Who is Going to be at the Hearing?

The Panel

A panel is made up of three people. One teaching staff member, one student member, and a Chair who is legally qualified. The panel is neutral and will know nothing about you or your case other than what is contained in the appeal materials submitted by you and the Division. It will make a determination about your case only after hearing the submissions from you and the Division.

The Division

The Division usually selects one or two representatives to attend the hearing.

The Division’s Counsel

The Division sometimes hires legal counsel to represent it in academic appeals matters.

ADFG Staff (as hearing Secretary)

The Director, ADFG or his/her designate serves as the Secretary at each hearing. The Secretary is neutral and does not have a speaking role at the hearing, unless he or she is asked questions by the Chair.  The Secretary is responsible for facilitating the hearing procedures. These hearings are not recorded.

The Student (a.k.a. The appellant)

Most students participate in person. However, in exceptional cases, you can participate via Skype. The hearing is your opportunity to share your story with the panel, explain the remedy that you are seeking and the circumstances of your case.

Students are permitted to bring friends and family for support, but these individuals are normally not allowed to speak or participate.

NOTE: If a hearing has been confirmed by the Student and/or the Division, but one or neither party attends, the Panel may decide to proceed in the Student or Division's absence, or base its decision using only the written materials submitted by the Student and the Division.

The Student’s Legal Representative

Oftentimes, the legal representatives are law students from DLS, which is a free legal service offered to you should you meet certain criteria. You may also hire legal counsel to represent you in your academic appeal matter.

Witnesses

Generally, witnesses are not allowed at hearings as the purpose of these hearings is to review the Division/Faculty’s decision and not retry the case. It is at the discretion of the Chair to allow witnesses.