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, course instructors 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 course instructor who assigned the final grade. The course instructor 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 course instructor confirms an error in the reported grade, a grade change request will be executed and the matter will be considered resolved.
If the student and course instructor fail to resolve the matter through informal means,
the student may initiate a formal grade appeal by following the steps outlined below.
In instances where the student has been dismissed from a course, program, or the College,
the Vice President of Academic Affairs may deny the request for a grade appeal.
STEP 1: The student must submit a completed Grade Appeal form, including supporting documentation, to the Division Dean from which the course is
offered within 30 calendar days of the posting of the final grade. The Division Dean
will convene a meeting with the student, course instructor, and the program chair/coordinator
to conduct a thorough review of the grade appeal packet. At the conclusion of the
meeting, the Division Dean will provide the student with a written and dated decision.
STEP 2: If the matter is not resolved to the student's satisfaction in Step 1, the student
must submit a copy of the grade appeal packet to the Vice President of Academic Affairs
(VPAA) within 30 calendar days. The VPAA will determine whether there is sufficient
evidence to convene the Academic Board for a formal hearing. If it is determined there
is insufficient evidence to convene the Academic Board, the VPAA will provide the
student with a written and dated response indicating the Division Dean's decision
is final.
STEP 3: When necessary, the Academic Board 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 instructor/designee will present to the committee.
The student may be accompanied by an advisor from the institution. The advisor may
consult with the student, but may not speak on the student's behalf or otherwise participate
in the proceedings unless granted permission by the Grade Appeal Committee. The Registrar
will provide the student and course instructor with a written and dated response indicating
the committee's decision within five calendar days of the conclusion of the hearing.
This decision is final and will be documented within the student's academic record.
NOTE: If the student fails to meet any of the deadline requirements, or fails to attend
a meeting or hearing, the appeal will be nullified and no further action will be considered.