operating under a declared period of financial exigency and enhanced governance requirements. Key implications for academic appeals include:

• Increased administrative authority of the University President over enrollment, reinstatement, and academic progression decisions.

- Alignment of academic decisions with institutional restructuring goals, including program prioritization and enrollment targets.

- Requirement that institutional processes support financial sustainability, program efficiency, and resource prioritization.

- Oversight expectations from the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE), particularly regarding decisions that may impact enrollment, retention, or resource allocation.

All academic appeals decisions must be consistent with these statutory conditions.

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## Appeal Procedures and Deadlines

Students may appeal one time following the notification of academic standing.

Appeals must be submitted using the Academic Appeals Form with supporting documentation.

Deadlines are as follows:

Warning/Probation/Dismissal: Two weeks after the University notice of academic action of probation or dismissal

○ Retroactive Withdrawal: Five business days before the start of the academic term

Grade Appeals: Two weeks after posting of final grades

Appeals submitted within deadlines will be evaluated not only on individual merit but also on institutional capacity, program availability, and enrollment limits.

• Exceptions due to documented evidence of extraordinary circumstances remain permissible but must not conflict with SB 185 operational constraints.

## Committee Meetings

The Academic Appeals Committee will meet as needed per the established schedule:

Monday of the third week after notification of change in academic standings are sent Additional meetings may be convened as necessary.

Meeting priorities may be adjusted based on institutional restructuring timelines and reporting obligations.

Appeals impacting high-demand or limited programs may receive priority review.

## Grade Appeals (program teach-out)

- Grade changes that impact a student in a program designated in “teach-out” phase must be implemented in the time specified in the “teach-out” period.

Appeals that would place a student into discontinued or suspended programs may be denied or redirected.

## Retroactive Withdrawal

Financial aid and institutional repayment obligations will be evaluated in coordination with enhanced financial controls under Senate Bill 185.

• Approval of withdrawals must consider institutional financial impact.

## Appeal of Dismissal

Reinstatement is contingent upon:

Program availability within the approved limited academic offerings

O Alignment with enrollment targets

o Demonstrated likelihood of successful progression under stricter academic standards

Re-admission decisions are subject to presidential authority and institutional needs.

○ Academic contracts must include performance benchmarks aligned with Senate Bill 185 goals (retention, completion, workforce alignment).

Re-admission may be denied if the student's program has been eliminated or is no longer aligned with institutional priorities

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## Students seeking return after dismissal must:

Submit academic improvement plan

Demonstrate readiness (transfer credits, workforce experience, or coursework)

Comply with a structured re-entry contract

Petition to return by the institutional reinstatement committee interview after one full semester

- Required course repeats must be within active programs retained under SB 185 program review.

## Program Availability and Constraints

Appeals tied to closed and on teach-out programs cannot result in reinstatement to those programs.

• Alternative pathways or program redirection may be offered where feasible.

## Financial and Administrative Considerations

Appeals outcomes must not create unfunded liabilities or violate spending controls.

- Any decision affecting tuition, aid, or institutional cost must comply with SB 185 financial oversight requirements.

## Entities Affected

Academic Affairs

Registrar

Financial Aid

Bursar

Office of the President

• Council on Postsecondary Education (as applicable)

## Policy Authority

Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs, with oversight and exception authority exercised in accordance with SB 185 by the University President.

## Related Policies

• Academic Standing Policy

• Enrollment and Admissions Policy

Program Review and Discontinuation Policy (SB 185)

## Effective Date

This revised policy is effective immediately upon adoption and supersedes prior provisions.

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