SDS Appeal Process

If you disagree with a decision about your accommodation request, you have the right to appeal. An appeal is a request for the decision to be reviewed by the next level.

Appeal Levels

Appeals are reviewed in the following order:

Level 1: Advisor Decision

If you are appealing a decision made by your assigned Primary Advisor, your appeal will be reviewed by the SDS Committee.

Level 2: SDS Committee Decision

If you are appealing a decision made by the SDS Committee, your appeal will be reviewed by the Director of Student Disability Services.

Level 3: Director Decision

If you are appealing a decision made by the Director, your appeal will be reviewed by the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Access & Compliance.  The decision at this level is final.

When Can I Appeal?

You may submit an appeal only if your situation meets at least one of the reasons below:

1. Process Error

You believe something went wrong in how your request was reviewed, and that it may have affected the decision.

Examples:

• Important information or documentation you submitted was not considered
• The interactive process was not fully completed
• Required steps in the review process were not followed

2. New Evidence

You have new information that was not available when your request was originally reviewed and could impact the decision.

Examples:

• Updated medical or psychological documentation
• A new diagnosis or change in your condition
• Additional details from your provider

3. Bias or Conflict of Interest

You believe the decision may have been affected by bias, unfair treatment, or a conflict of interest.

Examples:

• Personal relationship conflict
• Discrimination or stereotyping
• Prior dispute you believe affected the review

What is Not a Valid Reason to Appeal?

The following are not considered valid reasons for an appeal:

• Simply disagreeing with the decision
• Resubmitting the same information without anything new
• Wanting a different outcome without explaining why the decision was incorrect

Important Timeline

You must submit your appeal within 10 business days of the decision you want to appeal.

How Do I Submit an Appeal?

To submit an appeal, please complete the form below:

SDS Appeal Process Form

What Happens Next?

• Your appeal will be reviewed by the next level listed above.
• You will receive a written decision within 10 business days after your appeal is received.
• The SDS staff member(s) who made the original decision will not take part in reviewing the appeal, except if needed to provide additional information about the decision you are appealing.
• At any point during the appeal process, you may submit additional documentation for review.
• SDS may reach out to your provider or consult professionals outside the department if there are questions about documentation, course or program requirements, or other relevant information.

Questions?

If you have questions about the appeal process, please contact Student Disability Services for assistance.  You can email the office at sds@olemiss.edu or call 662-915-7128.

To appeal an academic decision (such as a grade or academic suspension), the student should contact the Office of the Registrar for information regarding the appeal process. Academic appeal processes can also be found in the University Policy Directory.