This Policy shall apply to grade appeals, unrelated to issues pertaining to the Code of Student conduct. (Policy 5.2.5)
The grade appeal process applies only to final course grades. There is no formal process to appeal the grade on an assignment or test.
In the event a student appeals a course 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. For sequential classes that have a clinical component, the student will be allowed to take the academic coursework but will not be allowed to participate in the clinical component of the class until the appeal is over. If the grade is upheld, the student will be administratively dropped from the course and refunded the tuition.
- If a student is dissatisfied with his or her grade, the student must first meet with the instructor who assigned the grade within five (5) business days after official receipt of that grade. The instructor will make a written determination and provide it to the student. In cases where the student is unable to meet in person with the instructor, the student may contact the instructor by letter or email. If the instructor is no longer employed at the College, the student may proceed to #2.
- If the student is still dissatisfied with the instructor’s determination, within five (5) business days thereafter, the student may meet with the academic dean. The student must present the instructor’s written determination and any rationale to support the student’s appeal. In cases where the student is unable to meet in person with the academic dean, the student may contact the dean by letter or email. The academic dean will make a written determination on the information submitted and provide it to the student.
- If the student is dissatisfied with the academic dean’s determination, within five (5) business days thereafter, the student may meet with the Associate Vice President. The student must present the academic dean’s written determination. In cases where the student is unable to meet in person with the Associate Vice President, the student may contact the Associate Vice President by letter or email. The Associate Vice President shall make a written determination and provide it to the student.
- If the student is dissatisfied with the Associate Vice President’s determination, within five (5) business days thereafter, the student may file a written appeal with all documentary evidence to the Executive Vice President. The Associate Vice President shall also provide a written response, attaching the instructor and academic dean’s prior written decisions, to the Executive Vice President. The Executive Vice President shall perform an “on the record review” and will make a determination within ten (10) business days after receipt of the student’s appeal. If needed for clarification, the Executive Vice President may meet with the student or ask the student or Associate Vice President to submit additional information. The Executive Vice President shall make a written determination and provide a copy of the decision to the student and the instructor. The Executive Vice President’s decision is final.