Process for Capricious Final Grade Appeal

A student who wishes to appeal a final course grade which they feel has been capriciously given should follow the steps below. Grades may be appealed no later than the beginning of the fourth week of the academic term or summer session which directly follows the term in which the grade involved was awarded.

1. A student who wishes to appeal a capricious final grade must first meet with the faculty member to review the criteria applied in assigning that grade.
2. After this initial review, if the problem is not resolved, the student may next appeal in writing to the faculty member’s Dean. Once the appeal is read, the Dean will meet with the faculty member to review the criteria applied to the student’s performance in assigning the capricious grade. When the faculty member and the Dean have reached a decision, the Dean will communicate that decision in writing to the student.
3. If the problem is still not resolved, the student may appeal in writing to the Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) of the college for further review. When the faculty member and the Vice President of Academic Affairs have reached a decision, the Vice President of Academic Affairs will communicate the decision in writing to the student.
4. In the event the matter is not resolved, the student may file a petition with the Chief Academic Officer (CAO) requesting a hearing by the Grade Review Committee. All decisions of this committee are final.
5. The Grade Review Committee (GRC) Process is as follows:
   A student must submit in writing their request for a hearing to the CAO. The CAO, or designee, will convene the GRC within 30 business days from the request.
   The committee will consist of a dean (from outside the academic department) and two faculty members (one from the same academic discipline and the other from outside the academic discipline). All three voting members of the GRC will be selected by the CAO or designee. The Vice President of Student Services will facilitate the committee as a non-voting member.
   a. The Student will meet with the committee, individually, to present their appeal and any pertinent documentation.
   b. The faculty member, who assigned the final grade, will then independently meet with the committee and present the criteria they applied in assigning the final grade.
   c. The committee will reach a decision in closed session immediately following the hearing. The Vice President of Student Services will inform the student in writing regarding the decision of the committee, within five (5) business days. The decision of the GRC is final.