Student Right To Grade Appeal

Students have the right to appeal their final course grades if they feel an error or inconsistency has occurred in their final grade. A student must provide documentation when appealing the grade.

Step 1:

Once a semester ends and grades are posted, students should check their final grades. 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.

Step 2:

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 or the academic dean) The written appeal must state the class in which the grade was received, course reference number for the course (CRN), corresponding semester, grade received, the instructor of the class, email response from corresponding with the instructor, the reason for the appeal and supporting documentation, the action requested based on the appeal, and student contact information. This request must be filed with the academic dean within the first two weeks of the next semester. (Example: If the grade was issued in fall semester, the appeal must be filed within the first two weeks of the spring semester.) 

The Academic Dean will respond to the student within two weeks of receiving the written request.

Step 3:

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.