Student Grade Appeals

Appealing a Grade

In order to successfully appeal a grade, a student must offer convincing arguments that good cause exists for mandating a change of grade. A grade may be appealed exclusively for the following reasons: discrimination, error in calculation, or that the grade was awarded in an arbitrary or capricious manner.

V. Student Grade Appeals

1. In any grade appeal, the student has the burden of proof in establishing that there is “good cause” for changing a final grade.
2. Unless the student can offer convincing arguments to the contrary, good faith on the instructor’s part is presumed.
3. When supported by sufficient evidence, any of the following reasons shall constitute “good cause” for changing a final grade.
   1. The grade was the result of discrimination
      1. A successful appeal must demonstrate that a professor did not apply a consistent standard to all the students in the classroom.
      2. The student making the appeal must show that the instructor did not apply the same grading standard to the student making the appeal that was applied to other `
   2. The grade was awarded in an arbitrary or capricious manner.
   3. The grade was the result of an error on the part of the professor in calculating, recording, or reporting a final grade.
4. None of the following shall constitute “good cause” for changing a final grade.
   1. Disagreement with the course requirements established by the professor.
   2. Disagreement with the grading standards established by the professor.
   3. Disagreement with the instructor’s judgment when applying grading standards assuming that the instructor has made a  reasonable effort to be fair and consistent in exercising that judgment.
   4. The desire or need for a particular grade.
   5. Consequences that a student might face as the result of a grade award.
5. What constitutes standing in a grade appeal case?
   1. In the grade appeal process, standing is defined as those parties who are directly linked to this action procedurally.
      1. Those parties who have standing include: the instructor and the student desiring a grade change.
      2. Those parties who do not have standing include: classmates, other instructors, other administrators, and family members
   2. Parties with standing shall be allowed to present oral testimony to the appeals committee in the grade appeal process.
   3. Relevant testimony from parties who do not have standing in the grade appeal process should be presented in the form of written statements that shall be made part of the official appeal file
      1. Committee members may invite other parties to be interviewed or to give testimony based on the written statements.
   4. All written statements shall become part of the appeal file.