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Grade Appeal

2.   Student Grievance/Appeal Procedures

2.1 Introduction
Any student who believes that his or her rights have been abridged for any reason should seek redress abiding by the procedures set forth herein.   A student grievance may involve faculty, staff or other students of the University. 

A grievance must be initiated within 30 calendar days from the date of the alleged infraction.  Appeals regarding assigned grades must be addressed with the instructor within 30 days of the issuance of the grade.  The time for filing a grievance can be waived for good cause as determined by the Dean of Students.
A grievance which has been brought forth and ruled on under other procedures may not be brought forth under these procedures and vice versa.
A person who retaliates in any way against an individual who has filed a grievance is subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.
Any person who knowingly and intentionally files a false grievance under this policy is subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.

2.2 Definitions
2.21 A grievance shall be defined as a complaint which deals with an allegation regarding any abrogation of a student's.

2.3 Types of Grievances/Appeal
2.31  Grade Appeal – student wishes to appeal a grade.
2.32 Academic Grievance - student wishes to contest the course requirements, examinations, course content, admission to a program, instructor behavior, or similar issue.
2.33 Non-Academic Grievance – student wishes to address a situation that occurred outside of the classroom. A grievance based appeal on such an issue is relevant if the grievance is between a student and one or more other students; a faculty or staff member; a student organization; or any other office or agency of the University.

2.4 Introduction to Filing a Grievance/Appeal
At each stage of the appeal/grievance process, it is understood that the accused will be afforded the opportunity to present separately their perspective of the nature and relative facts pertaining to the issue in question. The following steps should be followed with respect to seeking redress of grievances:

2.41  Grade Appeal

A student  who wishes to dispute an assigned grade should first seek resolution via a meeting with the instructor. A written appeal should be presented to the instructor.
The student should consult with the Student Rights Advocate and may consult with the advocate throughout the duration of the appeal process. The Student Rights Advocate is appointed by the Dean of Students. 
If, within five (5) working days of the meeting with the instructor, the student believes that the issue has not been addressed or disagrees with the outcome of the meeting with the instructor, the student should file a written appeal with the appropriate Department Chair and seek resolution through an appointment with the relevant Department Chair.

If, within ten (10) working days after the meeting with the Department Chair, the student believes the grade appeal has not been addressed or disagrees with the outcome of the meeting with the Department Chair, or if the accused does not have a Chair or the accused is the Chair, the student should file a written appeal with the appropriate academic Dean and seek an appointment with him or her.
Upon receipt of the written appeal, the Dean will schedule a meeting with the student. Following the appointment with the student, the Dean will investigate the matter.
The Dean shall respond to the appeal within (10) working days of the meeting with the student unless an investigation requires additional time in which case the circumstances should be documented. The decision of the Dean shall be FINAL.