The grade appeal process provides a fair, orderly, and unbiased process for a student who wishes to pursue a formal appeal of their final grade. In taking such action, the student shall assume the burden of proof concerning any perceived error in the assigned final grade. Further, the student shall follow the sequence of steps below with the presumption that, as a matter of rule, faculty members do not assign arbitrary, capricious, prejudicial, or discriminatory grades.

Before initiating a formal grade appeal, the student must discuss the final grade, including grading practices and assignments, with the faculty member who assigned the final grade. The faculty member and the student should make every effort to eliminate any misunderstandings over the assignment of the grade as it relates to the course syllabus. It is expected that most grade issues will be resolved at this level. This discussion must occur before the student initiates a formal grade appeal.

If the faculty member finds in the student's favor, a grade change request will be executed and the matter will be considered resolved.

If a student and faculty member fail to resolve the matter through informal means, the student may initiate a formal grade appeal by following the steps outlined below.

STEP 1: The student must submit a completed Grade Appeal form and supporting documentation to the course faculty member within 15 working days of the posting of the final grade. The course faculty member will conduct a thorough review of the grade appeal packet and provide the student with a written and dated response indicating approval or denial of the appeal.

STEP 2:  If the matter is not resolved to the student's satisfaction in Step 1, the student may appeal the decision to the department chairperson* within 5 working days of the date indicated on the written response from the course faculty member. A meeting between the student and the department chairperson* will be arranged and the course faculty member may be invited to the meeting if the department chairperson* deems it appropriate. The department chairperson* will consider the information presented in the meeting, conduct a thorough review of the grade appeal packet, and provide the student with a written and dated response indicating approval or denial of the appeal.

NOTE: If the student fails to meet the 5 working day requirement or fails to attend the scheduled meeting, the appeal will be nullified and no further action will be considered.

*If the course faculty member is also the department chairperson, proceed to the next step.

STEP 3:  If the matter is not resolved to the student's satisfaction in Step 2, the student may appeal the decision to the Academic Division Dean* within 5 working days of the date indicated on the written response from the department chairperson. A meeting between the student and the Academic Division Dean* will be arranged and the course faculty member and department chairperson may be invited to the meeting if the Academic Division Dean deems it appropriate. The Academic Division Dean will consider the information presented in the meeting, conduct a thorough review of the grade appeal packet, and provide the student with a written and dated response indicating approval or denial of the appeal.

NOTE: If the student fails to meet the 5 working day requirement or fails to attend the scheduled meeting, the appeal will be nullified and no further action will be considered.

*If the course faculty member is also the Academic Division Dean, proceed to the next step.

STEP 4: If the matter is not resolved to the student's satisfaction in Step 3, the student must submit a copy of the grade appeal packet to the Registrar within 5 working days of the date indicated on the written response from the Academic Division Dean. As a member of the Academic Board, the Registrar will convene the Grade Appeal Committee, which consists of two Academic Deans, two faculty members, two Student Government Association student members, the Registrar (non-voting unless there is a tie), and, if possible, a content expert faculty member (non-voting). The selection of a content expert faculty member is dependent on the nature of the appeal and the availability of a qualified faculty member. The content expert faculty member may or may not be a member of the Academic Board.

The Registrar will work with all parties to determine a suitable hearing date. At the hearing, the student and the course faculty member will present to the committee. Additionally, any individuals involved in Steps 1-3 may be asked to present to the committee. The Registrar will provide the student and course faculty member with a written and dated response indicating the committee's decision within five working days of the conclusion of the hearing.

NOTE: If the student fails to meet the 5 working day requirement or fails to attend the hearing, the appeal will be nullified and no further action will be considered.

STEP 5: If the matter is not resolved to the student's satisfaction in Step 4, the student must submit a copy of the grade appeal packet to the Vice President of Academic Affairs within 5 working days of the date indicated on the written response from the Registrar. The Vice President of Academic Affairs will conduct a thorough review of the grade appeal packet and will provide the student with a written and dated response indicating approval or denial of the appeal. This decision is final.

RELATED FORMS
Grade Appeal Form