Students or candidates may be removed from an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) at any level. Any Professional Progress Committee (PPC) referral could result in removal from the EPP.
Normal steps in removal from the Educator Preparation Program
- The PPC receives referral about concerns that may warrant a removal from the program.
- The PPC will utilize the appropriate actions necessary to determine if removal is needed. The student will always be given the opportunity to meet with the PPC upon a removal recommendation. The PPC Student Meeting Results form will provide documentation of the student meeting.
- If the Dean of Education and Behavioral Sciences approves the recommendation for removal, the Director of Education Services will notify the candidate in writing and provide information about the appeal process.
Appeal process for removal from Educator Preparation
Candidates have the right to appeal their removal from clinical practice or the Teacher Education Program. Candidates seeking consideration for a future clinical practice placement must successfully complete the appeal process. Failure to complete any of the following steps by the established deadline may result in dismissal of the appeal.
Step 1: Submit an appeal.
Within five academic days of receiving the appeal process notification via email, the candidate must:
- Submit the appeal form (see Appendix H) through Anthology.
- Include all relevant supporting documentation and evidence related to the appeal.
Step 2: Contact director to receive PPC meeting date and schedule reflection.
Within two academic days of appeal rorm submission, the candidate will:
- Contact the Director of Education Services to receive the date, time, and location of appeal meeting with the Professional Progress Committee (PPC) and directions on how to schedule their reflection appointment.
- Schedule a reflection session with the Education and Behavioral Sciences (EBS) Office.
Step 3: Complete a reflection.
Within five academic days prior to the scheduled PPC meeting, the candidate will:
- Complete a handwritten reflection addressing the circumstances leading to the removal, lessons learned, and readiness for future clinical practice.
Step 4: Meet with the Professional Progress Committee (PPC).
The Professional Progress Committee (PPC) will provide the candidate an opportunity to present information, clarify concerns, and answer questions before a recommendation is made.
In reviewing the appeal, the PPC will consider:
- The nature and circumstances that contributed to the removal.
- The grounds identified in the appeal.
- Documentation and evidence provided by the candidate.
- The candidate's reflection and demonstrated accountability.
- Evidence of professional growth and readiness for a future placement.
- Any additional factors relevant to the candidate's potential for success as an educator.
The PPC will submit a recommendation to the dean within five academic days following the meeting.
Possible PPC Recommendations
The PPC may recommend one of the following:
1. Approval of appeal without conditions
- The candidate remains eligible to continue in Teacher Education.
- The candidate may reapply for Clinical Practice placement.
2. Approval of appeal with conditions. The candidate remains eligible to continue in Teacher Education but must satisfy specific conditions established by the PPC and approved by the dean. Conditions may include, but are not limited to:
- Completion of a professional growth plan.
- Participation in remediation activities or professional development.
- Demonstration of specific competencies or dispositions.
- Additional monitoring or support requirements.
For clinical practice removals, the PPC may also recommend:
- A specific timeline for a future placement.
- A specific replacement location.
3. Denial of appeal
- The candidate is removed from the Teacher Education Program.
- The candidate is no longer eligible for future clinical practice placements through the program.
Dean's Review and Final Decision
The dean, in consultation with the Director of Education Services and/or the Academic Coordinator (coordinator only involved in clinical practice removals), will:
- Review all related documentation, appeal materials and supporting evidence.
- Consider the recommendation of the PPC.
- Make the final decision regarding the appeal.
The candidate will be notified of the dean's decision in writing (via email).
If the appeal is approved with conditions, the decision letter will include:
- A detailed explanation of the required conditions.
- Expectations for continued participation in Teacher Education.
- Any requirements related to future clinical practice placement.
Candidates whose clinical practice appeals are approved, with or without conditions, must reapply for clinical practice placement.
Appeal to the Vice President for Academic Affairs
