Educator Preparation Programs Appeal Instructions For Program Admission or Student Teaching Eligibility Decisions

Overview

A student who is denied program admission into an educator preparation program, anticipates not meeting admission requirements, or is not approved for student teaching may submit an appeal in accordance with these instructions. The initial denial or disapproval is presumed correct, and it is the student's responsibility to demonstrate that the initial decision was incorrect, or that a reversal/exception is appropriate, and in the best interests of the student, the University, and the profession.

Appeals will be considered and determined by the Appeals Committee, a subcommittee of the Educator Preparation Program Committee. The Appeals Committee will consist of an odd number of faculty members, and will conduct business by simple majority rule. Except for those decisions in which the appellant claims there has been an error by the University, the Appeals Committee may impose additional conditions or restrictions as part of its decision. Those conditions and restrictions may include, but are not limited to, additional mandatory sessions with advisors, requirements to take or re-take certain courses, and so forth. A student who fails to comply with additional conditions or restrictions may be disenrolled from the program, or removed from student teaching opportunities. Appeals Committee decisions may require approval by authorities other than the Appeals Committee, such as the Graduate School, the CHEH Graduate Studies Committee, or the Chair of a particular department, in which case the approval of the additional authority is a prerequisite to the Appeals Committee's final decision.

In-person appearances, including live witness testimony, are not permitted. The Appeals Committee will consider factors including, but not limited to: grades, scores on required or standardized tests, GPA, commitment to the profession, diversity of experiences, and so forth. Students should note that while the Appeals Committee may have some discretion, decisions on program admission and student teaching eligibility are, to a very large degree, governed by standards imposed by the University's various accrediting bodies. Those standards include minimum grades, minimum scores on tests, and so forth. The Appeals Committee will not approve a reversal or modification that would create a conflict with accreditation standards.

Deadlines

Appeal packets for student teaching eligibility must be submitted no later than fourteen days (14) before the expected start date of student teaching. Appeal packets for admission decisions must be submitted by May 1 for a summer start date, July 1st for a fall start date, and December 1 for a spring start date. Untimely appeals will not be considered.

Decisions

Decisions are final, and successive appeals of a single decision will only be considered if there has been a material change in circumstances. Students will be notified via email of the Appeals Committee's decision. Approval of an appeal does not make the student eligible for an Ohio teaching license, which is issued by the state Department of Education and not by the University. Students should not make academic plans on the presumption that an appeal will be successful.

Requirements

Appeals may be handwritten or typed. Appeals must be legible, clearly state the basis for the appeal, and include all applicable documentation as outlined below. Appellants are responsible for meeting all deadlines and other obligations related to the pertinent admission / student teaching experience.

Appeals packets that do not include the following minimum documentation will not be returned, and will be automatically rejected:

1. A properly completed and signed electronic WSU Educator Preparation Programs Appeal Form that includes a brief personal statement explaining why the decision should be reversed or modified, and discussing factors that the appellant wants the committee to know or consider. 
2. Optional Supporting Documentation: The items below are examples that may be included; there may be other examples that better fit the context of an appeal.
   1. Transcripts: only for graduate degree applicants who did not attend WSU as undergraduates
   2. One letter of professional recommendation. The Appeals Committee will not consider a professional recommendation from an appellant's personal friend or family member.
   3. Documentation of communication with faculty, advisors, testing centers, etc.

WSU Educator Preparation Programs Appeal Form 

Questions may be sent to your academic advisor or cehs-epp-appeal@wright.edu.