Decisions that may be appealed
An appeal is a written request by a learner for reconsideration of an adverse decision related to program prerequisites, attendance or activity completion, project or rubric results, integrity findings, or certificate issuance.
General dissatisfaction with service, instruction, or another Institute activity should normally be submitted through the Complaint Process.
How to appeal
- Submit the appeal within 30 calendar days after notice of the decision by emailing [email protected] with “Basic HACCP Appeal” in the subject line.
- Identify the decision being appealed, the date of the decision, the reason reconsideration is requested, the specific outcome sought, and any supporting information.
- The Institute will acknowledge a sufficiently complete appeal, normally within five business days, and preserve the relevant program records.
- A qualified reviewer who was not responsible for the original adverse decision will evaluate the appeal. When internal separation is not reasonably available, the Institute will use an appropriate independent reviewer.
- The reviewer may affirm, modify, or reverse the decision, or require additional evaluation. A written decision and rationale will normally be issued within 30 calendar days after the complete appeal is received.
Impartiality and learner protections
The original decision remains effective while the appeal is pending unless the reviewer determines otherwise. The person whose decision is being challenged will not decide the appeal. Good-faith use of the appeal process will not result in retaliation or discriminatory treatment.
Records and finality
The appeal, evidence, reviewer assignment, analysis, decision, communications, and any resulting corrective action are maintained as controlled records. The written appeal decision is the Institute’s final internal decision for the matter described, without limiting any external right available under applicable law or ANAB oversight.