Academic Grade Grievance Process

A student who has sufficient evidence that their final course grade has not been determined in accordance with the terms set out in the instructor’s syllabus/course outline/course policy may seek resolution through the grievance process. In filing an academic grievance, a student must take the following steps:

1. Attempt to resolve the matter with the instructor in a face-to-face meeting.
2. If the student is dissatisfied with the decision rendered by the instructor, the student will obtain a Student Grade Grievance Form (Form A), complete it, and submit it to the instructor. This form should provide details about the complaint and a proposed resolution. The instructor will be asked to provide the student's grade and sign off on Form A.
3. Cases filed after faculty contracts end in May are processed as soon as the instructor can be contacted and scheduled for a hearing, which usually occurs during the next full (fall/spring) semester. A grade grievance must be filed no later than 30 days after the grade is posted in which the class was taken. The entire grade grievance process must be completed, typically within one year of the original filing. Students will be required to submit the following information to complete their grade grievance file: 
   
   
   • Course Syllabus/Course outline/Course policy
   • All work in question
   • A written explanation as to the nature of the grade grievance
     
     
4. The Chair of the Grievance Committee (Vice President for Academic Affairs designee) will review both the student’s documentation and the explanation of the instructor. If there is sufficient evidence to warrant a grievance, the grievance form will be forwarded to the School Dean or designee, typically within five (5) business days. The School Dean will attempt to mediate a resolution between the instructor and the student. If a resolution is reached that warrants a grade change, the instructor will submit a grade change form to the Office of Records and Registration within five (5) business days after the decision to change the grade has been made. 
5. If no resolution is accomplished with the School Dean, the Student Grade Grievance Form (Form A) will be forwarded to the Grade Grievance Review Committee (GGRC) for further processing. At this point, the Grade Grievance Review Committee (GGRC) Chair will help the student submit a Student Grade Grievance Form (Form B), requesting a review by the GGRC. The GGRC will be made up of Chair of the GGRC, two (2) faculty and two (2) students. The Senate Executive Committee President will select the two (2) faculty members. The President of the Student Governance Association (SGA) will recommend the two (2) students.
6. If the Grade Grievance Review Committee rejects a student’s grievance, the student will receive written justification for the decision from the Committee chair within five (5) business days.  The student may appeal the decision to the Vice President for Academic Affairs who makes the final disposition of this process.
7. If the GGRC accepts the grievance, the student will appear for a hearing before the GGRC I, which will conduct a grade grievance hearing and make a recommendation to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Vice President for Academic Affairs will make the final disposition of the grievance.
8. The Vice President for Academic Affairs will be the College official designated to resolve and decide student grievances concerning academic and curricular issues. 

Operating Rules

The grievance procedure is designed to offer due process and bring substantial justice within the context of the College community. It is not a court of law and professional lawyers shall not be involved in the process.