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Grievance of a Grade

If a student has a grievance in regard to the misapplication or arbitrary application of an instructor's grading policy for a course, they must follow the procedures as outlined within 15 days following the semester in which the grade was received.

(1) the student first must make an appointment with the instructor in question to discuss the manner in which the grading policy was administered;

(2) if still dissatisfied, the student must then make an appointment with the Department Chairperson or Dean for the academic program to discuss the issue in an attempt to resolve the concern;

  • If the instructor in question is the Department Chairperson or Dean, then the student must make an appointment with the Vice President for Academic Affairs to discuss their concerns;

(3) If still dissatisfied, the student then must file a written appeal explaining their situation to the Dean for Academic Success.

  • This must be received within 15 days of the end of the semester in which the grade was received and must clearly state the reason for the request, and provide, when appropriate, supporting documentation.

     

    If the Dean for Academic Success in consultation with the Department Chairperson, Dean for the academic program and/or the Vice President for Academic Affairs/Chief Academic Officer decides there is no merit in the complaint, the original decision of the faculty member will stand.

    If the Dean for Academic Success, in consultation with the Department Chairperson, Dean for the academic program and/or Vice President for Academic Affairs/Chief Academic Officer, decides there is enough reason to question the misapplication or arbitrary application of the grading policy, the Dean for Academic Success will refer the grievance to the Academic Review Board for a hearing.

    • The hearing will be held at the next regularly scheduled meeting.
    • The student is required to attend the grievance hearing.
      • The instructor or Department Chairperson/Dean may attend if deemed necessary by the ARB.
    • The instructor and/or Department Chairperson/Dean will be asked to submit documentation regarding the grading policy and the grievance in question.
    • The student may request that their academic advisor and/or an appropriate member of the University’s support staff be allowed to accompany them to the hearing to provide support and/or assist with clarification of the processes and procedures 

    The decision of the Dean for Academic Success in consultation with the Department Chairperson, Dean for the academic program and/or Vice President for Academic Affairs/Chief Academic Officer or the Academic Review Board is final. Students who have a question about the grievance process may schedule an appointment with the Dean for Academic Success to discuss the grievance process.