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This Policy shall apply to grade appeals unrelated to issues pertaining to the Code of Student Conduct. The grade appeal process applies only to final course grades. Students have grounds for an appeal if they believe a grade has been awarded capriciously, arbitrarily, or prejudicially. In the event a student appeals a grade that prevents progression in a program, the student will be allowed to enroll and attend the following semester pending the outcome of the appeal. For sequential classes that have a clinical component, the student will be allowed to take the academic coursework but will not be allowed to participate in the clinical component of the class until the appeal is over. If the grade is upheld, the student will be administratively dropped from the course and refunded the tuition.
- If a student is dissatisfied with their grade, the student must first meet with the instructor who assigned the grade within five (5) business days after official receipt of that grade. The instructor will make a written determination and provide it to the student. In cases where the student is unable to meet in person with the instructor, the student may contact the instructor by letter or email. If the instructor is no longer employed at the College, the student may proceed to step two.
- If the student is still dissatisfied with the instructor’s determination, within five (5) business days thereafter, the student may meet with the respective Division Chair/Director. In cases where the student is unable to meet in person with the Division Chair/Director, the student may contact the Division Chair/Director by letter or email. The Division Chair/Director will make a written determination and provide it to the student.
- If the student is dissatisfied with the Division Chair/Director’s determination, within five (5) business days thereafter, the student may meet with the respective Vice President. The student must present the respective Vice President written determination. In cases where the student is unable to meet in person with the respective academic Vice President, the student may contact the respective Vice President by letter or email. A copy of the decision shall be delivered to the student and the instructor and the original shall be filed with the Chief Academic Officer.
- If the student is dissatisfied with the respective academic Vice President’s determination, within five (5) business days thereafter, the student may file a written appeal with all documentary evidence to the Appeal Council. Written notice of appeal must be submitted to the Chief Academic Officer within ten (10) days following receipt of the decision.
Adopted by the Board of Trustees June 14, 1976
Amended by the Board of Trustees August 19, 1996
Revised by the Board of Trustees November 30, 2009; March 8, 2010; March 11, 2014
Amended by the Board of Trustees, November 13, 2023
PROCEDURAL INFORMATION:
The assignment of a grade is the sole right and responsibility of the instructor, reflecting their careful and deliberate judgment. Assigned grades are presumed to be correct. Students are responsible for adhering to standards of academic progress and following course procedures established by their instructors. Students have grounds for an appeal if they believe a grade has been awarded in a manner inconsistent with college policies or that has resulted from error, prejudice, or caprice on the part of the instructor. Appeals will not be considered unless based upon one or both of the following factors:
- An error was made in grade computation.
- Without notifying students, the instructor departed substantially from their previously articulated written standards in determining the grade.
The student appealing the grade must justify the need for a change of the grade assigned.
ACADEMIC APPEAL COUNCIL
The Academic Appeal Council is composed of the Senior Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs/Chief Academic Officer (CAO), three (3) independent and unbiased faculty representatives selected on an ad hoc basis by the President or an officer of the Faculty Senate, and a student representative selected by the CAO.
- Scheduling of the Appeal. The Academic Appeal Council shall conduct an appeal within ten (10) business days after receiving the student’s written request.
- Notice of the Appeal. Written notice of the date, time, and place of the appeal shall be given to the student and the instructor not less than three (3) business days prior to the date of the appeal.
- Appeal Proceedings. At the appeal, the student and instructor may present evidence and arguments. The Academic Appeal Council shall determine whether or not other persons may participate in this appeal and shall announce and enforce such time limitations or other procedural rules regarding the conduct of the appeal as it deems appropriate. The committee will hold its deliberations in closed session in accordance with Open Meetings Law unless otherwise requested in writing by the student. Neither the college nor the student will be permitted to have legal representation during the grade appeal session. The decision of the Academic Appeal Council shall be based solely upon the evidence presented at the appeal. In the event of a split decision, the Vice President of Academic Affairs/CAO will cast the deciding vote. The Academic Appeal Council shall issue its decision within ten (10) business days following the appeal. Notification of the need to extend this time period shall be given by the Academic Appeal Council to all parties.
- The decision of the Academic Appeal Council is binding and may not be appealed.
DAY-TIME LIMITATIONS
For purposes of this policy, the term “day” is defined as a regularly scheduled working day and does not include weekends, holidays or other days in which the College is not open for regular business transactions. The time limitations specified in this policy may not be extended except for extraordinary cause not within the control of the party requesting the extension.
PROHIBITION AGAINST RETALIATION AND ABUSE OF THE POLICY
Retaliation against any person who in good faith exercises his/her rights under this policy is strictly prohibited. Any complaint of retaliation is to be made to the Chief Academic Officer within ten (10) business days from the act upon which the complaint is based. If the complaint of retaliation is against the Chief Academic Officer, it is to be filed with the President of the College.
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