Appeal Procedures

Students and student organizations may appeal any outcome of the disciplinary process. Appeals are completed in writing and are reviewed by groups separate from the Hearing Officer or Hearing Board who made the decision. Appeals are considered on a weekly basis during the Fall and Spring semesters, and on an as-needed basis during other times of the year. Most students can expect to have a response to their appeal within 7-10 days of submission.

Who decides

Appellate Bodies

A Student, Student Group, or Student Organization may appeal a decision of responsibility for a Code violation and/or the associated Accountability Action(s) as follows:

  • To the Student Appeals Committee if the misconduct subjects the individual or entity to Suspension, Expulsion, or Removal from On-Campus Housing; or
  • To the Student Accountability Appellate Board if the misconduct subjects the individual or entity to any Accountability Action other than Suspension, Expulsion, or Removal from On-Campus Housing.

where to start

Grounds for Appeals

  • A material violation of due process rights;
  • Evident bias in the decision of the individual conducting an investigation, Accountability Resolution Meeting, Hearing, or other proceeding;
  • New information which was not available at the time of the original Hearing; and/or
  • Imposition of an inconsistent or overly severe sanction.

how to

Submit Appeals

  • Appeals must be submitted in writing to SARP by the deadline indicated in the outcome letter. Failure to appeal within the allotted time renders the original decision and/or sanction final and conclusion.
  • Appeals may not be submitted by third parties, including friends, family members, or attorneys. 
  • Accountability Actions will not be deferred while an appeal is pending absent good cause and approval by the Associate Vice President/Dean of Students for Student Affairs (or designee).

Appeals should be received by the Office of Student Accountability and Restorative Practices in one of the following ways:

  • Submitted online via the unique link located at the end of the sanction letter emailed to your student email address. (Note: this option is not available to all students depending on how your letter was sent).
    • Delivered in person to: Administration Building, Room 2133
    • Sent via email to:
    • Mailed via US Mail to the Office of Student Accountability and Restorative Practices, 8000 York Rd. Towson, MD 21252

Appeals for Emergency Interim Actions should be sent to the Dean of Students Office:

  • Submit your appeal via email to: deansofstudents@towson.edu

now what

Appeal Outcomes

  • Uphold the finding and Accountability Action(s);
  • Uphold the finding, but modify the Accountability Action(s). Modifications can only lessen the severity of the Accountability Action(s);
  • Overturn the finding; or
  • Refer the case back to SARP for further investigation and/or a new Hearing.

Appeal Tips

Tips for Writing Successful Appeals

  • Clearly identify the ground(s) for your appeal.
  • Provide evidence and/or a clear explanation that supports each ground for your appeal. NOTE: Merely being dissatisfied with the outcome of your case will not be a sufficient reason to appeal.
  • Provide any supportive evidence along with your written appeal and explain why this evidence was not available at the time the case was originally heard. 
  • Omit letters of support from friends and family who have no direct knowledge of the incident in question.