Grievances Regarding Grades

Students who have complaints or grievances regarding their grades should follow the steps outlined below:

Step 1: Addressing the Grievance with Faculty

• The student must address their complaint or grievance directly with the appropriate faculty member:
  • For Final Grades: Within 3 weeks after grades are posted.
  • For Exams, Term Papers, or Assignments: Within 3 days of receiving the grade.
• If the student is not satisfied with the resolution provided by the faculty member, they have the right to submit a written grievance concerning the grade to the Registrar.

Step 2: Submitting a Grievance to the Registrar

• Grievances must be submitted in writing to the Registrar, who will review and investigate the issue. The Registrar may interview relevant sources as needed.
• The Registrar will notify the student of the decision within ten (10) days of receiving the grievance.

Step 3: Requesting an Interview

• If the student is not satisfied with the Registrar’s decision, they may request an interview with both the Registrar and the faculty member involved within ten (10) days.
• The decision resulting from this interview will be considered final.

Step 4: Record Maintenance

• All records of student complaints regarding grades are maintained in the Office of the Director of Student Services.

Non-Academic Criteria for Grading Disputes

If a student believes that non-academic criteria were used in determining their grade (such as discrimination based on political grounds, gender, race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability), they may follow these additional steps:

• Initial Resolution: The student must attempt to resolve the grievance with the instructor within the first month of the following regular academic quarter.
• Appeal to Department Director: If unresolved, the student may submit a written appeal to the department director, who will attempt to adjudicate the case with the instructor and student within two weeks.
• Appeal to the Dean of Academics: If still unresolved, the student may appeal in writing to the Dean of Academics. This request must be submitted before the last day of instruction of the quarter following the quarter in which the course was taken. The Dean will attempt to adjudicate the case with the instructor, and this decision shall be deemed final.