Grade Appeal Policy and Grade Appeal Procedure

Grade Appeal Policy

This policy shall apply to grade appeals unrelated to issues pertaining to academic dishonesty as outlined in Policy 5.3.2 - Student Code of Conduct. The grade appeal process applies only to course grades.

In the event a student appeals a grade that prevents progression in a program, the student will be allowed to enroll and attend the following semester pending the outcome of the appeal, except clinical and work-based learning courses/experiences. If the grade is upheld, the student will be administratively dropped from the course and refunded the tuition.

An appeal should be initiated within 30 days from the date the grade was issued and the appeal must be in writing. The steps a student should take are described in Procedure 5.2.5.1. An appeal to the Vice President of Instruction is the final step in the appeal process.

June 13, 2022

Grade Appeal Procedure

The grade appeal process is:

If a student is dissatisfied with a grade issued by an instructor, the student must first request to meet with the instructor who assigned the grade within five (5) business days after official issue of that grade and submit the Grade Appeal Form. The instructor will make a written determination via the Grade Appeal Form and provide a copy to the student and Department Head. In cases where the student is unable to meet in person with the instructor, the student may contact the instructor by letter or email including the Grade Appeal Form in that communication. If the instructor is no longer employed at the College, the student may proceed to the next step.
If the student is dissatisfied with the instructor’s determination, within five (5) business days thereafter, the student may appeal in writing using the Grade Appeal Form to the Department Head. The student must present the instructor’s written determination. In cases where the student is unable to meet in person with the Department Head, the student may contact the Department Head by letter or email including the Grade Appeal Form in that communication. The Department Head will make a written determination and provide it to the student and appropriate Dean.
If the student is dissatisfied with the Department Head’s determination, within five (5) business days thereafter, the student may appeal in writing using the Grade Appeal Form to the appropriate Dean. The student must present the Department Head’s written determination. In cases where the student is unable to meet in person with the Dean, the student may contact the Dean by letter or email including the Grade Appeal Form in that communication. The Dean shall make a written determination and provide it to the student and Vice President of Instruction.
If the student is dissatisfied with the Dean’s determination, within five (5) business days thereafter, the student may file a written appeal via the Grade Appeal Form with all documentary evidence to the Vice President of Instruction (“Vice President”). The Vice President shall perform an “on the record review” and will make a determination within 10 business days after receipt of the student’s appeal. If needed for clarification, the Vice President may meet with the student or ask the student to submit additional information. The Vice President shall make a written determination and provide a copy of the decision to the student, instructor, Department Head, and appropriate Dean. The Vice President’s decision is final.

June 23, 2022