A student who believes that an unfair grade has been awarded may appeal the grade by sequentially following the steps described below. Any appeal must be initiated no later than five (5) weeks from the start of the semester immediately following the awarding of a grade. (A summer session does not constitute a "semester.")
A grade may be changed without an instructor's consent, but only if evidence demonstrates beyond a reasonable doubt that the grade awarded represents a significant injustice to the student, and only by following these procedures. If the student receives a satisfactory decision at any stage in the process, the Office of Records and Registration will be directed to modify the student's transcript accordingly.
Step I:
The student will request a meeting with the instructor, giving notice that the appeal process is initiated. If a mutually satisfactory understanding is reached, the process is concluded. If not, the student may proceed to Step II.
Step II:
The student may consult with an adviser regarding the appeal. The adviser will attempt to mediate between the student and instructor. If a mutually satisfactory understanding is reached, the appeal process is concluded. If not, the student may proceed to Step III.
Step III:
The student may appeal to the dean of the appropriate division within five (5) working days of completing Step II. The dean will request a written statement from the student prior to the conference indicating the basis for the appeal.
The dean will then assume a mediating role, convening a conference with the student, instructor, and anyone else believed capable of assisting in reaching a resolution. The conference must occur within ten (10) working days. The dean will provide a written response to the student, instructor, and Vice President for Learning and Student Services within ten (10) working days following the conference.
In the event a dean is the instructor of issue in the appeal, the Vice President for Learning and Student Services will appoint another dean to mediate.
If either party is not satisfied with the recommendation, the process may proceed to Step IV.
Step IV:
A written appeal is made to the Vice President for Learning and Student Services within five (5) working days of receiving the response written in Step III. The Vice President will then conduct an inquiry involving all parties within ten (10) working days. A decision will be rendered based on the inquiry and reported in writing to both parties within fifteen (15) days of receiving the appeal.
If either party is not satisfied with the recommendation, the process may proceed to Step V.
Step V:
An appeal can be made within five working days of receiving the response written in Step IV. It must state the specific grounds for the appeal, referencing and attaching all responses prompted by the preceding steps.
The College President will conduct an inquiry involving all parties. The President may then elect to hear the appeal, or make a decision based on evidence gathered from the inquiry. Whichever option the President chooses, the decision is final and binding.
Both parties will be notified in writing within twenty-five (25) working days of receiving the appeal.
Note: If an instructor is on leave at any juncture of the five-step period, the process may be delayed until he/she returns.
