Graduate Studies Appeals, Petitions, and Concerns Form

Purpose

The Graduate Studies Appeals, Petitions, and Concerns Form allows graduate students to submit requests related to:

  • Appeals of Graduate School decisions
  • General Petitions
  • Concerns or complaints

How the Review Process Works

Once the form is submitted, it moves through the following workflow:

1. Graduate Advisor Review

The advisor selected on the form reviews the request first.

2. Program Director Review

After advisor approval, the request is forwarded to the academic program director.

3. School of Graduate Studies Review

A Records Specialist performs the final review. Processing may take up to 10 business days.

4. Final Decision Notification

The student receives an approval or denial email at their official SCSU email address. The completed form is archived in the student’s account for reference.

Returned Requests

If any reviewer determines that additional discussion or clarification is needed, the form is returned to the student for revision.

  • The student is notified by email with specific instructions.
  • After resubmission, the review process restarts in the same order.

Canceling a Request

If a request should be withdrawn:

  1. Open the original form link.
  2. Scroll to the bottom of the page.
  3. Select Cancel Request and confirm.

Student Information

This section is automatically populated from the student record system and includes:

  • Name
  • StarID and Tech ID
  • SCSU and personal email addresses
  • Phone number
  • Completed graduate credits
  • Cumulative GPA
  • Active registration holds

Note: Address and phone number updates must be made through e‑Services. They cannot be edited on the form.

Program and Advisor Selection

Students must select:

  • Graduate Program
  • Graduate Advisor

The advisor selected here becomes the first reviewer once the form is submitted.

Form Request Types:

All fields within the section are required, with only a couple of exceptions. All the required fields are denoted with a red left border on the field.

a) Submit an appeal, petition, or concern:

  • Select the type of request
    • Appeal of Graduate School decision
    • Share a concern or complaint
  • Submitting a general petition goes through the normal process, which includes Advisor, Program Director, SGS Record Specialist, and Graduate Dean’s review
  • Appeal of Graduate School decision and share a concern or complaint skips Advisor and Program Director review, and goes directly to SGS Record Specialist, followed by Graduate Dean’s review
  • Text area for stating what the student is requesting, appealing, or petitioning to do
  • Reason(s) for making this request text area
  • Check box to confirm that the appeal, petition, or concern request is complete.

Comments or Additional Information

This optional section allows students to:

  • Add comments or explanations
  • Upload supporting documentation

Uploaded files can be viewed or removed before submission.

Student Acknowledgment and Submission

Before submitting, students must acknowledge that all information provided is complete and accurate. Submitting the form initiates the review process.

Email Notifications

Students will receive automated emails throughout the process, including:

  • Submission confirmation
  • Requests for resubmission
  • Resubmission reminders (every two days until completed)
  • Final approval or denial notification

All messages are sent to the student’s official SCSU email address.

Additional Notes

Students are strongly encouraged to consult their advisor before submitting a request and to monitor their email regularly for updates or required actions.

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