Alaska Academic Appeal Advisor

Each college and university in Alaska has its own set of rules that reference academic integrity. Of course, these rules vary depending on the school, but at the core of each policy schools promote honesty and responsibility in all academic endeavors.



What is an Academic Appeal?

An appeal is a letter that challenges the validity of a school's adverse disciplinary decision. When you file an appeal, an appeals panel at your school is tasked with reviewing the initial decision and your reason for why this decision is unwarranted or unjust. Then they will conduct a hearing to ultimately decide if there is a valid reason to affirm your appeal and reverse or reform the decision.

When is it Appropriate to Appeal?

You should appeal if you truly believe that you didn't do what you were accused of. I've taken on the role of an appeal advisor for many students, and I've seen it all. A minor misunderstanding or misjudgment has the ability to snowball into a serious issue for students. From faulty plagiarism detection software to group projects gone wrong, I can assure you that innocent students get accused of academic misconduct all the time. You shouldn't be labeled a cheater and get a mark on your record for something you didn't do. This is why the appeals process exists.

An additional reason for appealing is if you feel your sanction is too harsh. The severity of a sanction should be proportionate to the action you committed.

You should not appeal if you have admitted in any capacity that you did what you were accused of. If your reason for appealing is to provide an explanation as to why you committed academic misconduct, you're wasting your time. Being dissatisfied with a determination isn't enough to justify an appeal in the eyes of a panel, there needs to be an element of injustice.


  • You did not realize you were violating your school's policies
  • Your professor didn't tell you it was against school policy
  • You were under stress when the incident occurred
  • Other students did what you did but they didn't get caught

The Appeals Process

The letter


The hearing



Alaska Academic Appeal Advisor


  • Alaska Bible College
  • Alaska Pacific University
  • Charter College Anchorage
  • Ilisagvik College
  • Prince William Sound Community College
  • University of Alaska Anchorage
  • University of Alaska Fairbanks
  • University of Alaska Southeast

An academic misconduct finding of responsibility can derail an accused student's academic and professional goals.  That is why it is critical to properly address such concerns as early as possible in the disciplinary process.  There are times, however, that it necessary to appeal an adverse outcome, and Joseph D. Lento has a decade of experience passionately fighting for the futures of his clients at universities and colleges throughout the nation. He does not settle for the easiest outcome, and instead prioritizes his clients' needs and well-being.  Joseph Lento is a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, is admitted as an attorney pro hac vice in state and federal court if needed when representing clients nationwide, and serves as an advisor and educational consultant to students facing disciplinary cases in Alaska and throughout the nation.  Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact National Academic Misconduct Advisor Joseph D. Lento today.

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