You have the right to appeal a Virginia Tech student conduct decision. But note, the decision on appeal can decrease, keep the same, or even increase the penalty that was originally assessed.

The appeal will be heard by the Senior Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs, or whomever the Senior Assistant Dean delegates to make the decision. They will issue a decision in an unspecified period of time – days, weeks, or even later in the semester, depending on their caseload. They have several options: they can overturn the sanctions and impose new sanctions; they can vacate the sanctions and order the case be reheard; or they can uphold the sanctions.

In terms of the appeal itself, it is generally based on the harshness of the sanctions. The Hokie Handbook allows the Student Conduct office to impose a written warning; probation; deferred sanctions (i.e. deferred suspension); suspension; or expulsion. Depending on the nature of these conduct referrals, you have right to contest whether the penalty, e.g. semester-long suspension for off-campus conduct, is unduly harsh.