STUDENT APPEALS POLICY
1.0 Definitions
1.1 The following words and expressions have the meaning hereby assigned to them:
1.1.1 Student Academic Appeals Committee: A committee established to impartially review Student Academic Dismissal appeals.
1.1.2 Academic Dismissal: A decision of the University to revoke the enrollment status of a Student from a Program based on their Academic Standing.
1.1.3 Academic Members: Faculty Members and Instructional Members.
1.1.4 Academic Units: An entity within the University that delivers Courses for Programs or for entry into Programs.
1.1.5 Academically Dismissed: The official status of a Student who has received an Academic Dismissal.
1.1.6 Clear Standing: The Academic Standing of a Student who has achieved the minimum Cumulative GPA required by the Program.
1.1.7 Dismissal: A decision of the University to revoke the enrollment status of a Student from a Program.
1.1.8 Expulsion: A decision to permanently remove a Student from the University.
1.1.9 Student Appeal Committees: The Student Academic Appeals Committee and the Student Misconduct Appeals Committee, established pursuant to the provisions of the Student Appeals Policy (PL-ST-04).
1.1.10 Student Misconduct Appeals Committee: A committee established to impartially review appeals against Student Misconduct decisions resulting in a suspension for a full Semester or more, permanent Dismissal from a Program, or Expulsion from the University.
1.1.11 President: The President of the University.
1.1.12 Program: A prescribed set of Courses leading to a qualification, including a Certificate, Diploma (2 years), Advanced Diploma (3 years), Bachelor, Post Graduate Diploma, Master, or Doctorate, according to the Qatar National Qualifications Framework.
1.1.13 Semester: A division of an Academic Year where a Student is enrolled in a Course(s) followed by an examination period.
1.1.14 Student: A person who is presently enrolled at the University in a Credit Course or who is designated by the University as a Student.
1.1.15 Student Appeal: An application against a decision affecting the Student, as defined in the Student Appeals Policy (PL-ST-04).
1.1.16 Student Misconduct: Conduct that is prohibited as outlined in the Student Conduct Policy (PL-ST-01).
1.1.17 University: University of Doha for Science and Technology established by Emiri Resolution No. 13 of 2022.
1.1.2 Academic Dismissal: A decision of the University to revoke the enrollment status of a Student from a Program based on their Academic Standing.
1.1.3 Academic Members: Faculty Members and Instructional Members.
1.1.4 Academic Units: An entity within the University that delivers Courses for Programs or for entry into Programs.
1.1.5 Academically Dismissed: The official status of a Student who has received an Academic Dismissal.
1.1.6 Clear Standing: The Academic Standing of a Student who has achieved the minimum Cumulative GPA required by the Program.
1.1.7 Dismissal: A decision of the University to revoke the enrollment status of a Student from a Program.
1.1.8 Expulsion: A decision to permanently remove a Student from the University.
1.1.9 Student Appeal Committees: The Student Academic Appeals Committee and the Student Misconduct Appeals Committee, established pursuant to the provisions of the Student Appeals Policy (PL-ST-04).
1.1.10 Student Misconduct Appeals Committee: A committee established to impartially review appeals against Student Misconduct decisions resulting in a suspension for a full Semester or more, permanent Dismissal from a Program, or Expulsion from the University.
1.1.11 President: The President of the University.
1.1.12 Program: A prescribed set of Courses leading to a qualification, including a Certificate, Diploma (2 years), Advanced Diploma (3 years), Bachelor, Post Graduate Diploma, Master, or Doctorate, according to the Qatar National Qualifications Framework.
1.1.13 Semester: A division of an Academic Year where a Student is enrolled in a Course(s) followed by an examination period.
1.1.14 Student: A person who is presently enrolled at the University in a Credit Course or who is designated by the University as a Student.
1.1.15 Student Appeal: An application against a decision affecting the Student, as defined in the Student Appeals Policy (PL-ST-04).
1.1.16 Student Misconduct: Conduct that is prohibited as outlined in the Student Conduct Policy (PL-ST-01).
1.1.17 University: University of Doha for Science and Technology established by Emiri Resolution No. 13 of 2022.
1.2 Where a word or phrase is given a particular meaning, other parts of speech and grammatical forms of that word or phrase have corresponding meanings.
1.3 Where the context requires, words importing the singular shall include the plural and vice versa.
2.0 Policy Purpose
2.1 The purpose of this policy is to recognize the Students' right to submit a Student Appeal.
3.0 Policy Scope
3.1 The policy applies to:
3.1.1 Students;
3.1.2 Academic Members;
3.1.3 Academic Units;
3.1.4 Related councils and committees.
3.1.2 Academic Members;
3.1.3 Academic Units;
3.1.4 Related councils and committees.
4.0 Policy Statements
4.1 General
4.1.1 The University is committed to providing a fair and transparent opportunity for Students to submit a Student Appeal, in accordance with the relevant procedures.
4.1.2 All Student Appeals and related proceedings will be treated as confidential. Relevant information may be disclosed only to individuals directly involved in the appeal process, University officials with a legitimate need to know, or as required by law. The University reserves the right to share relevant information with senior leadership for purposes of institutional oversight, risk management, or legal compliance.
4.1.3 In cases involving safety or academic integrity risks, interim measures may be imposed by the Vice-President, Student Affairs, upon the recommendation in accordance with relevant procedure.
4.1.2 All Student Appeals and related proceedings will be treated as confidential. Relevant information may be disclosed only to individuals directly involved in the appeal process, University officials with a legitimate need to know, or as required by law. The University reserves the right to share relevant information with senior leadership for purposes of institutional oversight, risk management, or legal compliance.
4.1.3 In cases involving safety or academic integrity risks, interim measures may be imposed by the Vice-President, Student Affairs, upon the recommendation in accordance with relevant procedure.
4.2 Appeal Scope
4.2.1 Students may initiate a Student Appeal for decisions pertaining to the following categories only:
4.2.1.1 Academic Dismissal;
4.2.2 Student Misconduct resulting in a suspension for a full Semester or more, permanent Dismissal from a Program, or Expulsion from the University.
4.2.2 Student Misconduct resulting in a suspension for a full Semester or more, permanent Dismissal from a Program, or Expulsion from the University.
4.3 Grounds for Appeal
4.3.1 Academic Dismissal can be appealed on one or more of the following grounds only:
4.3.2 Student Misconduct-related decisions falling within the categories defined by this policy can be appealed on one or more of the following grounds only:
4.3.1.1 There is a reasonable expectation that the appellant can achieve Clear Standing if granted a one-Semester extension; and/or
4.3.1.2 There is a reasonable expectation that the appellant can graduate if granted a one-Semester extension; and/or
4.3.1.3 An administrative or GPA calculation error occurred which directly resulted in the Academic Dismissal decision.
4.3.1.2 There is a reasonable expectation that the appellant can graduate if granted a one-Semester extension; and/or
4.3.1.3 An administrative or GPA calculation error occurred which directly resulted in the Academic Dismissal decision.
4.3.2 Student Misconduct-related decisions falling within the categories defined by this policy can be appealed on one or more of the following grounds only:
4.3.2.1 Procedural and/or factual error occurred in the administration of the appealed decision; and/or
4.3.2.2 New documentation or information is available that would affect the appealed decision.
4.3.2.3 Appealed disciplinary decision is unduly harsh.
4.3.2.2 New documentation or information is available that would affect the appealed decision.
4.3.2.3 Appealed disciplinary decision is unduly harsh.
4.4 Appeals
4.4.1 It is the Student's responsibility to initiate their appeal application within the timelines specified in the Student Appeals Procedure (PR-ST-04).
4.4.2 It is the Student's responsibility to present evidence that supports their appeal application.
4.4.3 Any member of an Appeals Committee with a personal or professional interest in a case under review must recuse themselves to ensure impartiality.
4.4.4 The original decision which is being appealed as per clause 4.2.1 remains in effect unless and until it is overturned on appeal. Submitting a Student Appeal application will not prevent the decision being appealed from being enforced.
4.4.5 Students must submit the Student Appeal application to the Admissions and Registration Directorate according to the timeline outlined in the Student Appeals Procedure (PR-ST-04).
4.4.6 Student Appeals will be undertaken in accordance with the Student Appeals Procedure. Students will be provided a reasonable opportunity to be heard by the Appeals Committee, either through a written submission or an oral presentation, in accordance with the Student Appeals Procedure.
4.4.7 The decision of the Student Academic Appeals Committee or the Student Misconduct Appeals Committee can be appealed to the President of University, and this decision represents the final decision of the University only on the following grounds:
4.4.2 It is the Student's responsibility to present evidence that supports their appeal application.
4.4.3 Any member of an Appeals Committee with a personal or professional interest in a case under review must recuse themselves to ensure impartiality.
4.4.4 The original decision which is being appealed as per clause 4.2.1 remains in effect unless and until it is overturned on appeal. Submitting a Student Appeal application will not prevent the decision being appealed from being enforced.
4.4.5 Students must submit the Student Appeal application to the Admissions and Registration Directorate according to the timeline outlined in the Student Appeals Procedure (PR-ST-04).
4.4.6 Student Appeals will be undertaken in accordance with the Student Appeals Procedure. Students will be provided a reasonable opportunity to be heard by the Appeals Committee, either through a written submission or an oral presentation, in accordance with the Student Appeals Procedure.
4.4.7 The decision of the Student Academic Appeals Committee or the Student Misconduct Appeals Committee can be appealed to the President of University, and this decision represents the final decision of the University only on the following grounds:
4.4.7.1 Procedural error that materially affected the outcome;
4.4.7.2 New evidence not reasonably available at the time of the original decision; or
4.4.7.3 Bias or conflict of interest on the part of a committee member.
4.4.7.2 New evidence not reasonably available at the time of the original decision; or
4.4.7.3 Bias or conflict of interest on the part of a committee member.
4.5 Appeal Committees
4.5.1 The President will establish.
4.5.2 The Student Academic Appeals Committee and the Student Misconduct Appeals Committee will, respectively:
4.5.3 The Student Academic Appeals Committee and the Student Misconduct Appeals Committee will take one of the following actions:
4.5.1.1 A Student Academic Appeals Committee to review appeals of decisions pertaining to Academically Dismissed Students;
4.5.1.2 A Student Misconduct Appeals Committee to review appeals of decisions pertaining to Student Misconduct resulting in a suspension for a full Semester or more, permanent Dismissal from a Program, or Expulsion from the University.
4.5.1.2 A Student Misconduct Appeals Committee to review appeals of decisions pertaining to Student Misconduct resulting in a suspension for a full Semester or more, permanent Dismissal from a Program, or Expulsion from the University.
4.5.2 The Student Academic Appeals Committee and the Student Misconduct Appeals Committee will, respectively:
4.5.2.1 Consider appeal cases referred to them;
4.5.2.2 Determine whether the ground(s) of appeal have been met.
4.5.2.2 Determine whether the ground(s) of appeal have been met.
4.5.3 The Student Academic Appeals Committee and the Student Misconduct Appeals Committee will take one of the following actions:
4.5.3.1 Uphold the appeal and overturn the original decision; or
4.5.3.2 Dismiss the appeal and uphold the original decision; or
4.5.3.3 Partially uphold the appeal and modify the original decision, provided that any such modification is within the scope of the original decision and consistent with relevant policies.
4.5.3.2 Dismiss the appeal and uphold the original decision; or
4.5.3.3 Partially uphold the appeal and modify the original decision, provided that any such modification is within the scope of the original decision and consistent with relevant policies.
5.0 Procedures
5.1 The Vice-President of Student Affairs will ensure that procedures are developed for the execution of this policy, and are implemented accordingly.
6.0 Related Documents
6.1 PL-ST-01 Student Conduct Policy.
6.2 PR-ST-01 Student Conduct Procedure.
6.3 PL-ST-03 Student Attendance Policy.
6.4 PR-ST-04 Student Appeals Procedure.
6.5 PL-ST-05 Academic Standing Policy.
6.6 PR-ST-05 Academic Standing Procedure.
6.7 PL-ST-08 Final Grades Policy.
6.8 PL-ST-08 Final Grades Procedure.
6.9 PL-ST-18 Graduate Academic Standing Policy.
6.10 PR-ST-18 Graduate Academic Standing Procedure.
6.2 PR-ST-01 Student Conduct Procedure.
6.3 PL-ST-03 Student Attendance Policy.
6.4 PR-ST-04 Student Appeals Procedure.
6.5 PL-ST-05 Academic Standing Policy.
6.6 PR-ST-05 Academic Standing Procedure.
6.7 PL-ST-08 Final Grades Policy.
6.8 PL-ST-08 Final Grades Procedure.
6.9 PL-ST-18 Graduate Academic Standing Policy.
6.10 PR-ST-18 Graduate Academic Standing Procedure.