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Faculty Assembly

Revised Version, March 3, 2000; EPUS committee

PROPOSED UNIFORM POLICY ON STUDENT GRADE APPEALS

University Policy

While it is the sole prerogative of the instructor to award grades, it is also a student's right to appeal a grade that he or she feels was awarded in error or unfairly. In any appeal, it is understood that the burden of proof justifying a change of grade is upon the student. This document provides a uniform, institutional policy to appeal grades at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Each College or School will have in place and available to students its formal appeal policy which is consistent with the campus policy. Each step in the appeal process should be completed in a timely manner. A student should initiate a grade appeal no more than one semester after the initial grade was assigned. Students may consult the Dean for Student Life for advice on the appeal process. At all stages of this process, the instructor of record shall be kept
informed of the appeal and be provided with copies of all written records.   Furthermore, the instructor shall be notified of any proposed grade change. All appeals shall follow the general principles set forth by the AAUP.

Procedure

Step I.

The student must first appeal directly to the course instructor. It is expected that most disagreements will be resolved at this level. In extraordinary circumstances (absence or death of the instructor or in instances involving formal complaints of harassment or discrimination in the award of a grade) this step can be bypassed.

Step II.

If a student cannot resolve the disagreement with the instructor, then he or she may appeal to the department or the next appropriate level. The next appropriate level will vary by College or School but can include a Team Leader, a Program Area Coordinator, or an Assistant/Associate Dean.  The appeal at this level should be in writing, accompanied by appropriate documentation. If the appeal is found to be justified, a recommendation will be made to the course instructor to change the grade.

Step III.

If the student still believes that the grading procedure was unfair or in error, then he or she may appeal to the Dean of the College or School which offers the course. The Dean will refer the appeal to a faculty committee with appropriate expertise for review. The faculty committee will make a recommendation to the Dean on the appeal. In cases where
formal allegations of harassment or discrimination accompany the appeal, the Dean will consult the Director of Affirmative Action. Upon recommendation of the faculty committee for such action, the Dean has the authority to change the grade, and the appeal process is terminated.

The faculty member of record has the right to appeal any change of grade implemented against his or her will to the University-Wide Committee on Privilege and Tenure.

Tom
Professor Thomas J. Napierkowski
(719) 255-4007
Department of English
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
E-Mail: tnapierk@mail.uccs.edu