Grade Appeal Procedure

Any student considering a grade appeal should understand that each faculty member has the academic freedom and responsibility to determine grades according to any method, chosen by the faculty member, that is professionally acceptable, communicated to everyone in the class, and applied to all students equally. However, prejudiced or capricious academic evaluation by a faculty member is a violation of a student’s rights and is the valid ground for a grade appeal.

Any student who contests a course grade shall first attempt to resolve the matter with the instructor involved. Failing to reach a satisfactory resolution, the student may appeal the grade in accordance with the procedures outlined below. These procedures are not to be used in cases involving student academic dishonesty. An appeal must be made no later than the last day of the next succeeding regular semester. Grades not appealed by that time become permanent.

1. The student shall present the appeal in writing to the chairperson of the department within which the contested grade was awarded. The written statement shall limit itself to citations of evidence pertaining to the valid ground for the appeal. By conferring with the student and the instructor, the chairperson will seek resolution by mutual agreement.
2. Failing such resolution, the department chairperson shall transmit the written appeal to the appropriate dean who will convene the Grade Appeals Committee.
3. The Grade Appeals Committee shall consist of the convening dean and five faculty members appointed by the dean. If the committee affirms the instructor’s decision, the dean will notify in writing the faculty member, the student, and the department chairperson as appropriate. If the committee supports the student’s appeal, it shall prescribe the method by which the student will be reevaluated. The grade resulting from the prescribed reevaluation is final and may not be further appealed.