Appeals Process for All Students and Professional Programs

Denial of admission to the professional program for teacher certification, removal from the professional program, denial of approval to participate in field experiences or student teaching, or removal from field experiences or student teaching are academic decisions that reflect careful and deliberate judgment by faculty. Factors that are considered in such decisions include, but are not limited to, the adequate development of the student, professional program requirements and performance standards, the Connecticut Code of Professional Responsibility for Teachers, professional performance standards and attributes mandated by the Connecticut State Department of Education, National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education standards, and the professional program's unique responsibilities to children and schools.

The University recognizes that on occasions there may be an error or palpable injustice in the determination of denial of admission to the professional program, removal from the professional program, denial of approval to participate in field experiences or student teaching, or removal from field experiences or student teaching. A student who believes that an error or a palpable injustice has occurred in procedures in arriving at a decision may pursue an appeal. A copy of the full appeals policy may be obtained from the office of the dean of the School of Education and Professional Studies.

In addition to appeals based on error or palpable injustice, a student whose undergraduate cumulative GPA is below 2.70 may appeal for a waiver of the admission GPA requirements. Students who have been denied admission because of the GPA requirement may write a letter of appeal to the dean of the School of Education and Professional Studies for a waiver of the GPA requirement presenting compelling evidence of both of the following:

• Demonstrated academic ability in recent coursework showing an exemplary pattern of performance different from prior undergraduate course work; and
• Intervening life experience, e.g., working with children or in a profession/vocation that has contributed to the applicant's growth and maturity as a prospective teacher.

The appeal will be reviewed by the School of Education and Professional Studies appeals committee. The committee will make a recommendation to the dean, who will make the final decision. The decision regarding the appeal of the GPA requirement will be communicated in writing to the student by the dean of Education and Professional Studies or designee and the department.

Students who are denied admission to the professional program for reasons other than GPA may contact the assistant dean to discuss issues concerning the application.