BUFFALO STATE UNIVERSITY
DIRECTORY OF POLICY STATEMENTS
Category: Enrollment Management
Date Established: (to be determined)
Responsible Office: Enrollment Management – Undergraduate Admissions & Graduate School
Date Posted to Library: (to be determined)
This policy establishes a unified, transparent process by which applicants may seek reconsideration or appeal of an admission decision—whether for undergraduate or graduate study—when new information, procedural error, or extenuating circumstances are present. It replaces separate legacy policies for undergraduate (I:01:07) and graduate (I:01:08) appeals and clarifies filing windows, decision authorities, and finality of outcomes.
Buffalo State University is committed to a fair and equitable admission review. An applicant who is denied admission may:
Request Reconsideration if substantive new academic or personal information is available, or if the applicant believes a material error occurred in the initial review.
File a Formal Appeal if dissatisfied with the reconsideration outcome or if procedural irregularities are alleged.
Both steps must be initiated within the time frames listed in this policy. All decisions are final once the appeal process is exhausted.
| Applicant Category | Reconsideration Request | Formal Appeal |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Within 30 calendar days of denial notice | Within 45 calendar days of denial notice |
| Graduate | Within 14 calendar days of denial notice | Within 45 calendar days of receiving the reconsideration outcome |
Undergraduate Applications: Director of Undergraduate Admissions (reconsideration) → Vice President for Enrollment Management (appeal).
Graduate Applications: Program Graduate Admissions Committee & Dean of Graduate School (reconsideration) → Dean of Graduate School in consultation with School Dean (appeal).
Appeals are adjudicated based on the written record; personal appearances are not permitted.
The Vice President for Enrollment Management provides institutional oversight. The Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Dean of the Graduate School administer the process, maintain records, and report annually on the number and disposition of appeals.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Reconsideration | A first‑level request to review an admission decision based on new evidence or correction of error. |
| Formal Appeal | A written petition, after reconsideration, alleging that the admission decision violated stated policy or procedures. |
| Calendar Day | Every day of the week, including weekends and holidays. |
| Material Error | An error that, if corrected, could reasonably change the admission outcome. |
Applicant Submits Reconsideration
Complete the Reconsideration Form (online portal) and upload supporting documentation within the deadline.
Admissions office logs submission and issues confirmation email.
Decision on Reconsideration
Undergraduate: Director issues written decision within 30 calendar days.
Graduate: Program committee forwards recommendation to Graduate School; Dean issues decision within 30 calendar days.
Formal Appeal (if applicable)
Applicant submits the Formal Appeal Form, citing specific grounds, within deadline.
Appeal officer reviews the record; may consult faculty/staff not involved in original decision.
Written decision issued within 45 calendar days. All decisions are final.
Record Retention
All forms and correspondence are retained for seven years in accordance with SUNY Records Retention Schedule.
Applicants: Provide complete and accurate information and adhere to deadlines.
Admissions Staff & Graduate School: Ensure timely logging, acknowledgment, and processing of requests.
Appeal Officers: Conduct impartial review, document rationale, and communicate outcomes.
A. Admissions Overview (Policy A:01:00)
B. Undergraduate Admission (Policy B:01:00)
C. Graduate Admission (Policy C:01:00)
SUNY Records Retention and Disposition Schedule
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Undergraduate Admissions Appeals
Director of Undergraduate Admissions
Moot Hall 110
1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14222
Phone: (716) 878‑4017
Email: admissions@buffalostate.edu
Graduate Admissions Appeals
Graduate School
Cleveland Hall 204
Phone: (716) 878‑5601
Email: gradschool@buffalostate.edu
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| July 2025 | Draft policy created, consolidating former DOPS I:01:07 and I:01:08. |
To be completed upon Cabinet approval.
