A student who alleges an error or injustice in the grading process may present a formal
grievance in writing to the instructor. Grading reflects careful and deliberate assessment
of a student’s performance by the instructor and cannot be administratively altered.
Grade disputes are best resolved between the classroom instructor and the student
with a careful review of grades and discussion of concerns. When that is not possible,
this procedure is provided to allow students an organized method to resolve their
concern.
No complaint challenging a grade may be initiated later than 25 calendar days following
the day grades are posted by the Records Office.The word “days” means the business
days Monday through Friday.The number of days indicated at each level is considered
a maximum. The time limits may only be extended in extenuating circumstances by mutual
agreement between the grievant and the person against whom the grievance is directed.
If the faculty member who assigned the challenged grade is no longer employed at the
institution or is not contacted within the 25-day timespan, the student may present
the complaint to the department chairperson. Please note: during the summer, faculty members are unavailable after commencement
and grievances might not be addressed until the faculty member returns from summer
break. This still obligates the student to register their grievance within the 25-day
window.
Grounds For a Grievance:
Students dissatisfied with teaching style or methods do not have grounds for an appeal,
but may file a complaint with the appropriate department chair.
Student can identify a technical or mathematical error in the grade.
Student can demonstrate that they have been unfairly denied a grading opportunity or held to a grading standard
inconsistent with other students in the section.
Student can demonstrate that the stated grading procedures listed in the course syllabus, department policy,
or college policy have not been followed.
Student can demonstrate attempted resolution with the faculty member and the appropriate department chair.
Process:
Student must attempt to resolve the grievance informally with the instructor and,
if necessary, the department chair.
Students may withdraw their informal/formal complaints in writing before a hearing.
Student must attempt to resolve the grievance informally with the instructor and,
if necessary, the department chair
If the student is not satisfied with the resolution by the faculty member or department
chair (or has not received a response from either within 10 business days) the student
may contact the Academic Dean of the department for assistance. They will work with
the appropriate parties to find an acceptable resolution
The Academic Dean will issue a written recommendation within 5 business days
If student and/or instructor is dissatisfied with the academic dean's reccommendation,
they may request a hearing before the Academic Grievance Committee (AGC). This request
must be made to the Office of the VP of Academic Affairs (VPAA) in writing withing
3 business days or receipt of the chair's recommendation.
The VPAA shall assign an academic dean outside of the grievant's discipline to chair
the case. All documentation on the case will be forwarded to the assigned academic
dea. They will call a meeting with the AGC to he held within 10 days of receipt of
the request. No faculty memeber or student from the grievant's academic area shall
be in the hearing committee.
The AGC shall review the documentation, hear all parties concerns, gain the facts
and make a final recommendation concerning the grievance.
Within 5 days after the end of the hearing, the chairperson of the AGC shall send
the written recommendations to all parties present at the hearing. The AGC shall be
the last appeal.