Academic Appeals

Students wishing to appeal final grades or decisions regarding academic standards should first discuss the matter with the instructor of the class. If no resolution occurs, and the student wishes to pursue the matter further, the student may appeal in writing to the appropriate department chair within one long semester after the disputed grade or decision is issued. The department chair will respond in writing to the student within 14 calendar days (excluding holidays) of the receipt of the student’s written appeal.

Pursuant appeals will be written and directed within 14 calendar days (excluding holidays) of the date of the department chair’s decision to the school, college, or division College Academic Appeals Committee. The committee will consist of a panel of three faculty members, two of whom may not be from the department in which the appeal originated. The dean or director will appoint the panel members upon receipt of the written appeal and notify the student in writing of the date, time and location of the hearing and the names of the members of the panel. The student and the faculty member involved may appear in person before the panel and present evidence. The hearing will be closed to the public, and no person other than the student, the faculty member involved and panel members may be present. No person may represent the student or the faculty member.

After the College Academic Appeals Committee has heard the appeal, it will deliberate and come to a decision. The committee’s decision will be written and mailed, or delivered in person, to the student and faculty member within three class days of the close of the hearing. The student may appeal in writing within 14 calendar days to the dean/director (excluding holidays). The dean’s/director’s decision will be final, and it must be mailed or delivered in person to the student within 14 calendar days (excluding holidays) of the receipt of the student’s written appeal.