The Faculty Committee on Student Appeals (FCSA) typically deals with appeals of disciplinary decisions and grievances that have already gone through the processes described in Policy 70 (Student Petitions and Grievances) and Policy 71 (Student Discipline). The FCSA operates as described in Policy 72.
The tribunals that are formed to hear the appeals consist of the Chair of the FCSA, a faculty member and a student. The faculty member and the student member are chosen from the FCSA. The appeals process is designed to permit decisions made under Policies 70 and 71 to be reviewed by a higher authority (in this case the FCSA). Each member has an equal vote in all decisions. Ideally several students from each department and school join the FCSA. This ensures that there will be at least one student with no conflict of interest who can sit on a tribunal. Each department and school also assigns two faculty members to the FCSA, for the same reason.
Each case is held in the strictest of confidence, and members are expected to participate as neutral parties with no bias or conflict of interest. These are very important issues that must be dealt with in a very professional matter. Knowledge of Policies 70, 71 and 72 will be needed.
The time commitment can vary tremendously depending on the details of the appeal, but typically the time commitment would be 3-5 hours per case. Student members should expect to be on between 0 and 2 tribunals per year. As a FCSA member you will have the opportunity to liaise with the faculty members who sit on the committee. This will give you the experience of working on confidential matters while adhering to all policies that affect the case.
If you are interested in joining the FCSA please contact Lisa Weber.