The Undergraduate Academic Appeals Panel (UAAP) exists as a final resort for undergraduate students who have completed the preliminary resolution procedures for an appeal.

Student Rule 57 details the guidelines, procedures, and instructions for students who have a grievance about an academic issue. Student Rule 57 requires students begin a grievance with the instructor, then, if it is not resolved, at the department and college levels. Each appeal step must be completed within ten university business days of receiving a response (e.g. ten days after hearing back from an instructor, department head, etc.).

The UAAP hears appeals involving the following:

1. University-level academic suspensions (Student Rule 50)
2. Dismissals for a major or college for scholastic deficiency (Student Rule 50)
3. Disputes over an unauthorized absence determination (Student Rule 49)
4. Disputes over a final course grade (Student Rule 48)

If a student has questions during the process, they can contact the Undergraduate Ombuds, who can provide guidance as to university processes and policy. 

Upon receipt of a request for a university-level academic appeal hearing, the Ombuds will contact the Chair of the UAAP, who will conduct a preliminary review of the grievance, and then, if appropriate, request that the Ombuds schedule a hearing. The Ombuds will ensure that all parties have the opportunity to review any documentation related to the hearing.

The UAAP considers the facts presented by all parties involved and then makes a decision in closed session. The Chair informs all parties involved of the decision immediately following the hearing. The decision is forwarded to the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Studies with copies to the Dean of Faculties, the student, and the faculty member or college administrator involved in the hearing.

The UAAP includes the chair, three faculty members, and two undergraduate students. These are selected for each hearing from a panel of up to 30 faculty, students, and chairs who have been trained for their specific roles. Chairs are Associate Deans appointed through the Academic Operations Committee. Faculty are appointed by Faculty Affairs, in consultation with the Faculty Senate. Students are appointed by the Student Government Association or recruited through Associate Deans.

Faculty members who have an interest in serving on this University Committee should contact Faculty Affairs at (979) 845-4274 or via e-mail at facultyaffairs@tamu.edu. 

For more information on the appeals process, contact Dr. Lori Moore, Ombuds Official for Undergraduate Studies, at 979-845-3210 or at UndergradOmbuds@tamu.edu.