Grade Appeal Process

The student shall confer with the instructor, informing the instructor of questions concerning the grade and/or grade penalty, and seeking to understand fully the grounds and procedures the instructor has used in determining the grade and/or grade penalty. The aim of such a conference is to reach mutual understanding about the grade and/or grade penalty, the process by which it was assigned, and to correct errors, if any, in the grade and/or grade penalty. It may be best to meet with them in person during their office hours or by appointment. However, you can also contact them by phone or email, depending on availability.

If you can't reach your instructor within a reasonable amount of time, move on to step two.

If steps one and two don't resolve your concerns, write a formal appeal. Follow the grade appeal template (PDF). Direct it to the department chair.

You must file your appeal within the first four weeks of the next semester.

• If your grade is from fall semester, you must file before the end of the fourth week of spring semester.
• If your grade is from spring semester or summer session, you must file before the end of the fourth week of fall semester.

Your appeal must explain how your situation fits one or more of the definitions of "capricious grading":

• The assignment of a grade on some basis other than performance in the course.
• The assignment of a grade by more exacting or demanding standards than were applied to other students in that same course section.
• The assignment of a grade by substantial departure from the written criteria distributed during the first four weeks of class.

Your appeal should include:

• A detailed description of how your situation fits the definition of capricious grading.
• An explanation of the circumstances surrounding your appeal.
• Documents, emails or other supporting materials that explain your case and an explanation of their relevance (optional).
• A request to meet with the review board (recommended).

Have someone review your letter before you submit it. This could be the Office of the Ombudsperson, the University Writing Center or someone else you trust.