Academic Grade Appeal Procedures for Students
The assessment of a student’s academic performance and the assignment of a grade is the faculty member’s responsibility and prerogative. Evaluations are arrived at in accordance with the academic and professional judgement of the instructor and faculty make every effort to ensure that grades reflect the merit of each student’s performance.
It is assumed that the final course grade assigned is correct; thus, the student assumes the burden of proof in appealing a grade.
Only the final course grade may be appealed. Students may appeal a final course grade on the following grounds only:
1) A mathematical error in the calculation of the grade or a clerical error in the recording of the grade.
2) Arbitrary or capricious grading defined as assignment of a grade without any reasonable basis.
3) The assignment of a grade on a basis that is inconsistent with those assigned to other students in the same class.
4) The assignment of a grade which deviates significantly from expectations stated on the syllabus and where the instructor failed to notify students of the change.
5) Failure of the faculty member to follow published course policies.
The following are NOT grounds for appealing a grade:
1) Disagreements with published course policies (for example, grade weighting methods or attendance policies).
2) Disagreement with the professional judgement of the faculty member.
3) Differences in classroom policies or grading schemes in different courses or between different sections of the same course.
4) A grade’s impact on a student’s academic progress or record.
5) A grade’s impact on athletic eligibility.
6) A grade’s impact on eligibility for veteran’s benefits.
Students who desire to appeal a final course grade must follow the process described below:
The university will not consider grade appeals initiated more than 45 calendar days after the end of the semester in which the grade was awarded.
A student who believes they have been assigned an improper grade initiates an informal appeal by submitting a written request to the instructor. The instructor will meet with the student, review the grading procedures used to determine the grade assigned, decide whether or not to grant the appeal, and inform the student in writing of the decision within 10 business days of receiving the request. If the instructor of record is unavailable, the department chair or designee may act in lieu of the instructor of record for the purpose of the grade appeal.
If, after careful review of the grading procedures, the student is still dissatisfied, the student may initiate the formal grade appeal procedure within 10 business days of the instructor’s decision through the department chair. If the faculty member is the department chair, the formal appeal shall be made to the academic dean. Students must submit a letter and provide supporting documents to the department chair. Supporting documents must include:
a. A statement addressing how the appeal meets one or more of the criteria necessary for an appeal.
b. A description of the efforts made to resolve the grade dispute with the instructor of record.
c. A copy of the course syllabus and any relevant assignment instructions.
d. Any other relevant documents that the student would like reviewed as part of the appeal process.
The department chair will meet with the student and the faculty member, either individually or collectively, to review the grading procedures within 10 business days of receipt of the appeal.
The department chair will provide a recommendation to the faculty member based on their assessment of the situation within 10 business days of completing the review.
If, after consideration of the department chair’s recommendation, the faculty member does not change the grade and the student remains dissatisfied, the student may notify the academic dean within 10 business days of receiving the faculty member’s response.
The academic dean will be provided with all relevant materials and will attempt to mediate a resolution between the faculty member and the student within 10 business days of receiving the appeal.
If, after the academic dean has attempted to mediate a resolution, the student remains dissatisfied, the student may petition for a hearing before an Academic Conduct Review Board as referenced below. A petition letter and all supporting documents must be filed with the Office of the Provost within 10 business days of receiving the academic dean’s written response.
If the Provost approves the petition, the Provost will empanel an Academic Conduct Review Board within 10 business days. The Dean of Students or designee will serve as the non-voting Board facilitator. The Board will be comprised of an academic dean selected by the Provost, two faculty members, and two representatives from the Student Government Association. The Provost or designee reserves the right to alter the composition of the Board as necessary, with the expectation that the committee will include both faculty and student representation. If the Provost elects not to approve the student’s petition, the process is concluded and the academic dean’s mediated resolution is upheld.
The Academic Conduct Review Board will review all relevant documents and meet separately with both the student and the instructor. At its discretion, the Board may also meet with other individuals who possess relevant information. The Board will convene and complete its review within 10 business days of being empaneled. All decisions of the Board will be made by majority vote of all members.
The recommendation of the Academic Conduct Review Board will be final. The Provost will notify the student, faculty member, department chair, and academic dean of the Board’s decision within 10 business days of receiving the Board’s recommendation.
Extension and Attestation Clause
In circumstances where additional time is reasonably necessary due to scheduling conflicts, university closures, faculty or student availability, military obligations, medical circumstances, the need to gather additional information, or other extenuating circumstances, any timeline outlined in this procedure may be extended.
When an extension is necessary, the responsible administrator shall provide written notice to all parties documenting the reason for the extension and the revised timeline. Whenever practicable, all parties shall acknowledge the extension in writing. Such documented extensions shall not be considered a violation of the grade appeal process.
Failure of a student to respond to requests for information, documentation, or scheduling within ten (10) business days may result in the appeal being considered withdrawn unless the student communicates an extenuating circumstance.
Clarification of Reviewing Authority
Appeals shall be reviewed through the academic unit responsible for offering the course in which the grade was assigned, regardless of the student's declared major, program, or college affiliation. The instructor, department chair, and academic dean associated with the course shall serve as the reviewing authorities throughout the appeal process.
If a student submits an appeal to an incorrect office or academic unit, the receiving office shall forward the appeal to the appropriate reviewing authority within three (3) business days and notify the student of the referral. The original submission date shall be preserved for purposes of meeting appeal deadlines.
GRADE APPEAL PROCESS
Student Receives Final Grade
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Informal Appeal to Instructor
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Still Dissatisfied?
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Formal Appeal to Department Chair
(College Offering the Course)
Review and Recommendation
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Faculty Member Declines to Change Grade?
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Appeal to Academic Dean
(College Offering the Course)
Mediation and Recommendation
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Faculty Member Declines to Change Grade?
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Petition to Provost
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Academic Conduct Review Board Hearing
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Board Issues Recommendation
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Provost Notifies Student of Final Institutional Decision
If the student’s complaint is based on discrimination, refer to “Discrimination or Harassment Complaints” under “Student Complaint Procedures” in the Student Handbook.