Grieving a Grade or Academic Decision
Submit Grieving A Grade Form
A student who alleges an error or injustice in the grading process may present a formal grievance in writing to the instructor. Grading reflects careful and deliberate assessment of a student’s performance by the instructor and cannot be administratively altered. Grade disputes are best resolved between the classroom instructor and the student with a careful review of grades and discussion of concerns. When that is not possible, this procedure is provided to allow students an organized method to resolve their concern.
No complaint challenging a grade may be initiated later than 25 calendar days following the day grades are posted by the Records Office.The word “days” means the business days Monday through Friday.The number of days indicated at each level is considered a maximum. The time limits may only be extended in extenuating circumstances by mutual agreement between the grievant and the person against whom the grievance is directed.
If the faculty member who assigned the challenged grade is no longer employed at the institution or is not contacted within the 25-day timespan, the student may present the complaint to the department chairperson. Please note: during the summer, faculty members are unavailable after commencement and grievances might not be addressed until the faculty member returns from summer break. This still obligates the student to register their grievance within the 25-day window.
Grounds For a Grievance:
Students dissatisfied with teaching style or methods do not have grounds for an appeal, but may file a complaint with the appropriate department chair.
Student can identify a technical or mathematical error in the grade.
Student can demonstrate that they have been unfairly denied a grading opportunity or held to a grading standard inconsistent with other students in the section.
Student can demonstrate that the stated grading procedures listed in the course syllabus, department policy, or college policy have not been followed.
Student can demonstrate attempted resolution with the faculty member and the appropriate department chair.
Process:
Student must attempt to resolve the grievance informally with the instructor and, if necessary, the department chair.
Students may withdraw their informal/formal complaints in writing before a hearing.
- Student must attempt to resolve the grievance informally with the instructor and, if necessary, the department chair
- If the student is not satisfied with the resolution by the faculty member or department chair (or has not received a response from either within 10 business days) the student may contact the Academic Dean of the department for assistance. They will work with the appropriate parties to find an acceptable resolution
- The Academic Dean will issue a written recommendation within 5 business days
- If student and/or instructor is dissatisfied with the academic dean's reccommendation, they may request a hearing before the Academic Grievance Committee (AGC). This request must be made to the Office of the VP of Academic Affairs (VPAA) in writing withing 3 business days or receipt of the chair's recommendation.
- The VPAA shall assign an academic dean outside of the grievant's discipline to chair the case. All documentation on the case will be forwarded to the assigned academic dea. They will call a meeting with the AGC to he held within 10 days of receipt of the request. No faculty memeber or student from the grievant's academic area shall be in the hearing committee.
- The AGC shall review the documentation, hear all parties concerns, gain the facts and make a final recommendation concerning the grievance.
- Within 5 days after the end of the hearing, the chairperson of the AGC shall send the written recommendations to all parties present at the hearing. The AGC shall be the last appeal.