(1) A respondent who is aggrieved by the findings or conclusions issued by the student conduct committee may appeal the committee's initial decision to the vice president of instruction and student services by filing a notice of appeal to the vice president of instruction and student services within ten business days of services of the committee's initial decision. Failure to file a timely appeal constitutes a waiver of the right and the initial decision shall be deemed final.

(2) The notice of appeal must identify the specific findings of fact and/or conclusions of law in the initial decision that are challenged and must contain argument why the appeal should be granted. If necessary to aid review, the vice president may ask for additional briefing from the parties on issues raised on appeal. The vice president of instruction and student services' review shall be restricted to the hearing record made before the student conduct committee and will normally be limited to a review of those issues and arguments raised in the notice of appeal.

(3) The vice president of instruction and student services shall provide a written decision to the respondent and the student conduct officer within twenty days after receipt of the notice of appeal. The vice president of instruction and student services' decision shall be final and shall include a notice of any rights to request reconsideration and/or judicial review.

(4) In cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct, the vice president of instruction and student services, on the same date that the final decision is served upon the respondent, shall serve a written notice informing the complainant of the final decision. This notice shall inform the complainant whether the sexual misconduct allegation was found to have merit and describe any disciplinary sanctions and/or conditions imposed upon the respondent for the complainant's protection, including suspension or dismissal of the respondent.

(5) In cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct, the complainant will have the same appeal rights as the respondent.