College of Optometry (CO)—Master of Science (M.S.) in Clinical Vision Research 2025–2026 140 Procedure to Appeal Mandated Academic Dismissal The associate dean for Academic Affairs will monitor the academic progress of all individual students, and, when a student incurs a mandate for academic dismissal, the associate dean will notify that student—in writing, via hand delivery, and via mail to the student’s last official address on file with NSU—that the student is dismissed. The first step in the chain of appeals for a student who wishes to dispute a mandated academic dismissal is the SPC. To implement this appeal, the student must submit a letter to the chair of the SPC within five business days of the date that the notification of dismissal was sent by the college. This letter must specify the basis for the appeal. The chair of the SPC will schedule a hearing on the student’s appeal in a timely fashion. The student will be permitted to present the case to the SPC in person. This hearing shall be closed to everyone except the SPC membership and the petitioning student, although witnesses may be called by either side. The SPC will reach a decision and make a recommendation to the dean, who may endorse or modify the outcome. The student will be notified of the dean’s decision, in writing, either via email to the student’s NSU email address, certified mail to the student’s address on file, or via hand delivery with receipt. The petitioner may appeal the dean’s decision to the Appeals Board of the CO (see the following Appeals Board section). A student may not introduce new issues or evidence that was available or should have been available at the time of the initial appeal to the SPC at any stage of the sequence of appeals. While a student’s appeal is under consideration, the student may not attend classes, laboratories, or engage in the delivery of clinical care during the appeal process. In appealing a mandated academic dismissal, a student may not bypass any element in the chain of appeals. The initial appeal must be directed to the SPC, and all subsequent appeals must follow the sequence outlined above. Procedure for Review of Alleged Violations of the CO Code of Behavioral Conduct In cases of an alleged violation of the CO Code of Behavioral Conduct, the chair of the SPC may conduct a preliminary investigation in order to determine if an SPC meeting is warranted. If it is decided that a meeting is warranted, then the chair will convene the SPC and notify the student of the alleged violation and the date, time, and location of the scheduled meeting using the methods described above. The student may provide the chair with a list of any witnesses the student may have, in writing, no later than two business days before the meeting date. The student will be responsible for ensuring the presence of the student’s witnesses. Any witnesses will be called in individually to be questioned and to provide any statements. Any witnesses may be asked to remain outside the meeting room for later recall. The student will not be present during the questioning of any witnesses. The student will be given the opportunity to present a statement to the committee. The student will only be present during the student’s statement and to respond to any questions from the committee. The chair will dismiss the student and any witnesses and close the meeting for discussion. At the conclusion of the discussion, the committee shall make a recommendation to the dean. The various
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