Grade Appeal Process Guidelines

Step 1 – Any student believing that his/her grade was assigned capriciously/miscalculated should first meet with the instructor of the course responsible for assigning the grade to inform the faculty of questions concerning the grade and to ask for clarification and explanation of the procedures used to calculate and assign the grade. The purpose of this consultation is to reach mutual understanding about the procedures used in calculating and assigning the grade. If there are mutually recognized grading errors, this can be rectified by the faculty member at this time. If, for any reason, the course instructor cannot be contacted, the Dean (or designee) of the School housing the course should be contacted to directly address the grading concerns.

Step 2 – If, after consultation with the faculty (or designee), the student believes that a grade is capricious/miscalculated, the student shall request to begin the Grade Appeal process. Forms can be obtained from the Office of Academic Affairs. Upon completion of Parts I and II of the Grade Appeal Form and its submission, the Dean of the School housing the course should review all evidence presented by both the student and the faculty responsible for assigning the grade under scrutiny and render a decision. Note that it is the responsibility of the student to provide the evidence that the grade was assigned capriciously or miscalculated. The decision of the School Dean on grades assigned on exams and course projects/assignments is final and will stand. No further appeals of these types of grades are allowed.

Step 3 – Only final course grades may be appealed beyond the Academic School. If the student has additional evidence to present and/or opposes the decision rendered by the School Dean, he/she may appeal to the Vice President for Academic Affairs following the guidelines outlined on the Grade Appeal Form. Likewise, a dispute with a decision on a final course grade rendered by the Vice President for Academic Affairs may be appealed to the University President. Note that the decision of the President is final and will stand. No further appeals are allowed.