Student Right To Grade Appeal

A student who wishes to contest a final course grade must first institute an informal appeal request through the instructor who awarded the grade or made the decision. A student must make every effort to resolve the appeal through initially contacting the instructor by phone, email, or personal visit before filing a formal appeal.

If consultation with the instructor does not resolve the appeal, the student may appeal to the Academic Dean of the division in which the course was taught by filing a written request for review. (Forms for the appeal process may be requested from the Office of Academic Affairs, the Academic Dean) The written appeal must state the class in which the grade was received, corresponding semester, grade received, the instructor of the class, response from corresponding with the instructor, the reason for the appeal, the action requested based on the appeal, and student contact information. This request must be filed with the Academic Dean no later than the midpoint of the following semester.

The Academic Dean will respond to the student within two weeks of receiving the written request. If the student is not satisfied with the Dean’s decision, the student may appeal in writing to the Vice President for Academic Affairs within two weeks of receiving the Dean’s decision The Vice President will respond to the student’s request within one week. The decision of the Vice President for Academic Affairs shall be final.

The College assures that a student will not face retaliation for filing a grade appeal.

The above appeal procedures do not apply to Student Code of Conduct alleged offenses or equity issues (i.e. race, age, national origin, or gender discrimination.) See the Non-Discrimination Policy and Grievance Procedure section of this catalog for an explanation of other grievance procedures or the Student Handbook for Code of Conduct procedures.