UPDATE: Wright State University is in the process of revising websites and program materials to accurately reflect compliance with Ohio Senate Bill 1. While this work occurs, language referencing protected class status or other activities prohibited by the law may still appear in some places. As of June 27, 2025, all programs and activities will be administered in compliance with the law.

Policy 417: Appeals Policy

Policy Number: 417

Date Approved: 06/23/2025

Executive Responsibility: Executive Committee

References: LCME Element 9.9; LCME Element 10.3

417.1 Purpose

This policy codifies the process for appeals in the Boonshoft School of Medicine (BSOM) MD program. In accordance with Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) Elements 9.9:

"A medical school ensures that the medical education program has a single set of core standards for the advancement and graduation of all medical students across all locations."

and LCME Element 10.3:

“The faculty of a medical school establish criteria for student selection and develop and implement effective policies and procedures regarding, and make decisions about, medical student application, selection, admission, assessment, promotion, graduation, and any disciplinary action. The medical school makes available to all interested parties its criteria, standards, policies, and procedures regarding these matters.”

417.2 Appeal of Module, Clerkship, & Elective Grades

Grounds for appeal include: mathematical or clerical errors; perceived arbitrariness, including discrimination based on race, gender, religion, age, physical disability, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation or belief; and perceived personal malice.

  • Any student who believes they have grounds for a grade appeal (including narrative assessment comments) will submit that request in writing within seven (7) business days of the grade/narrative posting directly to the module/clerkship/elective director. In the initial request, the student is responsible for providing all relevant supporting documentation.
    • If the concern is of a discriminatory nature, BSOM will involve appropriate Wright State University (WSU) office(s), such as Title IX.
      • The student may be encouraged to submit their discrimination concern through EthicsPoint.
  • The module/clerkship/elective director will review the material and respond in writing within seven (7) business days to the petition with their decision and rationale. The director may determine if a change in the grade/narrative is warranted or may determine the grade/narrative remains as assigned.
  • If the student does not agree with the director’s decision, the student may write a response and request a meeting with the appropriate Department Chair (clinical department or Associate Dean of Medical Education).
  • The Department Chair will meet with the student within fourteen (14) business days to make a decision and provide that to the student in writing within seven (7) business days of the meeting.
  • If the student does not agree with the decision of the Department Chair, the written documentation is forwarded to the Director of Student Services, who will convene an Appeals Panel (consisting of three Associate Deans of BSOM who are not otherwise involved in the case) within fourteen (14) business days. The Panel will review the documentation and written responses and make a decision back to the student in writing within seven (7) business days of convening.
  • Appeals Panel decisions are considered final.

417.3 Appeal of Decisions Made by Student Promotion Committee or Medical Student Honor Code Council

Grounds for appeal include: procedural error during the investigation and/or hearing; clear evidence of a committee member’s bias against the student due to discrimination based on race, gender, religion, age, physical disability, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation or belief; or previously unreported mitigating circumstances or evidence that is newly discovered.

417.3.1 Appeal of Non-Dismissal Decisions

  • Any student who believes they have grounds for a non-dismissal decision appeal will submit that request in writing within seven (7) business days of the decision directly to the Director of Student Services. In the initial request, the student is responsible for providing all relevant supporting documentation.
    • If the concern is of a discriminatory nature, BSOM will involve appropriate Wright State University (WSU) office(s), such as Title IX.
      • The student may be encouraged to submit their discrimination concern through EthicsPoint.
  • The Director of Student Services will convene an Appeals Panel (consisting of three Associate Deans of BSOM who are not otherwise involved in the case) within fourteen (14) business days. The Panel will review the documentation and written responses and make a decision back to the student in writing within seven (7) business days of convening.
  • Appeals Panel decisions are considered final.

417.3.2 Appeal of Dismissal Decisions

  • Any student who believes they have grounds for a dismissal decision appeal will submit that request in writing within seven (7) business days of the decision directly to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Admissions. In the initial request, the student is responsible for providing all relevant supporting documentation.
    • If the concern is of a discriminatory nature, BSOM will involve appropriate Wright State University (WSU) office(s), such as Title IX.
      • The student may be encouraged to submit their discrimination concern through EthicsPoint.
  • The Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Admissions will convene the Appeals Committee (consisting of the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Admissions [ex-officio, non-voting member] and five faculty appointed for a four-year term with appointments staggered to ensure continuity of experience; appointed faculty members cannot simultaneously serve on the Student Promotion Committee, Honor Code Council, or Appeals Panel) within fourteen (14) business days of receiving the student’s written request.
  • The Committee will review the documentation and written responses. After reviewing all relevant evidence, the Committee will give the student an opportunity to present information warranting reconsideration of the dismissal decision.
  • The student may be accompanied and assisted by a member of the WSU faculty or administration at the appeal. The student’s appearance before the Committee is a confidential academic hearing and not a legal proceeding, therefore an attorney may not accompany the student.
  • The Committee will deliberate and, by majority vote, confirm or reject the dismissal decision. The Committee’s decision will be communicated back to the student in writing within seven (7) business days of being convened.
  • If the student does not agree with the decision of the Appeals Committee, the student may write a response and request a meeting with the Dean of BSOM.
  • The Dean will meet with the student, review the relevant information, and make a final decision. The Dean will provide the decision to the student in writing within seven (7) business days of their meeting. The Dean’s decision is considered final.

417.4 Administrative Grievance Process

This general process is applicable only to those administrative actions for which no special grievance procedure has been established. Students desiring to address a grievance not-otherwise-specified should:

  • Discuss the concern with the individual involved, in a timely manner.
    • E.g., administrator, staff member, or teaching faculty, or clinical preceptor.
  • If resolution is not achievable, escalate the discussion to the next supervising level, in a timely manner.
    • E.g., administrative supervisor, module/clerkship/elective director.
  • If resolution is not achieved, escalate the concern to the next supervising level, in a timely manner.
    • E.g., Associate Dean, Vice Chair of Foundations/Doctoring.
  • If resolution is still not achieved, final level of discussion can be escalated to the Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

All students are encouraged to utilize EthicsPoint at any time throughout this grievance process.

All appeals must follow BSOM’s administrative hierarchy as established in university reporting structures. Questions relating to the operation of this process should be directed to the Office of Student Affairs, 190 White Hall, (937) 775-2934; or the WSU Office of Community Standards and Student Conduct, 201 Student Union, (937) 775-4240. The Director of Student Services and/or Community Standards and Student Conduct is/are available at any point to provide assistance and guidanc