Petitions and Appeals

Golden bear mascot Avalanche flexing on the steps of alumni plaza next to the fountain

Below are the different petitions and appeals that our office can assist you with. The drop down next to the policy will provide more information for each petition or appeal. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office at  or 610-683-4485. 

  • Grade Dispute Appeal

    What is the Grade Appeal Policy?

    Grade Appeal Policy

    The Grade Appeal Policy provides a process for redress of grievance between a student and a faculty member concerning a final grade in a course taken at Kutztown University.

    Two important points to be kept in mind concerning the application of this policy are:

    1. All uses of the word "grade" in this policy refer to the final grade in a course;
    2. The Grade Appeal Board (GAB) may consider approving changes only to P (pass) and W (withdraw). Any requests for changes to specific letter grades, therefore -- a change from a D to a C, for example -- would not be considered by the GAB.
  • Undergraduate Academic Forgiveness

    Undergraduate Academic Forgiveness Policy

    Academic Forgiveness Application

    Academic readiness and situational factors may affect the academic performance of undergraduate students, especially first-time students, in the university setting. For a variety of reasons, including poor performance, students separate from the university and involve themselves in work and other life experiences. At present, students with a history of poor performance who choose to return to Kutztown University after years of separation often face obstacles created by their previous academic record.

  • Undergraduate Exceptions Committee (UEC)

    The Academic Exceptions Committee (AEC) reviews petitions of individual students wishing to have a specific policy regulation waived for just cause.

    For questions regarding the Academic Exceptions Committee process and meeting dates, please contact the Student Advocate in the Office of the Dean of Students:

    Nadia Daher

    610-683-4169

    Common Questions Pertaining to the Completion of the Petition:

    How do I complete the petition? 

    Complete the AEC petition online. Follow the directions on the petition; you may also contact the Student Advocate for assistance.

    What signatures are required?

    The petition requires the support of a Kutztown University faculty or staff member. Statements of support can .  

    Must Financial Aid be completed?

    Committee decisions may negatively impact financial aid packages. If you receive(d) Financial Aid, you MUST consult with Financial Aid. It is the student's responsibility to contact the Financial Aid Office to make sure the petition decision won't have a negative impact on the student's financial aid and/or financial account.

    Where do I submit my petition?

    Petitions are submitted online: Academic Exceptions Committee Petition.  Students who are unable to access the petition through the link should contact the Student Advocate:

    Nadia Daher

    610-683-4169

    How will I be notified of the results of my petition?

    The petitioner will be notified in writing of the committee action.

  • Final Exam Conflict Resolution

    Final Exam Conflict Resolution Policy - Undergraduate Students

    This applies to undergraduate students who have a conflict of two final examinations at the same time or three or more in one day. 

    In the event the conflict(s) cannot be resolved informally with the instructor(s), the student may seek a resolution in the following manner:

    1. Complete the Final Examination Conflict Resolution Form by the end of week ten of the semester. If the student does not apply by this date, the conflict(s) may not be resolved to the student's satisfaction.

    2. Present this form to the instructor with the highest numbered course to schedule an alternate time to take the final examination during the final examination week. If conflicting final examinations are for the same numbered course, the course with the largest enrollment will take precedence; that is, the smaller enrolled course final examination needs to be rescheduled.

    3. If the necessary rescheduling cannot be resolved through the instructor(s) involved and both courses are in the same college, the academic dean will make the rescheduling decision.

    4. If the rescheduling cannot be resolved through the instructors and the courses are in different colleges, the Provost will make the rescheduling decision.

  • Academic Dishonesty

    The purpose of this policy is to define the procedures and penalties for academic dishonesty for undergraduate students.

    Kutztown University is committed to the personal and intellectual growth of its students. The
    principal context in which this growth occurs is the University’s courses, and the educational
    process depends upon an open and honest atmosphere of positive cooperation between faculty
    and students. In order to maintain this atmosphere, instructors must evaluate the academic
    performance of students fairly and students must demonstrate their mastery of subject matter
    honorably. Any acts of academic dishonesty by students, such as plagiarism on written papers or cheating on exams, threaten to undermine the educational and ethical goals of the University for
    its students. Such violations are of the utmost seriousness. The goal of the following policy and
    procedures is to promote a climate of academic honesty at the University.

    Academic Honesty Policy

    Academic Dishonesty Report Form