Academic Appeals and Grievance Process
General Instructions
A student filing an academic grievance or appeal should follow the process outlined in the appropriate section below. All academic grievances and appeals must be submitted in writing.
Each person to whom an appeal is made has five working days in which to communicate the decision to the student and the instructor.
A student may submit an academic grievance or appeal by following the appropriate process outlined in each section below.
1. A Grade on an Assignment or in a Course
2. An Appeal Related to a Violation of the University’s Academic Integrity Policy
3. Faculty Conduct and Quality of Instruction
Grade Appeal
A student may file an appeal when there is legitimate reason to believe that the grade does not accurately reflect the quality of his or her academic performance on an assignment or in the course. Reasons for an appeal include but are not limited to:
1. Mistakes in grading
2. Misapplication of grading rubrics
3. A grade was determined in a manner inconsistent with the course syllabus
Before students appeal a grade, they must first discuss the situation with the instructor of the course. If the matter is not resolved by the instructor, the student must complete the Grade Appeal form, located on the student portal. The grade appeal will be considered by the appropriate academic supervisor (department chair/program director/program coordinator/associate dean). In all cases, the academic supervisor will discuss the grade appeal with the dean of the college prior to making a final determination. Only in cases where the dean is the faculty member of record will the Office of Academic Administration consider the appeal. A copy of the Grade Appeal Form should be emailed to the Office of Academic Administration after the appeal process is complete.
Appeal for Academic Integrity Violation
A student may file an appeal related to a charge of academic dishonesty. In order to file an appeal, the student should refer to the appeal process stated in the University’s
Academic Integrity Policy and complete the Appeal for Academic Dishonesty Form, located on the Student Portal. A student may appeal only (1) the original decision that a violation of the policy has taken place or (2) the appropriateness of the penalty issued by the faculty and department chair/associate dean. See the Academic Integrity Policy for more information on the appeal process. The dean will submit the completed Appeal for Academic Dishonesty Form to the Office of Academic Administration.
Faculty Conduct and Quality of Instruction
A student may file a grievance regarding faculty conduct and quality of instruction. Examples of this include but are not limited to:
1. Faculty Communication (Interpersonal and Written)
2. Faculty Conduct
3. Classroom Management
4. Quality of Instruction
The student should submit the grievance through the general University grievance/complaint form and indicate that it is an academic grievance. Copies of the grievance and resolution will be kept by the Office of Academic Administration.