(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 president or designee by filing a notice of appeal with the president's office within twenty-one days 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. The president's or designee's 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 president or designee shall provide a written decision to all parties within forty-five days after receipt of the notice of appeal. The president's or designee's decision shall be final and shall include a notice of any rights to request reconsideration and/or judicial review.

(4) The president or designee may, at his or her discretion, suspend any disciplinary action pending review of the merits of the findings, conclusions, and disciplinary actions imposed.

(5) The president or designee shall not engage in an ex parte communication with any of the parties regarding an appeal.