APU Student Handbook
In this section

Last Revision: January 30, 2024

Appeals Information

The university allows students to submit an appeal in response to specific actions that are outlined in the table below.

If you do not see contact information pertaining to your concern, please contact the Student Support Center at 877-755-2787 for further assistance.

Department HandlingAppeal TypeScenarioEligibilityTimeframeAction
Academic Appeals

Course Extension Denial (EDA)

Your instructor has denied your request for a 30-day course extension.

You must have completed at least 50% of assigned coursework at time of request and have a passing grade in the course.

Appeal your extension denial within 7 days of the original rejection. The appeal decision will be made within 3 business days from escalation.

Submit a course completion plan (CCP) for the remaining coursework and an explanation of your circumstances.
Academic Appeals

Grade Appeal

You believe your final course grade is capricious, erroneous, or unfair.

Your final grade for the course is posted.

Submit your appeal within 90 days of the final grade posting. The appeal decision will be made within 30 days from escalation.

Submit copies of correspondence in which you notified your instructor of your concerns, along with evidence from the classroom which supports your claim. 
Academic Appeals

Plagiarism Expulsion

You were expelled, dismissed, or suspended from the university for plagiarism.

Not applicable

Submit your appeal within 30 days of the written notice of pending dismissal. The appeal decision will be made within 30 days from escalation.

Submit a narrative petition disputing the findings of the plagiarism appeal committee.
Academic Appeals

Plagiarism - Single Incident

You wish to challenge a single incident of plagiarism reported in your record, or you are currently on suspension for plagiarism.

Not applicable

Submit your appeal of a plagiarism charge within 5 days of the written notification. The appeal decision will be made within 21 days from escalation.

Write and submit a narrative explaining why you disagree with the findings of the plagiarism report.
Academic Appeals

Post Course Extension (PCE)

You were unable to submit the online extension form prior to the course end due to a mitigating circumstance.

You must have completed at least 50% of assigned course work and have a passing grade at time of request.

Appeal for a retroactive extension within 30 days of the original course or extension end date. The appeal decision will be made within 3 business days from escalation.

Submit a course completion plan (CCP) for the remaining coursework, along with documentation supporting the reason for the extension.
Academic Appeals

Post Course Special Circumstance Extension (PCSCE)

You were unable to submit the Special Circumstance Extension request prior to the course or previous extension ending.

You must have a new or extenuating circumstance that can be documented after the previous extensions were approved.

Appeal for a retroactive extension within 30 days of the original course or extension end date. The appeal decision will be made within 3 business days from escalation.

Submit a course completion plan (CCP) for the remaining coursework, along with documentation supporting the reason for the extension.
Academic Appeals

3rd/Final Retake Comp Exam or Capstone

You wish to retake the Comp Exam or Capstone for a 3rd/Final Time.

Student’s Program Deadline has not expired, and student has a 3.000 GPA or higher.

Appeal for the retake by submitting the appeal request form via the ecampus.  Decision will be made within 15 days of the appeal escalation.

Submit the appeal request and provide an explanation of the circumstances surrounding the previously failed attempts
Registrar Appeals

Course Retake Appeal

You have failed a required course twice.

The course must be a core, final or major requirement. Some general education courses may be considered on a case-by-case basis. A student is only allowed one 3rd course retake in their program.

File this appeal anytime. The appeal decision will be made within 30 days of your appeal being opened.

Submit a narrative petition outlining the circumstances that led to failure.
Registrar Appeals

Special Circumstance Withdrawal (No Refund)

You failed a course due to extenuating circumstances that prevented a timely course withdrawal.

You should not have passing grades in any concurrent courses. The date of the course withdrawal request must be within 12 months of the original end date of the course.

Submit your appeal within 12 months of the original course end date. The appeal decision will be made within 30 days of appeal being opened.

Submit a narrative outlining the reason for the withdrawal along with supporting documentation as proof of extenuating circumstances. Students using FSA and VA provide confirmation that funding source has been contacted, to see how “W” grade could affect future funding.
Registrar Appeals

Penalty Free Withdrawal (With Refund)

You are requesting to withdraw from a course with a full refund or wish to be granted a retroactive full refund, due to extenuating circumstances.

Course must be within 12 months of original end date.

Submit your appeal within 12 months of the original course end date. The appeal decision will be made within 30 days of appeal being opened. 

Submit a narrative outlining the reason for the withdrawal along with supporting documentation as proof of extenuating circumstances.  Students using FSA and VA provide confirmation that funding source has been contacted, to see how “W” grade could affect future funding.
Registrar Appeals

Maximum Course Attempts

You have used all (or are close to using all) of your course registrations permitted for program completion to retain graduation eligibility.

You must complete your program by registering for no more than 150% of your required courses (number of course registrations/attempts) to graduate.

Appeal this rule at any time. The appeal decision will be made within 10 days of your appeal being opened.

Submit a narrative outlining the reason for requiring additional course registration attempts. Documentation is encouraged, but not required.
Registrar Appeals

Program Deadline Extension

You have utilized all possible deadline extension time to complete your degree and require additional time beyond that.

Should be nearing graduation or have completed a significant amount of your program, and a brief extension should permit all remaining course requirements and conferral to be completed.

The appeal decision will be made within 30 days of appeal being opened.

Narrative/petition outlining the reason for requiring additional time beyond final program deadline to complete program requirements and completion plan from remaining courses in program. You must also submit documentation of extenuating circumstances that aligns with absences from the program.
Registrar AppealsReadmission: GPA Below Required MinimumYou were disenrolled from the university and wish to be readmitted, but do not have the required minimum GPA.You must be in good standing with student accounts.The appeal decision will be made within 30 days of appeal being opened.Detailed narrative/petition outlining the circumstances that contributed to the current GPA and your plan for academic improvement and government ID or military transcript. 
Registrar AppealsReadmission: Legacy ProgramYou are currently disenrolled from the university and have completed significant program requirements toward your prior program. You either stand to lose credit in a readmission evaluation, the program deadline is expiring, or your original program is no longer offered.You must be in good standing with student accounts prior to filing appeal.Submit your appeal prior to submitting any readmission forms in your ecampus. The appeal decision will be made within 30 days of appeal being opened. (45 days for School of Education students).Detailed narrative/petition outlining the circumstances that contributed to current GPA, plan for academic improvement, and government ID or military transcript.
Registrar AppealsInvoluntary Withdrawal or DismissalYou have been involuntarily dismissed or are deferred for involuntary dismissal due to failure of your first semester.You must be in good standing with student accounts prior to filing appeal.Submit your appeal within 30 days of the written notice of pending dismissal. The appeal decision will be made within 30 days of appeal being opened.Submit a narrative outlining the reason for course failure.
Registrar AppealsSuspended due to GPAYou are currently suspended or dismissed for failure to maintain the minimum GPA and are requesting another semester.You must be in good standing with student accounts prior to filing appeal.You have 30 days to appeal your suspension before dismissal occurs. The appeal decision will be made within 30 days of appeal being opened.Detailed narrative/petition outlining the reason for course failures and plan for academic success required.