Only final course grades may be appealed. Students and faculty are expected to communicate and confer during the course concerning student progress, particularly the evaluation of student work assignments, tests, quizzes, papers, exams, and other projects. Every effort should be made to resolve questions regarding grading while the course is still in progress.
A final grade may be appealed if there is evidence the grade was not given in accordance with the provisions set forth in the course syllabus or in the announced course modifications or descriptions for particular projects and assignments.
For appealing a grade, the principle of seeking a reasonable, fair, and speedy resolution prevails throughout the process below described. Grade Appeals must be submitted no more than fourteen days following the end of the semester term in which the grade in question was earned. All information related to the appeal and the appeals process is expected to remain confidential.
- When a student wishes to appeal a final grade, the student must write to the faculty member setting forth the basis for the appeal, evidence relevant to the case, and the remedy sought. This appeal must be made within two weeks of the official end of the semester.
- The faculty member will respond in writing to the student's appeal within two weeks of receiving the written appeal.
- If not satisfied with the faculty member's response, the student may, within two weeks of the response, appeal to the Dean in the School of Education, Graduate Program Director or Department Chair in the School of Arts, Sciences, and Business, and Associate Dean in the School of Nursing.
- The student makes the appeal in writing, again setting forth the appeal, the evidence, and the remedy sought in Step One. The Dean in the School of Education; Graduate Program Director or Department Chair in the School of Arts, Sciences, and Business; or Associate Dean in the School of Nursing informs the faculty member of the student's appeal and obtains a copy of the faculty member's written response to the student. The Dean in the School of Education; Graduate Program Director or Department Chair in the School of Arts, Sciences, and Business; or Associate Dean in the School of Nursing then reviews the written record and may select an alternate mediator agreeable to both parties.
- The Dean in the School of Education; Graduate Program Director or Department Chair in the School of Arts, Sciences, and Business; or Associate Dean in the School of Nursing then writes a response including a report on the steps taken in the mediation process. The written response will be sent to the student, the faculty member, and the School's dean (Arts, Sciences and Business and Nursing) within two weeks of the conclusion of the mediation process.
Note: The decision by the School of Education Dean is a final decision; the appeal process ends with this step. - If the Appeal originated in the School of Arts, Science, and Business or School of Nursing, there is an additional step in the appeal process.
- If students are not satisfied with the outcome of the mediation process, the student may appeal in writing within two weeks to the School's Dean. The Dean will then ask for a written statement and a copy of relevant materials from the faculty member. The Dean may seek further information as needed. The Dean forwards a decision in writing to the student and Associate Dean or Chair within six weeks of having received the appeal. The decision of the Dean is final.
- Situations regarding academic dishonesty are reviewed consistent with the Honor Code procedures and are not handled as regular grade appeals.