Definitions

Definitions

Grade appeal: A formal process through which a student can appeal the final grade in a course. A final course grade appeal must be based on at least one of the following claims:

• Capricious action on the part of the faculty member that affects the student’s final grade; a capricious action is defined as one made on a whim or without justifiable reasons.

• Prejudicial treatment of the student by the faculty member with respect to the application of the course syllabus, thereby affecting the student’s final grade; prejudicial treatment is defined as treating the student lodging the final grade appeal differently from other students in the course with respect to the instructor’s application of the course syllabus.

• Erroneous judgment of the faculty, such as the correct answer for exam item(s). A claim of erroneous judgment means that the student can produce evidence (from textbooks, class notes provided directly from the faculty, or other valid materials) to substantiate that a different answer other than that keyed is a correct response.

• A documented error in calculating the student’s final grade.

• Extenuating circumstance(s) that significantly impacted the student’s performance and grade in a course.

• A grade appeal may be considered in the case of unforeseen extenuating circumstances. Extenuating circumstances are defined as debilitating health problems (mental or physical), a family emergency (such as the death of an immediate family member), and unexpected financial difficulties (such as a partner/spouse losing their job) that has significant detrimental impact to a student during the semester.

Student: Anyone who is officially registered at the College during the academic semester or term in which the grade complaint arises.

Business days: Defined as Monday through Friday when the College is not on break as stated on the published Academic Calendar.