The Graduate Programs Committee (GPC) is authorized to review requests for exceptions to certain graduate policies. The Committee does not hear grade appeals; a separate procedure exists for those (see the Northern Michigan University Student Handbook). The GPC’s primary authority lies within the sphere of the policies governed by the College  of Graduate Studies (e.g., admission, matriculation and retention). However, in specific cases it may serve as an appellate body for academic matters deriving from the rules and practices of the departments and colleges. One function of the committee is to review petitions for academic reinstatement from graduate students who have been dismissed from graduate programs and/or courses. It will not review academic decisions that are based upon the expertise of the faculty in a particular field. However, the committee may examine the equity of the processes by which such academic decisions have been made. It will hear appeals of dismissal decisions.