Graduate Catalog

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Student Grievances and Appeals

Khalifa University aims to provide a fair, equitable and productive learning environment for all its students that includes a variety of means by which student grievances are brought to consideration and subsequent resolution in a timely manner (STL 5450 Student Grievances and Appeals). A student has the right to appeal or file a grievance against academic or financial decisions or rulings, or a sanction resulting from a code of conduct violation. Students must follow the established procedures and adhere to time limits for filing a grievance or appeal. The University will issue an official written response. For policies and processes concerning the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, please refer to the CMHS Medical Student Handbook.

Appeals Procedure

In situations involving the appeal of a grade or an instructor imposed sanction related to a minor violation of the academic integrity policy, the student and instructor are encouraged to resolve the matter informally, amicably and promptly. Should the discussion fail to lead to resolution, the student may file an appeal with the relevant Department Chair. If the Department Chair, instructor and student are unable to resolve the issue, the student or Department Chair may further raise the appeal to the attention of the Dean of the College (or designee). In the case of an appeal of an instructor imposed sanction, the decision of the Dean of the College (or designee) will be final.

A student has the right to appeal a university imposed academic or non-academic sanction or a financial ruling subject to the following provisions:

  • All appeals must be in writing and provide new information not considered previously.
  • A student may appeal an officially recorded grade through submission of a “Grade Appeal” form to the Registrar’s Office no later than the first day of classes of the next regular semester.
  • All appeals of a sanction imposed by the Academic Integrity Council for an academic integrity violation must be submitted to the SVP of Academic and Student Services within ten working days from the decision date. The SVP of Academic and Student Services will forward the case to the Graduate Studies Council, as appropriate.
  • All appeals of a dismissal due to poor academic performance must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office within five working days from the decision date. The Registrar’s Office will forward the case to the Graduate Studies Council, as appropriate.
  • All appeals of a sanction imposed by the Student Conduct Council for a code of conduct violation must be submitted to the Director of Student Services within ten working days from the decision date. The Director will forward the case to the Graduate Studies Council, as appropriate.
  • Financial appeals must be submitted to the SVP of Academic and Student Services by the last day of the Add/Drop period of the current semester. The appeal will be forwarded to the appropriate committee for consideration.
  • Appeals may result in the application of a lesser, identical or more severe sanction or grade.
  • The recommendation of the Graduate Studies Council is final.
  • The outcome of an appeal will be provided to the student in writing by the Registrar’s Office and a copy of the final decision placed in the student’s file.