Students are encouraged to begin the academic grievance process informally by discussing the concern directly with the instructor and attempting to resolve the issue collaboratively. If the matter cannot be resolved through this informal communication, students may then proceed by submitting an official informal Academic Grievance Form to initiate a review with the Grievance Officer.
A student has the right to challenge a final grade if they believe the grade was assigned due to one of the following:
- Mistake – An unintentional error made by the instructor.
- Fraud – An intentional misrepresentation of facts that results in a negative outcome for the student.
- Bad Faith – Any intentional act by the instructor that negatively affects the student’s grade.
- Incompetence – Evidence that the instructor lacks the knowledge, skills, or abilities necessary to teach and fairly evaluate the course. Incompetence is usually pervasive and not restricted to one student or one incident.
Students who believe they have grounds for a grade grievance may submit the Informal Student Academic Grievance Form. After the form is received, the Grade Grievance Officer will contact the student to review the concern and answer any questions.
