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The University of Tennessee

Office of the University Registrar

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Residency Appeal Process

Students who would like their residency classification reconsidered may submit an appeal. If the first level of appeal is unsuccessful, then additional levels of appeal are available.  All appeal procedures are described below.

First Appeal - Residency Classifier
Students classified as out-of-state, or whose status is unclear, have the opportunity to submit an application for residency reclassification to the Office of the University Registrar of the institution to which they applied. The application for reclassification with supporting documentation must be filed no later than the last day of registration in order to have the reclassification effective for the upcoming semester.  The application will be reviewed by the residency classifier. Classification will be determined and the applicant will be notified by mail.

Second Appeal - Residency Coordinator
Requests for second appeals must be made in writing to the residency coordinator within thirty (30) days of written notification of the first appeal decision. The residency coordinator will review the facts and the decision of any of the officers for consistency. The residency coordinator is empowered to reclassify a student administratively at this step in the process.

Applicants will be notified in writing of the residency coordinator's decision.

Third Appeal - Residency Appeals Committee
Requests for third appeals must be made in writing to the residency coordinator within thirty (30) days of written notification of the second appeal decision.

A hearing will be scheduled with the Residency Appeals Committee to review evidence provided by the applicant.

The applicant has the option of meeting with the Committee in person.
Applicants will be notified in writing of the Committee's decision.

The Residency Appeals Committee consists of:

  • The assistant dean of enrollment services (an ex officio, non-voting member)
  • Four administrators
  • Nine faculty members
  • Four students (two undergraduates, two graduates)

Fourth Appeal - Chancellor
Requests for fourth appeals must be made in writing to the Office of the Chancellor, University of Tennessee, 527 Andy Holt Tower, Knoxville, TN 37996. This appeal must be made within thirty (30) days of written notification of the third appeal decision.

The Chancellor will review previous appeals and documentation. Applicants will receive written notification of the Chancellor's decision.

Final Appeal - President
Requests for final appeals must be made in writing to the Office of the President, University of Tennessee, 831 Andy Holt Tower, Knoxville, TN 37996. This appeal must be made within thirty (30) days of written notification of the fourth appeal decision.

The President will review the Chancellor's decision and documentation.

Final residency classification will be determined and the applicant will be notified by mail.

Reapplying for Reclassification
Students who have exhausted the appeals process and have been denied instate residency are eligible to reapply for reclassification the following semester if they feel that their circumstances have changed and warrant a new application. This application is seen as a new case, not a continuation of the initial appeal. The application and appeals process are the same.