Final Course Grade Appeals

Any student who protests a final course grade shall first attempt to resolve the disagreement with the course instructor. The student has the responsibility to identify the error in the assignment of the grade or to provide substantial evidence in support of a claim that the grade was not assigned in an impartial manner. Failing such resolution, the student may appeal the grade in accordance with the procedures outlined below. All final course grade appeals must be initiated within 10 business days of the Registrar’s distribution of final course grades for the academic term. Students may continue to attend classes provided an appeal has been filed as noted in the policy until the appeal decision is made.

The student should present the appeal to the department or division chair supervising the faculty member. By conferring with the instructor and the student, the chair will seek resolution by mutual agreement. If the student is not satisfied with the Department Chair and Division Chair’s decisions, the student has the right to appeal that decision, in writing, to the Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs. The Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs will appoint an Appeals Committee to review the appeal and provide a decision. The committee will consist of the vice president, serving as the committee chair, the Dean of Student Services, the appropriate division chair/dean, and at least two faculty members appointed by the Vice President.

The committee will meet with the student and review any information provided in support of his/her appeal. Likewise, the committee will meet with the instructor(s) who must provide evidence in support of the assigned grade. If the committee affirms the instructor’s final course grade assignment, the Vice President will notify in writing the faculty member, the student, and the appropriate department and/or division chair. If the committee supports the student’s appeal, it will (1) identify the source of the error in the calculation of the grade and direct the faculty member to reassign the grade and (2) prescribe the method and conditions under which the student will be re-evaluated. In the event that the recalculation of the grade or the reevaluation of the student’s work results in a grade change, the established course grade change procedure will be followed. If the committee affirms the instructor’s final course grade assignment and the course is a prerequisite for currently enrolled classes, the student will be withdrawn from those specific courses. The decision of the appeals committee is final.