An employee may appeal to the Department if he/she believes either (1) that he/she should not be required to participate in the program, or (2) that he/she should not be excluded from this program. An employee must submit the appeal in writing stating the grounds for the protest. The appeal shall be filed within thirty (30) days of the date the originating agency notifies the employee in writing that he/she either must participate in, or is excluded from, this program.