Appeals

Types of Offences

Section A Offences (Termination of Housing Contract)

All cases will be reviewed promptly for facts and fairness.

If an appeal hearing is granted, the student will be contacted by email and permitted to share new evidence, oral and written testimony, and a reasonable number of witnesses

After the Director of Housing Services has heard the appeal a decision letter will be issued to the appellant and the decision will be final.

Housing Services is not responsible for any costs incurred during the appeal process.

Section B Offences (Housing Sanctions)

All cases will be reviewed promptly for facts and fairness. 

If an appeal hearing is granted, the student will be contacted by email and permitted to share new evidence, oral and written testimony, and a reasonable number of witnesses

After the Director of Housing Services has heard the appeal a decision letter will be issued to the appellant and the decision will be final.

Housing Services is not responsible for any costs incurred during the appeal process.

Overview of Process

1. The student will be summoned for a meeting with Housing Services to discuss the facts and circumstances of the infraction(s).

2. If the student is found responsible for the infraction they will be notified in writing of the sanction(s) filed against them.

3. At this time the student has five (5) business days to file a formal appeal in writing to Housing Services.

a. If the sanction levied against the student is termination of the Single Student Housing License Agreement, then the 24-hour notice to vacate the Housing Space still stands.
b. In the event of termination of the Single Student Housing License Agreement, the student must provide Housing Services with a written intention to appeal prior to the 24-hour move-out deadline.

4. The appeal based on the grounds outlined below will be reviewed and an investigation will ensue if required.

5. Upon request, the Appellant will have the opportunity to present his or her case to the Housing Services Disciplinary Appeals Board.

a. The Board will consist of:
i. The Director of Housing Services
ii. (1) One other University of Lethbridge Administrative Professional Officer (APO)
iii. (1) One Elected Member of the Organization of Residence Students Executive

6. The Associate Director of Housing Services, the Appellant, and a representative of their choosing will have the right to be heard by the Housing Services Disciplinary Appeals Board

7. The Housing Services Disciplinary Appeals Board will make a final decision and notify the Appellant in writing of the Board’s findings.

a. In the event that the appeal is successful and the sanction is overturned, then the student will be granted reinstatement to the University Residence. Housing Services is not responsible for any costs incurred during the appeal process.
b. In the event that the appeal is denied, then the sanctions including the termination of the Single Student Housing License Agreement will stand.

How to Appeal

Section A Violation appeals are administrated through Housing Services

Single Student Housing License Agreement cases may be appealed for cause.

An "Intent to Appeal" Housing Sanction letter must be submitted, to Housing Services within five business days of the receipt of the letter notifying the resident of a housing sanction being imposed.

  • Intention to appeal must be provided in writing prior to the resident’s move-out deadline.
  • Submitting an intention to appeal in no way delays the cancellation of the contract and the associated move-out date.
  • Any sanctions imposed will be upheld until overturned through the appeal process. The burden of proof in the appeal process is the responsibility of the appellant.

Note: All appeals must be made by the Leaseholder (student) and not a parent, guardian or proxy.

Your "Intent to Appeal" letter should clearly detail the specific reason(s) for requesting a review of the case sanction. Appeals submitted that are not based substantially on any of the following grounds will be dismissed.

A. Error(s) in the application or interpretation of Residence Life Policies
B. Clear evidence of lack of procedural fairness
C. Clear evidence of bias in the adjudication process
D. New evidence which supports a different outcome for the individual making the appeal

Student Rights & Responsibilities

  • The Appellant has the right to request a meeting with Housing Services.
  • The Appellant has the responsibility to present one’s self promptly when summoned for a meeting.
  • The Appellant has the right to bring a representative of their choosing to any meetings or hearings.
  • The Appellant has the responsibility to provide their own representative.
  • The Appellant has the right to procedural fairness and due process.
  • The Appellant has the responsibility to provide true and accurate accounts of all relevant facts.