Grade Appeals

Transcripts, Grades & Other Records

In certain cases, a student may choose to appeal their grade for a course. Such appeals must be based on problems of process and not on differences in judgment or opinion concerning academic performance. The burden of proof rests on the student to demonstrate that one or more of the following occurred:

  • The grading decision was made on some basis other than academic performance and other than as a penalty for academic misconduct.
  • The grading decision was based upon standards unreasonably different from those which were applied to other students in the same course and section.
  • The grading decision was based on an unreasonable departure from previously articulated standards.

The chairperson, grade appeal committee or dean may recommend grade changes but shall have the power to alter grades only in cases of clearly established procedural error or substantial capriciousness or arbitrariness in evaluation.

Note: There is a separate appeal procedure for courses taught in the College of Law. Students with grievances in College of Law courses should consult the specific guidelines for academic grievance procedures for that unit.

Timeline

The formal procedure must be started within 45 calendar days after the contested decision or grade was officially recorded. The Grade Appeal Process officially begins on the date the "Academic Appeal" document is received by the faculty member.

 

Appeal Record

Any appeal must be in writing, dated and headed with the words "Academic Appeal." Once a formal appeal is presented to a faculty member, it must be presented in its original form at all later levels of appeal, although new statements may be added at any time.

Any evidence and all direct and supporting statements once made, become part of the permanent record of the appeal and must be produced at each level of appeal.

At each level of appeal, a written, dated decision and written reasons for the decision must be provided to the affected party or parties-the student, the faculty member and any person who has rendered a decision at an earlier level of appeal.

Students are permitted to submit evidence in writing. At the discretion of the University, students may be invited to present their appeal in person.

 

Appeal Process