Students have the option to file an appeal if they believe they received a final grade (pass-fail or letter grade) for a course, field experience, clinical, student teaching, practicum, internship, or externship that does not reflect their performance due to a fairness or procedural issue.

Students who are removed involuntarily from a course in the middle of a term need to follow the departmental or program procedures, not the grade appeal process, unless a failing grade was issued.

Students considering an appeal of a final grade are encouraged to review the full grade appeal policy, frequently asked questions, and grade appeal form.

Download Form (PDF)
Download Policy (PDF)


Process and Policy Overview

The deadline to begin the grade appeal process is five (5) school days (Monday-Friday, when University classes are scheduled, including summer terms) after final grades are posted by the Office of the Registrar.

Grades posted by Office of Registrar > 1 Contact instructor for reconsideration > 2 Instructor responds > 3 contact department chair > Department chair responds > Submit forms and documents to VPAA

Start at the Course and Department-level (see diagram)
The deadline for each step is five (5) school days from the previous step.

  • Student starts the process (Step 1) by emailing the instructor to request a grade reconsideration including reasons to support the reconsideration request.
  • Go to Step 3 only if the instructor does not respond by the deadline or if the student disagrees with the instructor's decision.
  • Go to Step 5 only if the chairperson does not respond by the deadline or if student disagrees with the chairperson's decision.
  • Requests to the instructor and department chair should be done in writing (email preferred) and should explain the reason for the request as well as provide any relevant supporting documentation.

Proceed to the University-Level Process
If the student is not able to resolve the issue at the department-level, they can advance the issue to a University Grade Appeal.

  •  Within five (5) school days of the department chair's response or expected response, email the following documents to Ben Sapet in the VPAA office:
    1. Completed grade appeal form
    2. Supporting documentation for each appeal criterion selected
    3. Rationale for grade expected
    4. Documentation of written correspondence with instructor and department chair
  • Grade Appeal Committees will evaluate evidence relating only to procedures or fairness. Only these criteria will be considered:
    1. An obvious error in the calculation of the grade.
    2. The assignment of a grade to a particular student by application of more exacting or demanding standards than were applied to other students in the course.
    3. The assignment of a grade to a particular student on some basis other than performance in the class.
    4. The assignment of a grade by a substantial departure from the instructor’s previously announced standards.
  • A screening committee will determine whether to move the appeal to a full hearing.

Suggestions to Prevent Grade Disagreements and Ensure Fairness

Student
  • Review the course policies on attendance, grading, and late submission.
  • Read assignment instructions, rubrics, and deadlines before starting assignments.
  • Review and follow assignment instructions, rubrics, and deadlines before submitting for grading.
  • Ask instructor in class, via email, or during office hours if clarifications are needed for policies or assignments.
  • Regularly review your grades and instructors’ feedback on assignments.
  • If you have questions about grades or feedback on individual assignments during the semester, contact the instructor right away and ask for clarifications.
  • Evaluate students based on their performance:
    • Clarify grading process and expectations often and before assignments are due
    • Use grading rubrics and provide clear feedback
    • Continually provide feedback about students’ academic progress
    • Provide opportunities for students to review and discuss evaluated work
    • Grade anonymously when possible
  • Make evaluation standards equally demanding for all
    • Make evaluation expectations explicit
    • If exceptions are offered, offer them equitably to all students
  • Minimize significant changes from established standards
    • Reaffirm policies often
    • Build flexibility into policies
      1. Offer multiple assessments
      2. Allow students to drop assignments
      3. Allow students to redo assignments
      4. Allow late submissions
      5. Scaffold assignments

Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the grade appeal policy, please contact Dr. Linh Littleford or Ben Sapet at 765-285-3716.